Staff Picks
What should you read, watch or listen to next? We're so glad you asked!
Love stumbling on a fun book display at the library? Welcome to the online version! Dive into our Library staff’s top picks—books, movies, music, and more—by theme, age, awards, read-alikes, and all kinds of cool topics we just can’t stop talking about.
Recent Staff Lists
Fourth Wing: Just the Vibes
Waiting for the 4th book in the Empyrean series? Pass the time with titles that match the vibes of Basgiath, dragon riding, and rebellion.
Hurt People Hurt People
Superheroes as archetypes of mental illness stemming from untreated traumatic events in their past.
Books the book club ladies are reading
Here's a list of the books my book club ladies are reading when they're not reading a book for our club.
Motorcycle Fixation
Explore different facets of motorcycle history, culture, subgroups, and stories--both fiction and nonfiction.
Required Reads We Actually Enjoyed
Here are some that staff at our Oak Park and Central branches were required to read but that we ended up loving enough to recommend to you!
THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL (CD)
These books echo the themes, relate to the lyrics, or match the vibes of songs on Taylor Swift's new album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Scary Movies for the Faint of Heart
Celebrating Halloween but too timid to watch "The Revenge of the Mississippi Mangler Part VI"? Check out these flicks instead!
County Librarian Reads Spring 2026
Browse these titles recommended by Tricia Suellentrop, County Librarian Spring 2026.
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Debut Novels
It's exciting to discover a new favorite author. Share your love of these novels with your friends and help grow an author's popularity.
Required Reads We Actually Enjoyed
Here are some that staff at our Oak Park and Central branches were required to read but that we ended up loving enough to recommend to you!
Mental Health Awareness for Teens
Memoirs, self-help books and works of fiction can shine a light on mental illness and help us all feel less alone.
THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL (CD)
These books echo the themes, relate to the lyrics, or match the vibes of songs on Taylor Swift's new album, The Life of a Showgirl.
If You Liked: The Life of a Showgirl (CD)
These books echo the themes, relate to the lyrics, or match the vibes of songs on Taylor Swift's new album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Sundry Historical Adventures, Some with Magic
A selection of stories featuring characters having adventures in historical settings, as often medieval as not, and a few with magic, too!
Elementary reads - May cause tears
These touching books may cause a few tears but are great to read in upper elementary school.
Scary Movies for the Faint of Heart
Celebrating Halloween but too timid to watch "The Revenge of the Mississippi Mangler Part VI"? Check out these flicks instead!
Hide-and-Seek Books
Enjoy finding fun gems hidden in the pictures of these seek and find books.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
Also known as the Moon Festival, this harvest festival falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar.
Middle School: Blech!
Life in grades 5-8 is hard. Here are stories of others like you doing their best to get through.
Hide-and-Seek Books
Enjoy finding fun gems hidden in the pictures of these seek and find books.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
Also known as the Moon Festival, this harvest festival falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar.
Hide-and-Seek Books
Enjoy finding fun gems hidden in the pictures of these seek and find books.
Books and rhymes from Storytime with Becky Carleton
Enjoy the songs, rhymes and fingerplays planned for Fall 2025 in our storytime events with Becky Carleton!
Staff Pick Spotlight: Music
Couch Concert 🤘
Avoid the crowds and expense! Stay home, curl up on the couch, and enjoy these live performances and music documentaries.
Just the Jukebox Musicals
If you want a pick-me-up, some sing-along therapy, or just need a bop or two, these jukebox musicals are just the ticket.
Naxos Music Library
Music from the world's most extensive online classical music library. Unlimited streaming.
More Staff Picks
THE LIFE OF A SHOWGIRL (CD)
These books echo the themes, relate to the lyrics, or match the vibes of songs on Taylor Swift's new album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Scary Movies for the Faint of Heart
Celebrating Halloween but too timid to watch "The Revenge of the Mississippi Mangler Part VI"? Check out these flicks instead!
Hide-and-Seek Books
Enjoy finding fun gems hidden in the pictures of these seek and find books.
County Librarian Reads Spring 2026
Browse these titles recommended by Tricia Suellentrop, County Librarian Spring 2026.
Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!
Also known as the Moon Festival, this harvest festival falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar.
If You Liked: The Life of a Showgirl (CD)
These books echo the themes, relate to the lyrics, or match the vibes of songs on Taylor Swift's new album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Sundry Historical Adventures, Some with Magic
A selection of stories featuring characters having adventures in historical settings, as often medieval as not, and a few with magic, too!
Most Banned Authors in America
A list of the most Banned Authors in America and books they have written.
RIP Jane Goodall
Learn more about Dr. Jane Goodall - founder of the Jane Goodall Institute, UN Messenger of Peace and world-renowned ethologist.
What Spring Hill Patrons Are Reading: Fall 2025
As Library staff walked in the 2025 Spring Hill Fall Festival Parade, they asked attendees what they're currently reading.
Horror Anthologies
Read a little or a lot with these horror fiction short story collections.
Witch-ful Thinking: Magical Youth Titles
Spooktacular magical and witchy titles featured in the October 2025 Youth Battle of the Books at Leawood Pioneer Library.
Nobel Prizes in Literature
Established in 1901, the Literature category honors outstanding authors from around the world.
Online Book Group Recommends - Fall 2025
A list of books/movies that came up in Online Book Group during the discussion of the book Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir