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
Look for the Helpers: Mutual Aid
Imagine a 'giving economy' where our immediate communities support us. A few books for younger readers to enjoy are included.
American Legends and other Larger than Life Characters
A selection of legendary characters some real, others imagined.
Yeti for snow
Yeti or not winter weather is here! Check out these titles featuring Yetis and abominable snowmen to embrace the season & the falling snow.
'80's Nostalgia Movies
Did the 1980's actually happen the way we remember or was it just a shared hallucination?
World Kindness Day
World Kindness Day, celebrated across the world on Nov 13, highlights good deeds and focuses on the power and common thread of kindness.
Crime Never Takes a Holiday: Christmas
A selection of crime novels and short stories set over the Christmas Holiday Season.
Holiday Survival Guide Week 3: Teach Yourself Joy
As the days get colder, numerous holidays can bring both joy and stress, especially for people who may be experiencing hardship or loss.
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.
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!
High School Book Talk List
These are the books I love to recommended when I visit high schools.
Elementary reads - May cause tears
These touching books may cause a few tears but are great to read in upper elementary school.
ALSC Notable Reads for Older Readers
This list highlights the notable books for 2025 for older readers (6th-8th grade).
ALSC Notable Reads for Middle Readers
This list highlights the notable books for 2025 for middle readers (3rd-5th grade).
ALSC Notable Reads for Younger Readers
This list highlights the notable books for 2025 for younger readers (Preschool- 2nd grade).
Middle School: Blech!
Life in grades 5-8 is hard. Here are stories of others like you doing their best to get through.
Thought-provoking & Perspective-shifting Picture Books
These picture books all explore concepts and ideas in philosophical ways that captures the wonder of readers all ages.
Yeti for snow
Yeti or not winter weather is here! Check out these titles featuring Yetis and abominable snowmen to embrace the season & the falling snow.
Rhythm and Music
Perfect for ages 0–4, these stories and picture books celebrate beat, movement, and sound!
Family Found Through Adoption
Let's bring awareness to the different ways one can find and build family!
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.
ALSC Notable Reads for Older Readers
This list highlights the notable books for 2025 for older readers (6th-8th grade).
ALSC Notable Reads for Middle Readers
This list highlights the notable books for 2025 for middle readers (3rd-5th grade).
ALSC Notable Reads for Younger Readers
This list highlights the notable books for 2025 for younger readers (Preschool- 2nd grade).
ALSC Notable Reads for All Children
This list highlights the notable books for 2025 for all children (Preschool- 8th grade).
All is Calm, all is Fright
A selection of horror stories for a very fearstive season!
Crime Never Takes a Holiday: Christmas
A selection of crime novels and short stories set over the Christmas Holiday Season.
Holiday Survival Guide Week 3: Teach Yourself Joy
As the days get colder, numerous holidays can bring both joy and stress, especially for people who may be experiencing hardship or loss.
Thought-provoking & Perspective-shifting Picture Books
These picture books all explore concepts and ideas in philosophical ways that captures the wonder of readers all ages.
Fandom Feasts
Plan your next themed movie night, show marathon or game night with these super fun fandom-approved cookbooks!
elementia issue xxiii - our theme is Legacy
Books we love that connect to the elementia teen literary magazine theme of Legacy.
Kelly's 5 star Romance of 2025
What's the difference between a romance ande a love story, you ask? Romances have happily ever afters. Love stories will break your heart.
American Legends and other Larger than Life Characters
A selection of legendary characters some real, others imagined.
Yeti for snow
Yeti or not winter weather is here! Check out these titles featuring Yetis and abominable snowmen to embrace the season & the falling snow.
Jane Austen Turns 250
December 16 marks Jane Austen's 250th birthday. Celebrate by reading her books as well as works inspired by her world and characters!
Holiday Survival Guide Week 2: Why do we tell stories?
Cold weather, potential holiday stress... Take a break with these picks that transport us, make us laugh, & help us make sense of the world.
Cozy Up with a Winter Romance
'Tis the season for hot cocoa, fuzzy socks, and cuddling up by the fire. Add these uncommon romance books to the equation for a warm winter!