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.
Catholic Crime Fighters
They pray for those who prey on the innocent (& then arrest them!)
The Romantics (Classical Poetry)
Some of my favorite classical romantic poets. There are some old geezers on this list, but I promise you they're worth your time.
National Woodworking Month
Did you know you have access to equipment to cut and engrave wood for FREE in the MakerSpace?!
War Crimes (& Punishment) a History
War crimes fall into three groups - or four if you include genocide. Read about the history of war crimes with these books.
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What do "A Court of Thorns and Roses", "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", and "The Adventures of Milo and Otis" have in common?
Cuddle Up With Cozy Video Games
Grab a blanket, pour a warm beverage, and get ready to relax with these low-stress video games.
Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make This List
Whether outsmarting empires, surviving the impossible or simply demanding to be heard, these characters redefine what it means to be strong.
Fútbol America: Books for Kids
A selection of football (soccer) fiction for younger readers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cuddle Up With Cozy Video Games
Grab a blanket, pour a warm beverage, and get ready to relax with these low-stress video games.
Arab American Books for Middle Grade Readers
Celebrate the rich culture and history of the Arab American community by checking out these books for middle grade readers!
Soccer Picture Books for Elementary Students
Keep your eye on the ball, not the snacks. When you aren't a practice or a game, these are fun picture books about soccer.
Become a Weather Watcher
Grab one of these titles for your child to learn about all the weather we see and experience here in Kansas!
Northwest Region Reads: Childhood Favorites
Staff at the Monticello and Shawnee branches shared children's books they loved as kids & books they now enjoy reading to their own kiddos.
Children's Music That Caregivers Can Tolerate
Like adults, children deserve good-quality music. Just not the kind that causes caregivers to cover their eyes and pull out their hair!
Search and Find By Picture
Search-and-Find books that have you seek based on pictures, no words required. Readers of all literacy levels can participate in the search!
Staff Pick Spotlight: America 250
Life Long Ago: A Historical Girls Workshop
Jul 11th | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Explore stories and activities inspired by girls’ lives in the past, with a special focus on the late 1700s. Bring your doll and a friend!
America’s 250th Birthday and Then Some
Jun 27th | 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Reflect on America’s past and the evolving story we share today through music, performance and storytelling. Open to all ages!
Free Museum Days with Your Library Card - The T/m™
Jun 26th | 10:00am - 4:00pm
Your Library card is your museum ticket on select days this Summer.
Free Museum Days with Your Library Card - JoCo Museum, part of a series
Jul 10th | 9:00am - 4:30pm
Arts and Heritage Center
Your Library card is your museum ticket on select days this Summer.
Catholic Crime Fighters
They pray for those who prey on the innocent (& then arrest them!)
The Romantics (Classical Poetry)
Some of my favorite classical romantic poets. There are some old geezers on this list, but I promise you they're worth your time.
National Woodworking Month
Did you know you have access to equipment to cut and engrave wood for FREE in the MakerSpace?!
Become a Weather Watcher
Grab one of these titles for your child to learn about all the weather we see and experience here in Kansas!
War Crimes (& Punishment) a History
War crimes fall into three groups - or four if you include genocide. Read about the history of war crimes with these books.
If you are waiting for Yesteryear...
'Yesteryear' might be this year's most hyped book. While you wait for its arrival, prepare yourself with these homesteading titles.
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What do "A Court of Thorns and Roses", "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", and "The Adventures of Milo and Otis" have in common?
The Fall of Civilizations
The fall of civilizations create ripples of that spread out and affect the world in many ways.
Cuddle Up With Cozy Video Games
Grab a blanket, pour a warm beverage, and get ready to relax with these low-stress video games.
Grandmacore
This aesthetic includes baking, gardening, crocheting, enjoying simple, home-centered routines, and a slower, intentional lifestyle.
DEI and B
Learn about Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging with these resources.
Nature and Outdoors in Kansas
The April Kansas 250 Bookshelf focuses on exploring nature and the outdoors in Kansas.
Understanding Bias
This list can help us identify biases and work on overcoming them.
Eat Like an Astronaut
Cookbooks featuring similar foods to Artemis II's menu, so you can eat like an astronaut at home!
Allyship for Beginners
A selection of resources on how to show up and stand with people when they need you most
Monologues from the Movies
A selection of my favorite monologues and the movies they came from.