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.
Celebrate Classical Music Month
Celebrate Classical Music Month in September by exploring the history, composers and multiple facets of this music!
Oak Park Book Group Recommends- August 2026
A general list of books/movies that came up at the Oak Park Book Group for the discussion of the book The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
Thrillers with Characters with Disabilities - Adult
These thrillers feature characters living with disabilities.
Robots with Emotions
These science fiction novels and movies all feature robots with emotions, a topic that frequently brings me to tears (good tears!).
Teen Thrillers with Latine & Indigenous Characters
Check out these tingling reads with Latine & Indigenous characters!
Fast-Paced Reads for Teens
Whether you're in a reading slump or books often bore you, try one of these!
Thrillers & Horror with POC Characters for Middle Grade
Check out these suspenseful & scary stories with POC characters!
Healing after a Loss
Losing someone you love is never easy. This collection of books for school-age children offers comforting stories and gentle guidance.
Large print kid chapter books
Helpful for those with seeing impairments, dyslexia, language learners or anyone who needs the encouragement of turning the page more often.
September is Library Card Sign-up Month!
Sure you can have fun without a library card, but it is easier if you have one!
Falling Into Autumn
As our days get shorter, we get closer to the Autumnal Equinox! The 2026 Autumnal Equinox is on September 22nd.
Storytime with Becky Carleton - Fall 2026
Books, songs, links to videos of fingerplays and more!
Staff Pick Spotlight: America 250
Spotlight on Individual Kansans
Our America 250 August focus spotlights individual Kansans.
Kansas Food and Cookbooks
Our July Kansas 250 booklist focus features Kansas Food and Cookbooks.
Kansas and U.S. History
The Kansas 250 Bookshelf's June focus is Kansas and U.S. History.
Kansas in Youth Literature
The May focus of the Kansas 250 bookshelf features Kansas related youth literature.
Celebrate Classical Music Month
Celebrate Classical Music Month in September by exploring the history, composers and multiple facets of this music!
Oak Park Book Group Recommends- August 2026
A general list of books/movies that came up at the Oak Park Book Group for the discussion of the book The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
September is Library Card Sign-up Month!
Sure you can have fun without a library card, but it is easier if you have one!
Thrillers with Characters with Disabilities - Adult
These thrillers feature characters living with disabilities.
Falling Into Autumn
As our days get shorter, we get closer to the Autumnal Equinox! The 2026 Autumnal Equinox is on September 22nd.
Robots with Emotions
These science fiction novels and movies all feature robots with emotions, a topic that frequently brings me to tears (good tears!).
Storytime with Becky Carleton - Fall 2026
Books, songs, links to videos of fingerplays and more!
Feel-Good Cozy Mysteries
Warm and intriguing, like a chai latte!
Black Teens in Fantasy Novels
Check out these fantasies featuring Black teens!
Thank you, Dolly Parton!
Honoring Dolly Parton's legacy as a philanthropist, diva, songwriter, actress, producer, businesswoman, icon and champion of literacy.
Dreaming of Libraries
Find inspiration about the past and future of libraries with this list.
Spotlight on Individual Kansans
Our America 250 August focus spotlights individual Kansans.
I Am No Man
Inspired by Eowyn, noblewoman and shieldmaiden of Rohan, here are fantasy adventures featuring fierce female protagonists!
America 250 Read Across State Lines
Here's a list of books that take place in all 50 states to celebrate in your favorite reading nook.
LGBTQIA+ Teen Thrillers
Plenty of thrilling tales featuring LGBTQIA+ characters!
Big Gorilla
Fun books about animals, like Big Gorilla!
Your Library. Your Voice.
Johnson County Library is looking toward the future with a new long-term plan. We need your help to create better services and bigger impact. Add your voice to the Library's story!
