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.
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.
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.
Storytime with Becky Carleton - Fall 2026
Books, songs, links to videos of fingerplays and more!
Sign Language for Babies - Board Book Edition
Are you interested in using sign language with your baby? Learn some basic signs from these board books!
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander - for Kids!
AANHPI month in May is a great reason to explore these books!
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.
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!
Light + Fun Books: Realistic + Contemporary Fiction Edition
Look, times are hard and heavy, and sometimes you want a bit of escapism in your reading life.
How About Some Love for the Other Bennet Sisters?
These titles all imagine kind of life that Mary Bennet or Kitty Bennet, the middle Bennet sisters, might have led.
Afrofuturism for Adults
Afrofuturism explores the intersection of the African diaspora culture with science and technology.
Movies with Mind-blowing Scores
Music can make or break a movie, these are just some of the films with scores that have moved me over the years!
Teen Thrillers with Latine & Indigenous Characters
Check out these tingling reads with Latine & Indigenous characters!
The Wait Is Brutal. These Books Help.
The wait for Threshing Day feels endless, but your next great fantasy adventure doesn’t have to.
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!
