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.
Voices in Bloom: AAPI Stories for May
These works by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors illuminate identity, heritage, and connection.
The Way It Is, The Way It Can Be
This resource list is inspired by the work of recent Library speaker Baratunde Thurston, acclaimed storyteller and producer.
Arbor Day
Celebrate this Arbor Day with some tree-mendous books about the woods of our world and beyond!
Climate Fiction
'Climate fiction helps make sense of a complex subject through fiction's basic ingredients: characters & storytelling'-Austin Public Library
Hey, Gamer! Waiting For Crimson Desert?
Experience (or re-visit) these open world, action-adventure role playing games similar to Crimson Desert while you wait!
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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.
Fútbol America: Books for Kids
A selection of football (soccer) fiction for younger readers ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander - for Kids!
AANHPI month in May is a great reason to explore these books!
Kansas in Youth Literature
The May focus of the Kansas 250 bookshelf features Kansas related youth literature.
Our Personal Favorite Kids Books
Recently, the Library received a lovely letter from a third grade student asking "What is your favorite book? Mine is Wild Summer."
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander - for Kids!
AANHPI month in May is a great reason to explore these books!
Under Construction --> Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Please enjoy these books all about construction work and enjoying the great outdoors!
Library Joy
Here's a list of books for young readers to help them celebrate their library joy - for National Library Week (and any week)
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!
Staff Pick Spotlight: America 250
Kansas in Youth Literature
The May focus of the Kansas 250 bookshelf features Kansas related youth literature.
Nature and Outdoors in Kansas
The April Kansas 250 Bookshelf focuses on exploring nature and the outdoors in Kansas.
Kansas Poetry
The Kansas 250 Bookshelf was created by the State Library of Kansas in conjunction with America 250.
Love Your Kansas Community
Celebrate Kansas with these books related to the history and events of various Kansas communities.
Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander - for Kids!
AANHPI month in May is a great reason to explore these books!
Voices in Bloom: AAPI Stories for May
These works by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors illuminate identity, heritage, and connection.
Kansas in Youth Literature
The May focus of the Kansas 250 bookshelf features Kansas related youth literature.
The Way It Is, The Way It Can Be
This resource list is inspired by the work of recent Library speaker Baratunde Thurston, acclaimed storyteller and producer.
Our Personal Favorite Kids Books
Recently, the Library received a lovely letter from a third grade student asking "What is your favorite book? Mine is Wild Summer."
Arbor Day
Celebrate this Arbor Day with some tree-mendous books about the woods of our world and beyond!
Climate Fiction
'Climate fiction helps make sense of a complex subject through fiction's basic ingredients: characters & storytelling'-Austin Public Library
Christian Chapter Books for Kids
Need a book series that are wholesome and have a great message? These Christian chapters books are great for ages 6-10.
Are You Reading for It?
A Taylor Swift Reading List
The Paris...What?
Want to spend some time in the City of Love? There certainly seems to be a lot going on there...
Hey, Gamer! Waiting For Crimson Desert?
Experience (or re-visit) these open world, action-adventure role playing games similar to Crimson Desert while you wait!
Under Construction --> Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Please enjoy these books all about construction work and enjoying the great outdoors!
Animal Detectives & Spies - J Graphic Edition
Here are twenty graphic novels for children that feature animal sleuths or spies!
Library Joy
Here's a list of books for young readers to help them celebrate their library joy - for National Library Week (and any week)
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.