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.
Technocapitalism & Labor Movements
Non-fiction titles of technology reshaping our natural and economic landscapes, and communities taking on large corporations.
Kansas and U.S. History
The Kansas 250 Bookshelf's June focus is Kansas and U.S. History.
Kansas Notable Books 2026
Kansas Notable Books recognizes 15 outstanding titles written by Kansans or about a Kansas-related topic.
Our Throwback Summer Reads
Library staff have put together a list of our favorite summer reads from our younger years!
Graphic Novels & Comics for Teens
The are great graphic novels for teens in a variety of genres and artistic styles.
LGBTQIA+ Teen Fiction
A list of young adult fiction featuring LGBTQIA+ characters and themes in a variety of genres.
Coming Soon: Book to Screen Adaptations
Here are a few titles that will be TV shows and movies very soon! (Dates subject to change)
Awkward Moments and First Kisses: Romance for Tweens
It can be tough to find romances for tweens - here are some suggestions.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is one of two Eid holidays celebrated in Islam - the word "Eid" means "festival" or "feast" in Arabic.
Branches Early Chapter Books
Featuring illustrations, chapters, and more complex story lines than easy readers. Many genres are represented!
William Allen White Nominees 2026 - 2027 (Grades 6-8)
This list is specific for grades 6-8 and all titles can be found in multiple formats (digitally and physically). Happy reading!
2026 Picture Books Highlights - Part 1
Here are my favorite picture books published in the first half of 2026!
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)
Staff Pick Spotlight: America 250
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.
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.
Technocapitalism & Labor Movements
Non-fiction titles of technology reshaping our natural and economic landscapes, and communities taking on large corporations.
Kansas and U.S. History
The Kansas 250 Bookshelf's June focus is Kansas and U.S. History.
Kansas Notable Books 2026
Kansas Notable Books recognizes 15 outstanding titles written by Kansans or about a Kansas-related topic.
Awkward Moments and First Kisses: Romance for Tweens
It can be tough to find romances for tweens - here are some suggestions.
Our Throwback Summer Reads
Library staff have put together a list of our favorite summer reads from our younger years!
JCL Likes - Mystery: Private Detectives
Enjoy these picks featuring private detectives.
Mysteries That Are More Than Twisty Plots
These books feature complex and compelling characters who are try to solve a crime amidst their everyday life.
For Fans of Louise Penny
Readers looking for their next favorite mystery will find something new on this list!
F.I.R.E. (Financial Independence Retire Early)
These books will educate you on how to gain financial independence so that you can retire early.
Graphic Novels & Comics for Teens
The are great graphic novels for teens in a variety of genres and artistic styles.
LGBTQIA+ Teen Fiction
A list of young adult fiction featuring LGBTQIA+ characters and themes in a variety of genres.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is one of two Eid holidays celebrated in Islam - the word "Eid" means "festival" or "feast" in Arabic.
Branches Early Chapter Books
Featuring illustrations, chapters, and more complex story lines than easy readers. Many genres are represented!
William Allen White Nominees 2026 - 2027 (Grades 6-8)
This list is specific for grades 6-8 and all titles can be found in multiple formats (digitally and physically). Happy reading!
William Allen White Nominees 2026 - 2027 (Grades 3-5)
This list is specific for grades 3-5 and all titles can be found in multiple formats (digitally and physically). Happy reading!
If You Liked: Dog Man
Graphic novels featuring animals having adventures!