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.
Welcome to Widow's Bay
Do you like town full of secrets, folklore, and oddballs? If you like the TV show Widows Bay, then enjoy these books with similar vibes!
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.
If You Liked: The Ballerina of Auschwitz
Read these picks for stories about teenagers in the Holocaust.
Pride
This is a selection of books celebrating Pride Month, sometimes specified as LGBTQ Pride Month.
If You Liked: Louder Than Hunger
You'll like these books because they also feature teenagers dealing with strong feelings and tough situations.
Graphic Novels & Comics for Teens
The are great graphic novels for teens in a variety of genres and artistic styles.
If You Liked: Westfallen
Read these picks because they feature preteens solving mysteries or time traveling. Many are also historical fiction or alternate timelines.
The Trendy Twelve
The Blue Valley School District's Trendy Twelve for middle school readers is available and here are the books!
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.
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.
If You Liked: Westfallen
Read these picks because they feature preteens solving mysteries or time traveling. Many are also historical fiction or alternate timelines.
If You Liked: The Ballerina of Auschwitz
Read these picks for stories about teenagers in the Holocaust.
Pride
This is a selection of books celebrating Pride Month, sometimes specified as LGBTQ Pride Month.
The Trendy Twelve
The Blue Valley School District's Trendy Twelve for middle school readers is available and here are the books!
If You Liked: Louder Than Hunger
You'll like these books because they also feature teenagers dealing with strong feelings and tough situations.
Welcome to Widow's Bay
Do you like town full of secrets, folklore, and oddballs? If you like the TV show Widows Bay, then enjoy these books with similar vibes!
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.