Articles
February 13, 2025 · Julie Nelson
Fact or Fiction: Train Disasters
Think twice before boarding these trains! Julie recommends fascinating historical books about train disasters.
February 11, 2025 · Kaitlyn Kriley
While you wait for Beautiful Ugly
Check out suspenseful stories of doppelgangers who throw unexpected twists in the lives of already troubled characters.
February 11, 2025 · Jacee Gleason
Great Read Alouds: Spread the love
Smile with heartwarming stories that inspire young readers to share love, care for others and build lasting friendships. Perfect for spreading joy and empathy!
February 10, 2025 · Chris Blocker
Fiction Five: Stirring relationship reads
Discover a batch of new character-driven novels that take a deep look at what it means to love another person. You may want to keep a box of tissues nearby.
January 29, 2025 · Ginger Park
Recent library trivia winners
See the teams who won September's Library Trivia – Evening Edition and Afternoon Edition.
January 28, 2025 · Ginger Park
Journey through genres: romance fiction
Discover a selection of Ginger & Ashley's favorite romance novels. There's a story for every romance reader, whether you prefer classic, quirky, magical, funny, steamy, historical or fantasy tales.
January 25, 2025 · Lissa Staley
Kansas suffragists honored at State Capitol
Discover the history of the Kansas women who fought for suffrage and explore a new mural in the Kansas Capitol that honors their achievements.
January 22, 2025 · Andrew Ross
What YA' Reading: Fantasy & sci-fi primary worlds
Dive into fantasy and sci-fi with books set on Earth or worlds that closely resemble our own. These novels, known as primary world stories, blend the familiar with the magical, creating a captivating escape.
January 16, 2025 · Arion Beals
Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Characters we love
Uncover chapter books with beloved characters who transition from the shared world of picture books and early readers to the more independent realm.
January 14, 2025 · Brea Black
Artsy Crafty Library: Unique coiled yarn baskets
Coiled basketry is an ancient art form that traditionally uses plant materials. Discover how you can apply these timeless techniques with modern, easy-to-find materials.
January 13, 2025 · Nessa Johnson
Reel World: Sunflower Journeys
Discover a series of programs that explore Kansas history, geography and culture, covering a wide range of topics that highlight unique aspects of the Sunflower State.
January 10, 2025 · Luanne Webb
Great Read Alouds: Talking to kids about homelessness & food insecurity
Explore kids books about homelessness, food insecurity and helping people. These books can help you start a conversation with your child about these tough issues.
January 5, 2025 · Chris Blocker
Fiction Five: Eclectic mix of new reads
Dive into a grab bag of the hottest fiction hitting shelves this January. From Buckingham Palace in the 1850s to a post-apocalyptic landscape governed by AI, these newest titles will appeal to a wide range of readers.
January 3, 2025 · Julie Nelson
Lost in the Stacks: Hollow - A Memoir of My Body in the Marines
Meet Bailey, a young soldier struggling against an eating disorder and her fellow Marines.
December 30, 2024 · Ginger Park
Journey through genres: Suspense fiction
Check out some of our favorite suspense reads. The blend of danger, mystery and adrenaline will keep you on the edge of your seat.
December 30, 2024 · Stephen Ferrell
Best music of 2024
Find out which 2024 albums Stephen listened to most and discover some tunes that might have slipped under your radar. He shares favorites from 12 different musical styles.
December 19, 2024 · Ginger Park
While you wait for Now or Never
Get ready for a wild ride of suspense and laughs with thrilling tales of fictional criminals. These humorous mysteries will keep you reading well past your bedtime.
December 19, 2024 · Emily Bays
Kid Tested, Librarian Approved: Christmas Together
Emily recommends chapter books, with main characters who find out that what you do on Christmas is less important than who you spend it with. Check out these heartwarming adventures.
December 16, 2024 · Ginger Park
Winter Reading Challenge
Read at least 3 books during January 2025 to earn a cozy mug! This challenge is for all ages.
December 11, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen
More retro recipes from the Topeka Room
Take part in the culinary adventure our local history librarian took when she tried recipes published between 1913 and 1952 from cookbooks in the library's local history section.
December 10, 2024 · Julie Nelson
Lost in the Stacks: Eden Undone
Visit a remote island in the Galápagos where the people were more treacherous than the animals. In the stranger-than-fiction category, this book is a winner.
December 6, 2024 · Chris Blocker
Fiction Five: Action-packed mysteries & thrillers
Escape with these five new tales of suspense and mystery that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Bonus – each of these stories involves an author who is either on the run from danger or somehow the cause of it.
December 5, 2024 · Kaitlyn Kriley
Shawnee County's Best Books of 2024
Peruse the most checked out books, and staff and community members' favorite books from 2024. Find out if your favorites are included and add to your 2025 reading list.
December 2, 2024 · Abigail Siemers
What YA' Reading: Romantasy kingdoms
Embark on unforgettable journeys in captivating young adult romantic fantasy novels.
