Articles - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

March 7, 2025 · Chris Blocker Fiction Five: Buzzworthy literary fiction These books feature a pregnant woman navigating a natural disaster, a blood-soaked bar of gold, fantastical characters in the Dust Bowl, secrets on a sinking island, & robots who can be your servant, neighbor or family.

March 6, 2025 · Deb Ellerbrook Journey Through Genres: Historical Fiction Explore fascinating past events and people through the lens of fictional storytelling. Deb recommends captivating writers who make history come alive & sometimes tweak history to be more entertaining.

February 28, 2025 · Ginger Park Expert tips to jumpstart spring gardening Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners' advice on where to begin your spring gardening will help you cultivate a healthy, environmentally-friendly garden.

February 27, 2025 · Brittany Keegan Topeka Competition showcases innovative 3D art You'll be amazed by 40 pieces of new three-dimensional artwork representing a wide range of techniques and media in the Topeka Competition exhibit March 14 - May 11, 2025.

February 27, 2025 · Abigail Siemers What YA' Reading: Variety If you're not sure what you feel like reading next, check out recommendations that have a little something for everyone: curses, comedy, vampires, graphic novels, D&D, fantasy and romance!

February 25, 2025 · Sherry Best Celebrate Youth Art Month View the work of K-12 student artists from all over Kansas at the library and vote for your favorite.

February 25, 2025 · Marlana Hodgkinson Kid Tested Librarian Recommended: Graphic novel mash-ups Delve into middle grade graphic novels that blend two captivating genres – fantasy meets mystery, magical realism intertwines with historical fiction, and fantasy collides with realistic fiction.

February 24, 2025 · Katie Keckeisen Fred Harvey, Topeka & the invention of fast food In 1876 Fred Harvey opened his first restaurant at the Santa Fe depot in Topeka. He was determined to bring good food, superior service & a touch of class to anyone riding on the Santa Fe Railroad.

February 21, 2025 · Julie Nelson Reel World: Disability visibility Cheer on kids living with disabilities as they tackle every day challenges. Discover documentaries that shine a light on the allies fighting hard to give each unique child the best life possible.

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.