Articles
April 9, 2025 · Ginger Park
What YA' Reading: Embracing individuality
Discover amazing young adult fiction where self-acceptance and embracing uniqueness is a major part of the story. These books may give you a better appreciation for challenges that are very different from your own.
April 8, 2025 · Alex Henault
Artsy Crafty Library: Beginner knitting project
If you want to try knitting, starting with a simple dishcloth pattern is perfect for beginners & you'll end up with a handy item you can use. It's a great way to practice stitches & build your confidence.
April 4, 2025 · Chris Blocker
Fiction Five: Embark on the imaginative
Let's dive into the unknown with new speculative fiction. From tomorrow to the distant future these fascinating novels look closely at the mysteries of AI, simulated realities and interplanetary colonization.
April 4, 2025 · Julie Nelson
Lost in the Stacks: Seeking Shelter
Join Evelyn as she tries to raise five children while living in her car.
April 2, 2025 · Emily Bays
Journey Through the Genres: Fantasy
Enter a whole new world by checking out fantasy fiction. Creative authors will take you deep into your imagination.
March 21, 2025 · Sherry Hess
Early learning tip: Play is skill building
There is so much more to a child playing than fun. Young children learn essential social, emotional & cognitive skills while they play.
March 21, 2025 · Debbie Updegraff
Great Read Alouds: Life is full of changes
Discover colorful and entertaining books to help kids through the changes they encounter.
March 19, 2025 · Adrianne Evans
Foodie Finds: Cooking can be therapy
Exploring new recipes or techniques, or revisiting classic recipes helps Adrianne shake off gray days and feelings. Discover some of her favorite comforting recipes.
March 18, 2025 · Kaitlyn Kriley
While You Wait for James
Check out stories that put a new spin on or take inspiration from well-known and well-loved classics.
March 17, 2025 · Ginger Park
Farewell to former library trustee Kerry Onstott Storey
Kerry Onstott Storey passed away Feb, 18, 2025. She served on the library Board of Trustees for 16 years. She led by example, volunteered numerous hours & exhibited outstanding library advocacy, acting as an agent of change.
March 13, 2025 · Cadie Maas
Artsy Crafty Library: Embracing creativity
Reconnect with your inner creative and tap into that space where the only thing that matters is you and the beautiful, amazing, interesting, wonderful thing you create.
March 12, 2025 · Kaitlyn Kriley
Get to Know Author William Kent Krueger
Bestselling mystery author William Kent Krueger will be at our library April 16! We interviewed him to give you a sample of what he'll talk about in-person.
March 9, 2025 · Julie Nelson
Lost in the Stacks: The Crazies
Choose a side in this entertaining court battle between wind power and unspoiled scenery.
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.
