Articles - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

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.

November 29, 2024 · Ginger Park Winter garden tips for a beautiful spring Unearth the gardening related tasks you'll want to complete in the winter to help ensure your garden is healthy in the warmer months.

November 27, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen Discover National Register of Historic Places sites in Topeka If you love history, there is nothing like standing in a place with historical importance. Both the National Register of Historic Places and the Register of Historic Kansas Places seek to preserve these sites.

November 26, 2024 · Hayley Swisher Artsy Crafty Library: Watercolor Galaxy Join Hayley on her first watercolor journey as she paints a mesmerizing forest galaxy. Let her creativity inspire you to embark on your own artistic adventure.

November 26, 2024 · Debbie Reiff Great Read Alouds: Everyday Thankfulness Discover picture books that will help instill an attitude of gratitude in your child.

November 25, 2024 · Brittany Keegan Immersed: A Walk Inside the Art Discover the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery's newest exhibit that makes art larger than life and puts it in motion.

November 21, 2024 · Julie Nelson The Reel World: We are family There are no typical families. Even happy families are unique. Julie highlights 3 documentaries that explore family dynamics in very different ways. Meet three families facing the challenges and joys of kinship.

November 12, 2024 · Sherry Hess Winning strategies for your picky eater Caring for a young child often feels like a never-ending food adventure. This journey can become frustrating & confusing if your child refuses to eat or only wants cheese. We've got tips to help.