Articles - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

April 29, 2025 · Sherry Hess Great Read Alouds: Let's Go Outside! Playing outside gives kids unique experiences and learning opportunities encouraging them to think and create while having fun. Check out engaging books about playing outside to read together.

April 25, 2025 · Kaitlyn Kriley While You Wait for Say You'll Remember Me While you wait for Abby Jimenez's latest romance novel, check out these other grumpy-sunshine, once-in-a-lifetime love, messy character reads. You don't want to miss these!

April 24, 2025 · Rachael Schmidtlein What YA' Reading: Books in bloom Uncover engaging stories featuring plant and flower magic that's often a bit dangerous.

April 21, 2025 · Emily Bays Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Animals tell their stories Explore tales told from animals’ perspectives. You’ll find out some new animal facts and you can imagine what life would be like if you were furry, scaly or a lot smaller.

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 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 · Debbie Updegraff Great Read Alouds: Life is full of changes Discover colorful and entertaining books to help kids through the changes they encounter.

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 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 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 · 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 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 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 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 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.