Articles - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

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.

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 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 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 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 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.