Articles - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

May 27, 2026 · Deanna Niles Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Dino-mite reads Explore books that will elevate your early readers as they dig deep into time-traveling tree houses, mysterious fossil discoveries and hilarious classroom escapades.

May 22, 2026 · Rain Schultz-Pruner Great Read Alouds: Let's play outside! Check out awesome picture books that celebrate the joys of being outside.

May 12, 2026 · Brittany Keegan Dinosaur Revolution: Live Large Visit the Gallery this summer to experience Dinosaur Revolution. Traverse the family-friendly maze to explore the lives of dinosaurs. Take on physical challenges including a climbing wall and a zip line!

April 28, 2026 · Emily Bays Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: To the moon & back Kids can escape the pull of gravity with their own out-of-this-world reading adventures!

April 27, 2026 · Debbie Reiff Great Read Alouds: Purr-fect picture books We snagged fun new books about cats your young child will adore.

March 26, 2026 · Sherry Hess Great Read Alouds: Love from mom & dad Of all “the things” a parent can provide a child, love is widely considered the most important. Find wonderful books to read to your child about love from mom and dad.

March 26, 2026 · Ginger Park 30 Books in 30 Days: Birth-5 Reading Challenge Sign up for our PreK reading challenge just for kids birth - 5 years old! You and your little one will enjoy bonding time and increasing early literacy skills. Snuggle in for some great reads at least 30 times in April.

March 25, 2026 · Sherry Hess Early Childhood Tip: Importance of early screenings An early childhood screening can detect any concern or potential delay in your child’s development to start early interventions and get them back on track.

March 12, 2026 · Marlana Hodgkinson Kid Tested Librarian Recommended: Positive feedback loop When kids read more it empowers stronger reading skills, which enables them to read longer books leading to even more confidence! It’s a positive feedback loop that makes young readers, their caregivers and librarians smile.

February 25, 2026 · Debbie Updegraff Great Read Alouds: Get to know interesting people Read picture book biographies to learn about history and the fascinating people who made big changes to our world.

February 13, 2026 · Jacee Gleason Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Graphic novels kids devour These graphic novels hook kids with humor and heart, support literacy skills, and keep kids coming back for more.

January 23, 2026 · Luanne Webb Great Read Alouds: Cozy winter reads Check out our recommendations of picture books that can kick-start the love of reading.

January 15, 2026 · Arion Beals Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Kids classics Classic stories are a little like a favorite blanket. They make you feel warm and cozy, and make you want to come back to them again and again.

December 16, 2025 · Debbie Reiff Great Read Alouds: Welcoming a New Year Check out wonderful picture books about time and seasons to read with your young ones. The end and beginning of a year is an opportunity to teach kids about time and how we measure it.

December 9, 2025 · Sherry Hess Early Learning Tip: Creating traditions Traditions create a sense of comfort and security for a child. Find suggestions for starting new traditions with your family.

November 18, 2025 · Rain Schultz-Pruner Great Read Alouds: Native American Heritage Month These children's books are a terrific way to experience the joy of storytelling and art whether your family has Native American heritage or you want to deepen your understanding of the people and culture.

November 5, 2025 · Deanna Niles Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Navigating change Diving into a good book is a way to learn how characters deal with change. Kids will enjoy these books because they’re filled with brave characters, exciting adventures and lots of heart.

October 21, 2025 · Sherry Hess Great Read Alouds: Bird Watching The fall weather invites us to stop, wonder and look at nature. Discover entertaining books to inspire your family bird watching.

October 15, 2025 · Ginger Park Library certified sensory inclusive The library is certified Sensory Inclusive through KultureCity. This program promotes an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with sensory issues who visit the library.

October 14, 2025 · Sherry Hess Early Learning Tip: Intense interest in one topic Between the ages of 2 and 6 years, many children develop an intense interest in a topic or even a popular character. Find tips for nurturing their passion to become an expert.

October 2, 2025 · Emily Bays Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Friendly Ghosts Check out great books that are perfect for giving a kid's spine a chilly touch without keeping them awake into the night.

September 22, 2025 · Ginger Park Fall Reading Challenge Read three books in October and win a wicked cool collectible pint glass! This reading challenge is for all ages.

September 15, 2025 · Debbie Updegraff Great Read Alouds: Exploring Rocks Dig into some of our favorite picture books for rock collectors!

September 4, 2025 · Marlana Hodgkinson Kid Tested Librarian Recommended: Family favorite chapter books Reading aloud together is a fantastic way to slow down, relax & reconnect. For young readers hearing stories read aloud is an opportunity to learn new vocabulary & ideas. With chapter books you can read a chapter each night.