Articles - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

September 2, 2026 · Ginger Park Librarian Secrets to Finding Your Next Read Uncover the many different ways librarians decide what to read next. Some of these tips might surprise you.

September 1, 2026 · Katie Keckeisen Local History: Who let the lizards out? Local history librarian Katie Keckeisen tracks down the real story behind Topeka's Italian wall lizards.

September 1, 2026 · Ginger Park Kid Tested Librarian Recommended: STEM Check out books that will inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence. These STEM books help make learning fun and engaging.

August 28, 2026 · Ginger Park The Reel World: Trending TV Series If you're missing out on the TV series your friends have been talking about because you don't want to pay for a subscription, check it out from the library and join the conversations.

August 28, 2026 · Kaitlyn Kriley While You Wait for Mad Mabel Check out compelling crime novels set in Australia where the truth is ready to be set free.

August 28, 2026 · Brittany Keegan You Are Here: Maps and the Art of Travel Normally, adventure starts with a map. In our new exhibit maps are the adventure! Visit "You Are Here" in the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery Sept 4 - Nov 29, 2026.

August 14, 2026 · Liz Frazier Local History: The Wild, Weird Tale of Kansas' Goat Gland Doctor We found a perfect sweet spot of local history, true crime intrigue and an invitation to research in the Topeka Room.

August 10, 2026 · Chris Blocker Fiction Five: Bookstores, Coffee & Romance This month sees a barrage of new novels with page-turning baristas and latte-sipping book shop owners. Step into these quaint establishments and discover spells, romance and maybe a cat or two.

August 9, 2026 · Arion Beals Kid Tested Librarian Recommended: Chapter Books & Beyond If your elementary-age kid is looking for a new chapter book series, we have fun suggestions. If your kid is a bit more of a reluctant reader, we also have the perfect books just for them.

August 9, 2026 · Julie Nelson Lost in the Stacks: The Summer of Death Grab a fan. Put on some shorts. It's about to get HOT in Topeka.

August 7, 2026 · Travis Garwood Artsy Crafty Library: Embrace Imperfection With Simple Pottery Relax, have fun and make mistakes while you learn to create pottery.

August 3, 2026 · Kaitlyn Kriley While You Wait for Whistler Discover character-driven, moving stories that explore complicated family relationships.

July 28, 2026 · Ginger Park Recent Library Trivia Winners See the teams who won July's Library Trivia – Evening Edition and Afternoon Edition.

July 23, 2026 · Adrianne Evans, library volunteer Foodie Finds: Easy Summer Appetizers Try easy, breezy summer appetizers that won't heat up your kitchen. As a bonus most of them use ingredients from local farmers markets.

July 23, 2026 · Ginger Park Great Read Alouds: Space Adventures Take off with amazing picture books about planets, the Moon and traveling in space. Kids' imaginations will soar!

July 20, 2026 · Sherry Hess Books for Your Parenting Journey Parenting is tough, but it is the greatest adventure you’ll ever have. Gather the resources and tools you need for a successful journey.

July 14, 2026 · Julie Nelson Fact or Fiction: Meet Evelyn Nesbit, America's First Supermodel Step into the world of one of America's first celebrities and discover the real woman behind the beautiful face through a nonfiction and fiction book.

July 9, 2026 · Ginger Park What YA' Reading: Laughs Escape with YA novels that include a supernatural cat, a superhero's reluctant love interest, friends who try to be the worst girlfriend or boyfriend, and a violent noodle cult.

July 7, 2026 · Brea Black Artsy Crafty Library: Natural Dyeing Made Easy Create unique materials by dyeing fabric & yarn yourself. If you're open to a little experimentation, you can easily create beautiful earth tone dyes with supplies in your kitchen or garden.

July 3, 2026 · Chris Blocker Fiction Five: Not So Innocent New Novels Step into thought-provoking new tales that will move you. The characters in 3 of these 5 books are kids dealing with adult issues, situations & discoveries. Characters in the other 2 are adults who lose their innocence.

July 2, 2026 · Ginger Park Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Hilarious Find fabulous, funny and fascinating stories your kids will love. Elementary-age kids and kids librarians are big fans of books that make them laugh.

June 30, 2026 · Kaitlyn Kriley While You Wait for Project Hail Mary Check out suspenseful survival stories that will give you a new perspective on human connection.

June 29, 2026 · Ginger Park Check Out a Telescope Adults can check out a table-top telescope to explore the night sky. You'll be amazed what you can see from your own backyard.

June 25, 2026 · Ginger Park 7 Free Fun Events for Grown-Ups in July Summer fun is for adults too! Mark your calendar for July library events you don't want to miss.