Articles - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

February 18, 2026 · Angela Portzer 5 Ways to draw like a kid again If the fear of making “bad” art is keeping you from drawing to your heart’s content, we've got ways to keep you making happy art.

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.

February 9, 2026 · Julie Nelson Lost in the Stacks: The Way Out Got a ski trip coming up? Read this cautionary tale before you hit the powder.

February 5, 2026 · Chris Blocker Fiction Five: Robust Romances Uncover five new novels that’ll make your heart race and have you falling in love.

February 2, 2026 · Ginger Park Recent library trivia winners See the teams who won September's Library Trivia – Evening Edition and Afternoon Edition.

January 27, 2026 · Kaitlyn Kriley While you wait for Theo of Golden Peruse compelling novels that explore the importance of community and connection.

January 27, 2026 · Brea Black Artsy Crafty Library: More crafting, less scrolling Many crafters find working with their hands is a good way to lower stress & improve well-being. Whether you're looking to learn new craft skills or to further your knowledge, the library has resources to help.

January 26, 2026 · Stephen Ferrell 3 Classic rock albums move from lost to found Thanks to some spiffy new re-releases you can discover long-lost classic rock treasures.

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 23, 2026 · Julie Nelson The Reel World: No place to call home Watch documentaries that take you across the country to visit communities struggling with affordable housing.

January 22, 2026 · Katie Keckeisen Discover an easier way to access local history materials The library is home to a robust collection of items relating to Topeka and Shawnee County history including archives, photographs, ephemera and three-dimensional objects.

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.

January 13, 2026 · Andrew Ross What YA' Reading: Sci-Fi Romance Read every Romantasy there is? Check out captivating Sci-Fi stories with plot-central romances next.

January 12, 2026 · Julie Nelson Lost in the Stacks: Sisters in Death Discover an intriguing link between the infamous Black Dahlia case and a gruesome murder in Kansas City.

January 8, 2026 · Kaitlyn Kriley While you wait for The Correspondent Examine the power of the written word through captivating novels that use letters, diary entries and other correspondence to tell the story.

January 5, 2026 · Chris Blocker Fiction Five: Resolutions Follow protagonists who are aching to be discovered and to be seen for who they are. Like many of us who gaze forward at the dawn of a new year, these characters are on a path of self-discovery.

December 29, 2025 · Liz Frazier Indulge in hygge in the Topeka Room Topeka Room welcomes you to the fireside to read family histories and create new memories.

December 23, 2025 · Ginger Park Winter Reading Challenge Read at least 3 books during January 2026 to earn a cozy mug! This challenge is for all ages.

December 23, 2025 · Travis Garwood Artsy Crafty Library: Clay Ornaments Handmade ornaments are keepsakes that reflect your creativity. Working with clay is wonderfully calming, making the process as enjoyable as the finished product.

December 19, 2025 · Perry Hartmann The Reel World: Holiday international film favorites Try popular international holiday films for a change of pace!

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.

December 5, 2025 · Kaitlyn Kriley Shawnee County's Best Books of 2025 Let's look back on another fantastic year of reading! Find books to add to your to-be-read list and find out if your favorites made one of our lists.

December 3, 2025 · Katie Keckeisen Uncover local history using newspapers in the Topeka Room Newspapers can be an amazing source of information if you're researching local history or genealogy. The library’s Topeka Room has many ways to access various newspapers that were published in Shawnee County.