Articles
December 30, 2024 · Stephen Ferrell
Best music of 2024
See which albums Stephen liked in 2024 that might've slipped under your radar. He shares favorites from 12 different musical genres.
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 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 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 11, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen
More retro recipes from the Topeka Room
Take part in the culinary adventure our local history librarian took when she tried recipes published between 1913 and 1952 from cookbooks in the library's local history section.
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.
December 5, 2024 · Kaitlyn Kriley
Shawnee County's Best Books of 2024
Peruse the most checked out books, and staff and community members' favorite books from 2024. Find out if your favorites are included and add to your 2025 reading list.
December 2, 2024 · Abigail Siemers
What YA' Reading: Romantasy kingdoms
Embark on unforgettable journeys in captivating young adult romantic fantasy novels.
November 29, 2024 · Ginger Park
Winter garden tips for a beautiful spring
Unearth the gardening related tasks you'll want to complete in the winter to help ensure your garden is healthy in the warmer months.
November 27, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen
Discover National Register of Historic Places sites in Topeka
If you love history, there is nothing like standing in a place with historical importance. Both the National Register of Historic Places and the Register of Historic Kansas Places seek to preserve these sites.
November 26, 2024 · Hayley Swisher
Artsy Crafty Library: Watercolor Galaxy
Join Hayley on her first watercolor journey as she paints a mesmerizing forest galaxy. Let her creativity inspire you to embark on your own artistic adventure.
November 26, 2024 · Debbie Reiff
Great Read Alouds: Everyday Thankfulness
Discover picture books that will help instill an attitude of gratitude in your child.
November 25, 2024 · Brittany Keegan
Immersed: A Walk Inside the Art
Discover the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery's newest exhibit that makes art larger than life and puts it in motion.
November 21, 2024 · Julie Nelson
The Reel World: We are family
There are no typical families. Even happy families are unique. Julie highlights 3 documentaries that explore family dynamics in very different ways.
Meet three families facing the challenges and joys of kinship.
November 12, 2024 · Sherry Hess
Winning strategies for your picky eater
Caring for a young child often feels like a never-ending food adventure. This journey can become frustrating & confusing if your child refuses to eat or only wants cheese. We've got tips to help.
November 8, 2024 · Rachael Schmidtlein
Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Brothers & Sisters
Check out amazing middle grade books about awesome siblings.
November 6, 2024 · Chris Blocker
Fiction 5: Outstanding New Novels in November
Discover the fiction treasures hitting the shelves this month that are truly worth their weight in gold! Historical fiction, heartwarming tales and magical adventures will captivate your imagination.
November 5, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen
Freud and Friendliness: Menninger at 100
In 2025 the world-renowned Menninger Clinic will celebrate its 100th anniversary. The work of the clinic made Topeka the hub for psychiatric treatment, research and training for more than 70 years.
November 4, 2024 · Julie Nelson
Lost in the Stacks: The Barn
Learn the true history of the murder of Emmett Till in a Mississippi barn.
October 30, 2024 · Sherri Camp
Finding your identity with genealogy research
October 25, 2024 · Laura Anderson
Art Recreations: Screen Printing
Explore examples of screen printing in the gallery's collection and learn the process to create your own screen printing work.
October 23, 2024 · Kaitlyn Kriley
While you wait for Framed: Astonishing True Stories of Wrongful Convictions
Uncover gripping stories about wrongfully convicted individuals who were finally exonerated.
October 22, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen
True Crime: The Monroe Axe Murder Mystery
On Dec 20, 1894, Almeda Matson was discovered murdered in her home at 15th and Monroe. The crime shook the Monroe neighborhood and residents began to claim the victim’s spirit was not at rest.
