Articles - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

March 13, 2025 · Cadie Maas Artsy Crafty Library: Embracing creativity Reconnect with your inner creative and tap into that space where the only thing that matters is you and the beautiful, amazing, interesting, wonderful thing you create.

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 28, 2025 · Ginger Park Expert tips to jumpstart spring gardening Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners' advice on where to begin your spring gardening will help you cultivate a healthy, environmentally-friendly garden.

February 27, 2025 · Brittany Keegan Topeka Competition showcases innovative 3D art You'll be amazed by 40 pieces of new three-dimensional artwork representing a wide range of techniques and media in the Topeka Competition exhibit March 14 - May 11, 2025.

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 · Sherry Best Celebrate Youth Art Month View the work of K-12 student artists from all over Kansas at the library and vote for your favorite.

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 24, 2025 · Katie Keckeisen Fred Harvey, Topeka & the invention of fast food In 1876 Fred Harvey opened his first restaurant at the Santa Fe depot in Topeka. He was determined to bring good food, superior service & a touch of class to anyone riding on the Santa Fe Railroad.

February 21, 2025 · Julie Nelson Reel World: Disability visibility Cheer on kids living with disabilities as they tackle every day challenges. Discover documentaries that shine a light on the allies fighting hard to give each unique child the best life possible.

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 29, 2025 · Ginger Park Recent library trivia winners See the teams who won September's Library Trivia – Evening Edition and Afternoon Edition.

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 25, 2025 · Lissa Staley Kansas suffragists honored at State Capitol Discover the history of the Kansas women who fought for suffrage and explore a new mural in the Kansas Capitol that honors their achievements.

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 14, 2025 · Brea Black Artsy Crafty Library: Unique coiled yarn baskets Coiled basketry is an ancient art form that traditionally uses plant materials. Discover how you can apply these timeless techniques with modern, easy-to-find materials.

January 13, 2025 · Nessa Johnson Reel World: Sunflower Journeys Discover a series of programs that explore Kansas history, geography and culture, covering a wide range of topics that highlight unique aspects of the Sunflower State.

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.