Articles - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

April 23, 2025 · Katie Keckeisen Local History: Willie Lyman, the boy who survived a great fall Constructing the Kansas State Capitol building was not easy. Without modern-day safety measures, there were accidents and, sadly, deaths. But in 1890 Willie Lyman fell 80 feet from the dome . . . and survived!

April 23, 2025 · Sherry Hess Early Childhood Tip: Learning to follow directions Following directions is important for kids' success in the classroom, at home and in most social situations. Find tips for teaching your child to follow directions.

April 22, 2025 · Liza Charay Exploring Music Variety Liza takes us on an exploration of a few of her favorite rock, jazz and R&B musical artists.

April 21, 2025 · Emily Bays Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Animals tell their stories Explore tales told from animals’ perspectives. You’ll find out some new animal facts and you can imagine what life would be like if you were furry, scaly or a lot smaller.

April 9, 2025 · Ginger Park What YA' Reading: Embracing individuality Discover amazing young adult fiction where self-acceptance and embracing uniqueness is a major part of the story. These books may give you a better appreciation for challenges that are very different from your own.

April 8, 2025 · Alex Henault Artsy Crafty Library: Beginner knitting project If you want to try knitting, starting with a simple dishcloth pattern is perfect for beginners & you'll end up with a handy item you can use. It's a great way to practice stitches & build your confidence.

April 4, 2025 · Chris Blocker Fiction Five: Embark on the imaginative Let's dive into the unknown with new speculative fiction. From tomorrow to the distant future these fascinating novels look closely at the mysteries of AI, simulated realities and interplanetary colonization.

April 4, 2025 · Julie Nelson Lost in the Stacks: Seeking Shelter Join Evelyn as she tries to raise five children while living in her car.

April 2, 2025 · Emily Bays Journey Through the Genres: Fantasy Enter a whole new world by checking out fantasy fiction. Creative authors will take you deep into your imagination.

March 21, 2025 · Sherry Hess Early learning tip: Play is skill building There is so much more to a child playing than fun. Young children learn essential social, emotional & cognitive skills while they play.

March 21, 2025 · Debbie Updegraff Great Read Alouds: Life is full of changes Discover colorful and entertaining books to help kids through the changes they encounter.

March 19, 2025 · Adrianne Evans Foodie Finds: Cooking can be therapy Exploring new recipes or techniques, or revisiting classic recipes helps Adrianne shake off gray days and feelings. Discover some of her favorite comforting recipes.

March 18, 2025 · Kaitlyn Kriley While You Wait for James Check out stories that put a new spin on or take inspiration from well-known and well-loved classics.

March 17, 2025 · Ginger Park Farewell to former library trustee Kerry Onstott Storey Kerry Onstott Storey passed away Feb, 18, 2025. She served on the library Board of Trustees for 16 years. She led by example, volunteered numerous hours & exhibited outstanding library advocacy, acting as an agent of change.

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.