Articles - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

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.

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.