Articles - Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

July 29, 2025 · Kaitlyn Kriley While You Wait for My Friends Check out books about artistry and human connection while you wait to get your hands on Fredrik Backman's latest heartfelt novel.

July 24, 2025 · Brea Black Artsy Crafty Library: Unwind with slow stitching When life gets a little stressful, it’s nice to have a creative way to slow down and relax. Practicing slow stitching allows you to focus solely on making something with your hands.

July 24, 2025 · Kaitlyn Kriley Journey Through Genres: Engaging graphic novels Check out books that share stories through art. You'll find a wide variety of genres in this storytelling format so there is a graphic novel out there for everyone.

July 24, 2025 · Maegan Hepburn What YA' Reading: Finding your own truth Get lost in stories with characters who question themselves, their abilities and where they come from.

July 22, 2025 · Juliana Hill Genealogy research: Do you have the right person? Learn how to ensure the ancestors you're researching are who you think they are.

July 17, 2025 · Luanne Webb Great Read Alouds: Get ready for kindergarten! Find tips to help young kids get ready to start school and fun books to read together to practice kindergarten skills.

July 14, 2025 · Meg Porteous A Way Out: Science fiction in a SciFi world Take our Journey Through the Genres to science fiction. You'll find book recommendations of stories that offer a way out, a way forward and a way through it all.

July 9, 2025 · Ginger Park Improving library property We are improving the parking lot, removing invasive trees, adding optimal trees, and adding more plants for bees, butterflies and other pollinators to support our ecosystem.

July 8, 2025 · Arion Beals Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Fun early chapter books

July 3, 2025 · Chris Blocker Fiction Five: Hot new releases for summer reading With dozens of popular new titles releasing every month, it’s easy for some noteworthy books to slip on by. Chris highlights 5 new novels you won't want to miss.

July 3, 2025 · Travis Garwood Artsy Crafty Library: Inexpensive pottery for beginners Unleash your inner artist and discover the joy of creating something beautiful with your hands. With air dry clay you can try pottery without the huge up-front cost of traditional ceramics.

July 3, 2025 · Sherri Camp Finding your family history in military records Learn how to use Fold3 to discover the stories of your family members who served in the military. Whether you’re tracing your family history or researching a broader historical period, this is a helpful tool.

July 1, 2025 · Julie Nelson Lost in the Stacks: There Is No Place for Us Learn about families, squeezed by high rents and low inventory of affordable housing, who were often one paycheck away from being homeless in Brian Goldstone's new nonfiction book.

June 26, 2025 · Kaitlyn Kriley While You Wait for Sunrise on the Reaping While you wait to dive back into the world of The Hunger Games, we recommend other compelling dystopian novels you should check out.

June 26, 2025 · Sherry Hess Early Childhood Tip: Modeling mindfulness Mindfulness can help alleviate stress for both you and your kids. Being a mindful parent means letting go of the idea that things and/or you need to be perfect.

June 25, 2025 · Areli Bermudez-Villarreal New & upcoming book adaptations to watch Peek into the best and worst book adaptations and find a list of adaptations to add to your to be watched list.

June 23, 2025 · Ginger Park Civic Engagement The library hosts events & programs that encourage discussion among residents and involvement in local government.

June 20, 2025 · Abigail Siemers What YA' Reading: Survival Check out thrilling young adult books with main characters who are fighting for survival.

June 19, 2025 · Debbie Reiff Great Read Alouds: Sibling stories Discover lovely new picture books that celebrate positive sibling dynamics with a good story.

June 17, 2025 · Katie Keckeisen Dr. Samuel Crumbine: Topeka’s public health pioneer Dr. Crumbine spent his career making Kansans healthier and preventing the spread of deadly diseases. Learn more about Topeka's history.

June 15, 2025 · Rachael Schmidtlein Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: SciFi Jump into adventures with fantastic books where kids lead the journeys in amazing science fiction worlds.

June 12, 2025 · Julie Nelson Reel World: Women Make Movies Discover compelling and award-winning documentaries that elevate and expose women's stories.

June 5, 2025 · Chris Blocker Fiction Five: Facing Adversity This month’s grief-tinged new reads include heartbreak, healing, withdrawal and reconnection, but also some intrigue and a few laughs.

June 4, 2025 · Julie Nelson Fact or Fiction: The Civil War Experience the last deadly year of the U.S. Civil War in a history read and historical fiction.