Articles
August 5, 2024 · Chris Blocker
Fiction Five: Captivating historical fiction
From 1896 to the 1960s explore historical fiction books hitting shelves in August that offer a glimpse of another place and time.
July 27, 2024 · Adrianne Evans
Foodie Finds: Tasty uses for brown bananas
Find some of the best recipes for turning overripe bananas into something delicious.
July 26, 2024 · Kate Hughes
Artsy Crafty Library: Making marvelous map art
Explore how maps pleasing graphics can inspire many lovely art & home decor projects.
July 25, 2024 · Ginger Park
While you wait for All The Colors Of The Dark
Discover thrilling and suspenseful missing persons mysteries that will keep you reading long after dark.
July 23, 2024 · Sherry Hess
6 Helpful tips for camping with kids
July 23, 2024 · Marketing Intern
A Citizenship Journey
Our summer intern talks about her citizenship journey and library resources for others seeking citizenship.
July 21, 2024 · Ginger Park
What YA' Reading: Delicious fiction
Dig into captivating YA fiction with food as a major piece of the story.
July 21, 2024 · Laura Anderson
Adventures in making a Coptic bound book
Explore a unique bookmaking technique you can play with to make charming art books and journals.
July 19, 2024 · Debbie Updegraff
Great Read Alouds: You want WHAT for a pet?!
Debbie's spotted a pack of picture books about rather unusual pets. Let your kids dream up what else could make an interesting pet.
July 18, 2024 · Emily Bays
Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Sibling adventures
Any adventure is twice as fun is when there’s a sibling to share it with. Check out the exciting books we recommend.
July 16, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen
The Library on Capitol Square
Discover the library's first permanent home on the Capitol grounds, which library leaders hoped would become "a lasting monument to the enterprise of our city."
July 12, 2024 · Perry Hartmann
The Reel World: Adventure, adversity & anime
You'll be engrossed in the drama, mystery and emotion of the stories in the most recent award-winning international films.
July 8, 2024 · Chris Blocker
Fiction Five: Journey to magical worlds
Step through the wardrobe and into one of this month’s enchanting new releases filled with nostalgia, sweets & the occasional life lesson.
July 2, 2024 · Julie Nelson
Lost in the Stacks: The Wives
Enter the secret world of Army wives in a new memoir.
June 28, 2024 · Hayley Swisher
Local History: The suspicious death of "Six Foot" Kramer
In 1930 Topekans were shocked when a local packing company's VP became the victim of foul play. Discover more about Roy Kramer and his killer.
June 27, 2024 · Sherry Hess
Start reading early to avoid the summer slide
Summer is the perfect time to encourage kids to read and it keeps a child from losing ground. Let’s build a love for reading in young children by creating a habit that incorporates summertime reading.
June 24, 2024 · Rachael Schmidtlein
What YA' Reading: Thrillers
Find some chilling YA thrillers to distract you from the summer heat.
June 21, 2024 · Ginger Park
While you wait for The Women
If you're waiting for your hold on The Women or have read it and are looking for other powerful reads, check out these novels about strong, brave women.
June 20, 2024 · Kim Sain
Kansas pollinators help our gardens grow & so much more
Birds, bees, butterflies, moths and other insects such as beetles and wasps are important pollinators that serve critical roles in maintaining quality ecosystems.
June 20, 2024 · Katie Keckeisen
Artsy Crafty Library: Clay color blends & kaleidoscopes
Learn to make a beautiful polymer clay Skinner blend cane with a gradation of color and find crafty ways to use this creation.
June 19, 2024 · Luanne Webb
Great Read Alouds: Adventure Awaits!
Books provide wonderful getaways even for the youngest travelers.
June 10, 2024 · Stephen Ferrell
The Western spirit of modern Canadian country
Discover a crooner with a voice like well-worn leather, heavy metal licks on a banjo and clever storytelling in these Canadian country bands.
June 7, 2024 · Marlana Hodgkinson
Kid Tested, Librarian Recommended: Tantalizing summer stories
Summer is an excellent time to pick an amazing book and READ! Books are a great way to Relax and Enjoy a story, to go on an Adventure or to Discover something new.
June 5, 2024 · Chris Blocker
Fiction Five: Fantastic beach reads
From romantic sparks in the dog park to spicy encounters on Mediterranean beaches, you’ll find plenty of heat in this month’s new fiction.