Readers’ Advisory

At this spring’s A Human Library event, people will have the chance to “check out” people from all walks of life. Readers can also explore these exceptional accounts and biographies written from personal knowledge or special sources from authors that represent a wide range of unique experiences. Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika… Read More

Fall is the perfect time of year to curl up with a scary book! From horror to mystery/thriller to nonfiction, these reading suggestions have something for everyone. ​ The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia This retelling of The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells is set in the lush jungles of Yucatán, Mexico.… Read More

Reading fiction is delightful for many reasons, but especially because of the connection we often feel to the characters. When I read as a kid, I definitely immersed myself in the friendships in stories. I absolutely felt like an extra member of the Babysitter’s Club when I read those books, and I remember discussing which… Read More

These titles are a reminder of the wonderful things that can happen when we are kind to each other. The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede On September 11, 2001, 38 jetliners were forced to land on Newfoundland Island in Canada. In an amazing show of kindness, the… Read More

The library's Your Next Read service premiered two years ago, and it’s been a great way for us to provide book suggestions.   The holiday season is upon us, and we want to remind everyone that we’re happy to help with gift suggestions.  If you choose to buy a book instead of borrowing one, that's ok!  Giving… Read More

There is nothing better than finishing a great book and then finding out that a friend loved it as well. You get to share all your favorite parts, and revisit all the best characters. It’s a bonding experience to discuss books - love them or hate them. It’s just as exciting for kids to share… Read More

It’s easy to get stuck in a reading rut, falling back on favorite authors and genres. But I believe we can and should challenge ourselves to read outside of our comfort zones. Reading diversely helps us learn about new cultures, consider new perspectives, and gain confidence through exposure to members of our global community who… Read More

Learn more about book clubs. See what local book groups are reading. Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe For Fans of true crime, Irish history, suspense. If you liked I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara or In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. What You Wish For by Katherine Center For fans of uplifting reads,… Read More

Just in time for summer reading, we have a fresh selection of  books nominated for three annual awards on display in the Youth Department! There are lots of good choices for every grade, and you’ll have plenty to read all summer long. The Monarch Award: Illinois' K-3 Readers' Choice Award On the Monarch list, check out… Read More

Even if we can’t physically take a trip around the world, reading allows us to learn about a new culture, meet fascinating characters, and immerse ourselves in a new setting. Here are four fiction titles set in Mexico, India, Scotland, and Nigeria that offer a glimpse of life in a different country. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Socialite… Read More

​ Anxious People by Fredrik Backman For fans of contemporary issues, humor, multiple character perspectives. If you liked Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman or The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg. The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner For fans of historical fiction, feminist stories, mysteries. If you liked The Henna Artist… Read More

We’re looking toward the future – and putting 2020 behind us! Luckily, there are plenty of books that express a positive view of what’s to come. Here are a few nonfiction picks from visionary authors.  21 Lessons for the 21st Century by Yuval Noah Harari  In this guide to the future, Harari examines 21 of the most pressing issues for the 21st century. From technology to politics… Read More