On February 8, Illinois Libraries Present will host the poet and author Kwame Alexander.

It's January, and the lists of 2022 best books from magazines, newspapers, and literary web sites have been making the rounds. Here are five of my personal favorite teen reads published in 2022.

Books can be gateways to meaningful conversation and opportunities to build empathy and expand vocabulary. When you’re reading together, take time to ask questions about the story and illustrations.

In the past few weeks we invited our patrons to let us know what books they've been enjoying at our Bring Your Own Book Club programs. Here are some recommendations from your neighbors:

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

November is World Vegan Month. Give some vegan eats a try or learn about why people are vegan with some of my favorite books from the library:

Vegan Richa's Everyday Kitchen: Epic Anytime Recipes with a World of Flavor by Richa Hingle

November 17th is National Take A Hike Day! Whether you're braving the cold today or planning your next hike for a warmer day, these library books can help!

100 Hikes of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Scenic Trails by Kate Siber

November 17th is Homemade Bread Day! Try making some bread at home with these library materials.

One Dough, Ten Breads: Making Great Bread by Hand by Sarah Black

Four Sheets to the Wind (2007)

"After his father's suicide, Cufe, embarks on a journey outside of his reservation to find a more fulfilling life." -From the Catalog

My Prison, My Home: One Woman's Story of Captivity in Iran by Haleh Esfandiari

Book

November is Native American Heritage Month. Here are some great non-fiction titles to celebrate:

The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee: Native America from 1890 to the Present by David Treuer

November is Native American Heritage Month. Here are some fantastic fiction titles to celebrate:

Winter Counts: A Novel by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

October 17th was Black Poetry Day. Check out these phenomenal titles by Black poets:

Call Us What We Carry: Poems by Amanda Gorman

In honor of spooky season, here are some of my favorite creepy books. Reader beware: some of these are not for the easily spooked.

For more titles, check out our Thrills and Chills display near the Recent Arrivals for the rest of the month!

Today is National Dessert Day! Get your stomach growling with these library items to help you celebrate: