Lists

Quilts as Something Other Than a Cover-up

The Art Institute of Chicago's current exhibit, "Making Memories: Quilts As Souvenirs," inspired me to consider the role quilts play in Americana. Judy Chicago certainly has the right idea by expanding the meaning and importance of quilts and quilting. My recommendations reveal the ways we have come to accept that quilts transform our dreams, longings, and history.

Tags

• For History Buffs
• Nerd Pride
• Strong Women

Nor'Easters

Recent storms on the East Coast got me thinking about books and movies that either describe blizzards or are something you would want if you were seeking shelter from a storm. So cuddle up with your favorite blanket, stoke the fire, put the kettle on to brew up a "cuppa,", and browse these recommendations.

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• Biography & Memoir
• Wild Adventures
• Mysteries & Thrillers
• The Natural World

Live Music From Your Couch

Have you ever had the itch to see a live band but you're not in the mood to leave the house? World famous and small performances come together to make this your go-to list for a listeners night in.

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• Adults
• For Artistic Temperaments
• Music

Best Hitchcock Films Not Directed by Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock was the Master of Suspense, but there are several films out there that even Hitchcock would like to take credit for directing. Here are some films incorrectly attributed to Hitchcock.

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• Movies & TV
• Mysteries & Thrillers

To Earth With Good Intentions

Sometimes, when they say "We come in peace," they mean it.

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• Science Fiction & Fantasy

What is This Language We Speak?

English, what a strange beast! Besides the homonyms, idioms, spellings that seem to have no relationship to pronunciation, irregular verb conjugations, and a vocabulary borrowed from dozens of other languages, it is an alive and constantly changing thing. If you're a native speaker, you may never have fully appreciated the strangeness and complexity of your language.

Tags

• Nerd Pride
• Just Fun Stuff

2017 Award Winning Mysteries

Here is a list of some of last year's award winning mysteries you may have missed. Catch up on your reading so you are ready for the 2018 winners.

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2017 National Film Registry Picks

Each year, the Library of Congress honors films that are “culturally, historically, or aesthetically” significant. This year’s pool of films is as varied as ever, including historical classics, modern blockbusters, and riveting documentaries.

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More Hidden Gems N-Z

If you're craving even more unsung movies, here's more you can try.

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More Hidden Gems A-M

If you're craving even more unsung movies, here's a few you can try.

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Building Your Baby's Library

There are many books for babies out there, so how do you know which ones are worth checking out? Here's a list of time-tested, baby-approved picture books that you and your little one will read over and over again. You also get my librarian's guarantee: these books will wear out before you get tired of them!

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• Kids
• Just Fun Stuff

Teen Thrillers

Looking for a book that will get your heart racing and keep the pages turning? Look no further. These books are guaranteed to keep you on a the edge of your seat from the first page!

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In the Style of Agatha Christie

A mystery-loving friend of mine insists that no one today writes detective stories like Agatha Christie. While she is mostly right, every once in while a modern writer captures a little of the Christie magic, often with a deliberate tip of the hat to the master. As the following books make clear, authors across the globe sometimes take on Dame Agatha at her own game with surprisingly successful results.

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African-American Biography in Picture Books

Here's a list of new African-American biographies that kids and adults will love. Some are folks you know of, others you may be meeting for the first time. All are just wonderful!

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Learning History Through Graphic Novels

Graphic novels are great entertainment, of course, but the titles on this list teach us about history as well.

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• Biography & Memoir
• Comics & Graphic Novels
• For History Buffs

2017 Staff Picks: Books for Emerging Readers

Our favorite books for Kindergarten through Third Graders.

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• Kids
• Staff Picks

2017 Staff Picks: Books for Middle Grade Readers

Our favorite books for 4th-6th graders.

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• Kids
• Staff Picks

2017 Staff Picks: Books for our Youngest Readers

Our favorite books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

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• Kids
• Staff Picks

2017 Staff Picks: Teens

Our expert readers advisory staff take a look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

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• Teens
• Staff Picks

2017 Staff Picks: Movies & TV

Our expert staff take a look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

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• Staff Picks
• Movies & TV

2017 Staff Picks: Music

Our expert staff take a look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

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• Staff Picks
• Music

2017 Staff Picks: Graphic Novels

Our expert staff take a look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

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• Staff Picks
• Biography & Memoir
• Comics & Graphic Novels

2017 Staff Picks: Fiction

Our expert readers advisory staff take a look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

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• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Well-Crafted Writing

2017 Staff Picks: Nonfiction

Our expert readers advisory staff take a look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Tags

• Staff Picks
• Biography & Memoir
• For History Buffs

2017 Staff Picks: Mystery and Suspense

Our readers advisory staff recommend some of their favorite mysteries that they've read in the past year. You'll find them on the first floor, separate from the general fiction, on the specially-labeled shelves.

Tags

• Staff Picks
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Mysteries & Thrillers

2017 Staff Picks: Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror

Our readers advisory staff recommend some of their favorite sci-fi, fantasy, and horror titles that they've read in the past year. You'll find them on the first floor, separate from the general fiction, on the specially-labeled shelves for their genre.

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• Staff Picks
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Out of this World Movies

Whether they are set in space or about the space race, these films are sure to get you ready for "take off." Since there are so many, I'm not including any alien-driven movies on this list. Or any series movies (Star Wars, Star Trek, etc.)

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• Movies & TV
• Classics & Award Winners
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Thanksgiving Delights

Want to make your 2017 Thanksgiving memorable? Carve out some time for relaxation. This list includes fiction and non-fiction books, movies, cooking, and music CDs that will inspire and uplift you—and maybe even earn you the title of true entertaining whiz. Enjoy!

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Food & Drink
• Music

Spooky Movies for Family Fun

For a cinematic treat, sit back and enjoy a not-too-scary movie. Age recommendations provided by commonsensemedia.org.

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• Kids
• Movies & TV

Book Report Due? No Time to Read? Try One of These!

Believe it or not, some of the best books I've ever read have been written in verse! I don't know how they do it, but there are some amazing authors out there who can pack the power of a novel into just a few well-chosen words. If you have a book report due and are short on time, try one of the titles on my list. They're short on word count, but long on great plots, beautiful characters, and stunning themes.

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• Teens
• Kids
• Well-Crafted Writing

Explore Space: Youth & Teens

How are planetary systems, asteroids, and comets formed? What are solar storms and how do they affect Earth? What are we learning about Mars? Are there habitable worlds out there? These questions, and more, are topics of a national traveling exhibit we are hosting October 25 through December 29. Check out our staff's favorite youth and teen space titles and then visit the exhibit in the library’s central lobby to learn more about our universe. Skokie Public Library is one of only 14 sites throughout the country selected to host this exhibit. It shows the universe, and our place in it, in a way that is easy to understand and inspirational.

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• Teens
• Science & Technology

Explore Space

How are planetary systems, asteroids, and comets formed? What are solar storms and how do they affect Earth? What are we learning about Mars? Are there habitable worlds out there? These questions, and more, are topics of a national traveling exhibit we are hosting October 25 through December 29.

Check out our staff's favorite space titles and then visit the exhibit in the library’s central lobby to learn more about our universe. Skokie Public Library is one of only 14 sites throughout the country selected to host this exhibit. It shows the universe, and our place in it, in a way that is easy to understand and inspirational.

Tags

• Adults
• Science & Technology

Working for the Weekend

Workers of the world, unite! Okay, maybe radical revolution might be going a bit too far. Instead of taking to the streets, how about sitting back on your couch (after a hard day's work, of course) with a loved one (pet or human) or alone (what do I care?) and taking pleasure in watching other people pick up the slack. What I'm trying to say is—watch these movies about working life.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Just Fun Stuff

Natural Disasters

If the disasters that always seem to be happening somewhere on the planet leave you wanting to know more, these documentaries and feature films can provide some insight. Some of them address the possible or known impact of human activity on various extreme weather events.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Science & Technology
• The Natural World

Classic Unsung Movies

We've all seen, or at least heard of, Casablanca, right? And Gone with the Wind? And Citizen Kane? Well, here are some movies that should be considered classics even though you may not have seen them yet.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Classics & Award Winners

Girl Power

Here are some movies with knockout female leads that are sure to inspire your inner hero.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Strong Women

Stand-Out On-Screen Artists

There are many movies made about real-life creative visionaries, be they writers, musicians, or visual artists. Not all feature tour de force performances, however. Here are some films based on the lives of artists made special by tremendous performances.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• For Artistic Temperaments

Make Some Time for Stories in Rhyme!

Want to make reading together even more fun? Add some rhyming picture books to the mix! Well-written rhymes are easy to read, hear, and remember and offer lots of giggles when you and your little one say them together. Here are some of the very best.

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• Kids
• Just Fun Stuff

Arthouse Horror

Big budget Hollywood horror films can certainly be scary, but an artistically done film can be just as frightening. Enjoy these selections!

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The Girls With the Gifts

From being able to see into the future to communing with the dead, meet these teen girls with extraordinary powers.

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Laugh Until You Die

Horror and comedy mix well in these cheeky horror films. You'll be laughing one minute and scared the next.

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Girl Power

Here are some movies with knockout female leads that are sure to inspire your inner hero.

Tags

• Movies & TV
• Strong Women
• Global Perspectives

Under the Radar Picks

For those looking for something off the mainstream track, this list is for you.

Tags

• Movies & TV
• For Artistic Temperaments
• Global Perspectives

Natural Disasters

If the disasters that always seem to be happening somewhere on the planet leave you wanting to know more, these documentaries and feature films can provide some insight. Some of them address the possible or known impact of human activity on various extreme weather events.

Tags

• Movies & TV
• The Natural World

Vietnam War Remembered

This week Ken Burns and Lynn Novick launched a ten-part PBS film documentary series, The Vietnam War. For those of us who lived through this turbulent time, we look forward to seeing Ken Burn's take on a conflict which deeply divided the country. This list compiles fiction and nonfiction titles which deal with a range of issues relating to the war.

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• Adults
• Teens
• Movies & TV
• For History Buffs
• Historical Fiction

Building Bridges to World Peace

If you’ve been wondering what books you can share with the youngest people in your life (and perhaps the oldest too!) about building bridges to world peace, I highly recommend these books as a place to start.

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• Kids
• Global Perspectives

Ancient Civilizations

Just how different from us were the men and women who lived in ancient times? Their technology was very different, of course, but how were they different from us in what inspired them, what they believed in, and how they lived their lives? Much more than facts and figures, well-written histories seek to answer these questions as well as add color and context to our interpretations of the past. Check out the books, films, and television series on this list to learn more about ancient civilizations.

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• Adults
• For History Buffs
• Historical Fiction

Teen Volunteers 2017: Books You Can't Put Down

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Teen Volunteers 2017: Strong Female Protagonists

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• Teens

Teen Volunteers 2017: Best Historical Fiction

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• Teens
• For History Buffs

Conflict and Harmony in the Middle East through Graphic Novels

A rich and complex area of the world that is often in the global spotlight, there is a movement of artists who want to tell the story of their real experiences growing up and traveling throughout the Middle East. Here are some selections that seek to explore the diversity of those experiences.

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• Adults
• Teens
• Biography & Memoir
• Comics & Graphic Novels
• Global Perspectives

Many Kinds of Mango

I enjoy a variety of fruit and consider myself a budding connoisseur. I like to try new varieties when I have the opportunity, however, the mango has somehow escaped my notice until recently. I am unusually hesitant to try it, so to gain a better understanding, I looked at the following books and was delighted to find that there is much to learn from a mango. Also, in children’s books a mango is not always a fruit!

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• Kids
• Just Fun Stuff

Teen Volunteers 2017: Favorite Childhood Reads

We all have those books that we read, or were read to us as kids, that stay with us well into adulthood. This is a list of favorite childhood reads put together by our Teen Volunteers.

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Teen Volunteers 2017: Best Dystopian Fiction

Dystopia, dystopia! Why is young adult fiction filled with novels set in dystopian futures? Because they're engaging and fun to read? Probably. Here are a few favorites in a list put together by our Summer Teen Volunteers.

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• Teens
• Summer Selections
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)

Gauguin: Artist as Alchemist/Art Institute of Chicago

When most people think of Paul Gauguin they think of exotic locations like Tahti and beautiful, sensuous women. But Paul Gauguin was so much more! The Art Institute of Chicago's exhibit which runs June 25 through September 10, 2017, allows viewers to experience the full breadth of Gauguin's creativity. My list embellishes the viewer's understanding of Gauguin, his life, his contributions, and his place in art history.

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• Adults
• Biography & Memoir
• For Artistic Temperaments
• Global Perspectives

Teen Volunteer 2017: Teen Romance Novels

Romance is the theme with the books on this list put together by Teen Volunteer Jana, age 12.

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• Teens
• Summer Selections
• Romance
• Families & Relationships

Teen Volunteer 2017: Summer Fun

Scary and adventurous, funny and hilarious, these are the themes of this list of great movies (and a book) compiled by Teen Volunteer Mateo, age 13.

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• Kids
• Summer Selections
• Wild Adventures
• Mysteries & Thrillers
• Just Fun Stuff

Farm Fiction

Symbolic of an older, respected way of life immersed in the rhythms of nature, there are also secrets and tragedies that seem to go along with life on a farm. Think of those long family histories, creaky old buildings, and the hiding places that fields and woods provide! To seal the idea that the two go hand-in-hand, there are plenty of secrets and dark events in these books.

Tags

• Well-Crafted Writing
• Families & Relationships
• The Natural World

Be a Librarian

Ever wonder what librarians do all day? From recommending great books to teaching people how to search to saving ancient relics, librarians do it all!

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• Staff Picks
• Movies & TV
• Summer Selections
• Biography & Memoir
• For History Buffs
• Nerd Pride
• Wild Adventures
• Mysteries & Thrillers
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Be a Builder

Skyscrapers, houses, bridges, tunnels—no matter the size or purpose of the building or the scope of the project, these structures require the work of architects, designers, engineers, and workers to build them. The books and documentary film on this list show how and why they do it.

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• Teens
• Kids
• Summer Selections
• Just Fun Stuff

Be a Movie Star

We all dream of being famous movie stars, right? Well, here are some resources that show the pros and cons of a career in show business.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• For Artistic Temperaments
• Just Fun Stuff

Highlights of Ravinia Pop Concerts, 2017

Ravinia is the oldest outdoor music festival in the country. And, it's right here in our backyard, so take advantage of this great resource. Before you pack your picnic basket, be sure and check out this list to enhance your enjoyment of this summer's popular music lineup. With so many great artists performing in a relaxed, idyllic setting, you will find this the perfect summer retreat. Enjoy!

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• Adults
• Summer Selections
• Classics & Award Winners
• For Artistic Temperaments
• Music

Be an Artist

Art is for everyone! You don't need to be a genius to reap the benefits of creativity. Scientists are beginning to discover that engaging in a creative hobby at any age can improve your mood and your brain health. So, if you are in need of inspiration or just curious about the world of art, take a look at the titles below.

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• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Movies & TV
• Biography & Memoir
• For Artistic Temperaments

Be a Vet

To be a vet, you must love all creatures great and small, which is a common thread throughout this list.

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• Summer Selections
• Business & Careers

Who Done It?

Do you like the suspense created by a good mystery? Better yet, what about the shiver that runs down your spine when you realize the mystery is unsolved? The books on this list offer fictitious, as well as true, tales of truly horrifying mysteries and crimes. Look here if you want to add some darkness and tension to your summer!

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• Teens
• Kids
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Mysteries & Thrillers

Get Out Of The Sunken Place

Calling all fans of the recent film Get Out directed by Jordan Peele. It’s time to get out of the sunken place! With racial tensions increasing across the U.S. and social inequalities sparking conversations in our communities, it’s time to get active and educated. For those seeking an increased understanding of systemic racism, inequality, and self-identity based reflection, these reads are just for you.

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• Adults
• Teens
• Audiobooks
• Biography & Memoir

100th Anniversary of the Birth of JFK

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum has announced a year-long celebration to honor the 100th anniversary of the birth of President John F. Kennedy. To commemorate his centennial year, I've put together this list to inspire others to find meaning and inspiration in the enduring values that formed the heart of the Kennedy presidency.

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• Adults
• Biography & Memoir
• For History Buffs
• Global Perspectives

Be a Gamer

Chess, Tetris, Monopoly, video games and virtual reality—explore the entire world of how we play games, why we create them, and what they teach us about being human.

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• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Movies & TV
• Summer Selections
• Science Fiction & Fantasy
• Science & Technology

Be an Athlete

Becoming a top athlete requires skill, dedication, drive, and a whole lot of talent. With plenty of practice, and the knowledge gained by hitting the books (and a movie) on this list, you will have an edge on the competition.

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• Teens
• Summer Selections
• Biography & Memoir

Diversity and Inclusion of the Disabled

In a recent interview, Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin reminds us that while diversity is a "beautiful, wonderful thing," people with disabilities are often not considered part of the diversity mandate. The titles on this list examine the various portrayals of deaf, blind, and mute individuals.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Strong Women
• Global Perspectives
• Coming Together

Be a Scientist

Science can be fun, complex, confusing, mysterious, fascinating, or all of the above. Before conducting any scientific experiments of your own, read or watch the titles on this list.

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• Adults
• Summer Selections
• Science & Technology

Be an Adventurer

What does it mean to be an adventurer? It can mean spending years in the wild studying primates, climbing Mount Everest, flying solo across the ocean, or trying to find your way back home despite all odds and obstacles. The books on this list will inspire the adventurer in you.

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• Summer Selections
• Wild Adventures
• Just Fun Stuff

The 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Summer of Love

In 1967, thousands of free-spirited dreamers (hippies) congregated in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco near Golden Gate Park to initiate a cultural revolution. That revolution would create some of the era's most memorable music, art, fashion, and literature. Stroll down memory lane and relive, or discover for the first time, the Summer of Love. Be sure to wear flowers in your hair!

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• Adults
• Summer Selections
• Biography & Memoir
• Just Fun Stuff
• Music

Sweet Home Chicago

The city is as much a part of the story as any of the characters. Whether in the background or center stage, Chicago is intricately woven into these titles.

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• Adults
• Teens
• Classics & Award Winners
• For History Buffs
• Just Fun Stuff

AI - Artificial Intelligence

Robots, androids, replicants—"smart" machines with emotional intelligence, capable of empathy and human understanding—serve as the backdrop for many movies, books, and TV shows. Here's a selection of some of the classics as well as new interpretations of this same theme.

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• Adults
• Teens
• Movies & TV
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

2017 Niles West Summer Reading

From the March graphic novels to The Hate U Give, we've got copies of all the books on your summer reading list. Use it to see what's currently available at the library and put holds on titles you'd like to get.

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• Teens
• Summer Selections

Be a Musician

There's more to being a musician than fame, fortune, and adulation from adoring fans, as the books and movies on this list reveal.

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• Movies & TV
• Summer Selections
• Biography & Memoir
• Music

The Greens of Summer

Summer is a time to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. This means picnics, cookouts, camping, and hitting the beach. It's also a time to exercise that green thumb of yours. So get out into the garden and grow some stuff.

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• Summer Selections
• Food & Drink
• Just Fun Stuff

Summer Beach Reads 2017

If you hear summer reading and immediately think beach reading then we have a list for you. Grab your beach chair, some SPF sunscreen, and one of these books then turn off your brain for a couple of hours.

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• Adults
• Summer Selections
• Just Fun Stuff

Be a Hero

The world is full of admirable heroes and it's very possible that you are one yourself or could be. These books and film documentaries are all true stories about people from around the world who've acted heroically, no matter how young or outnumbered, nor how insurmountable the situation may seem. Be inspired!

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• Movies & TV
• Summer Selections
• Biography & Memoir
• For History Buffs
• Strong Women
• Global Perspectives

Be a Chef

To cook is to be human. In Michael Pollan's book listed below, you'll learn that our big brains may be the result of eating cooked food. So feed that big brain of yours and start cooking. In this list you'll find plenty of advice on how to cook and why; inspiration and entertaining tales from some of the world's top chefs; and most important of all, the pleasure of cooking in a great selection of movies and novels that will whet your appetite and warm your soul.

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• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Movies & TV
• Summer Selections
• Food & Drink

Be an Author

Do you have a passion for the written word? Do you want to write? Try these books and DVDs by and about authors and become one yourself.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Summer Selections
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Just Fun Stuff

Be a Friend

Friendships can be simple or complex. This list features books and films that explore the unique relationship shared between friends.

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• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Movies & TV
• Summer Selections

Summer Road Trip Listens

Here is a list of 2017 Audiobook of the Year Audie Award Finalists and New York Times Audio Book Best Sellers for listening on a long summer road trip.

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• Summer Selections
• Audiobooks
• Just Fun Stuff

Get Your Zen Back This Summer!

Sit still and breath, lower your blood pressure and reduce stress. These books should help you get your zen back.

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• Summer Selections
• Health & Wellness

Traveling through Time

Time travel has long been a figment of the human imagination. Below is a list of books by authors who have really captivated me with their visions of time travel.

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Life Is A Canvas: Teen Artists in YA Literature

In each of the following YA novels, teen artists find solace, courage, hope, escape, understanding, even windows into a town's ghastly past through the creation of art. This list includes historical fiction, realistic fiction, and several deeply inventive books that, like great art, hammer many forms and influences into one dazzling, colorful whole that excavate the minds and souls of their subjects.

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• Teens
• For Artistic Temperaments

Super Single Moms

I've always admired single parents. They have to juggle all the challenges of parenting and work, with maybe even a heroic attempt at a personal life. Whether single mothers succeed brilliantly or flounder, they're all supermoms to me.

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• Movies & TV
• Biography & Memoir
• Strong Women
• Families & Relationships

Women Exploring Space

Hidden Figures, the story of three brilliant women who helped launch John Glenn into orbit, was a hit on the page and screen. This list outlines even more major contributions women have made in our exploration of the stars.

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• Adults
• Nerd Pride
• Science & Technology

Adventure at Sea

In a three month period of time, I was asked for sea adventure stories from several of our male patrons. They would say that X, Y, and Z were their favorite authors writing sea stories and would appreciate recommendations for similar writers. Lucky for me, their favorite authors were not all the same so I was able to come up with a list for armchair sailors looking for the next good read.

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• Adults
• Wild Adventures
• Mysteries & Thrillers
• Historical Fiction

2017 Niles North Summer Reading

From Bone Gap to Scythe, we've got copies of all the books on your summer reading list. Use it to see what's currently available at the library and put holds on titles you'd like to get.

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• Teens
• Summer Selections

Money Smart Week

Are you money smart? Are you a saver? A savvy investor? No matter what your age, income, or future earning power, educating yourself about personal finances will help your money go further. Use the list below to supplement the activities we have planned for Money Smart Week this year. Included are books to help with investing and devising strategies for living, budgeting, and retiring. You'll find helpful books for kids and teens too.

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• Adults
• Kids
• Money Matters

Hot Summer Reads 2017 (6th-8th grade)

Attention all junior high students: your summer reading list is here! Get them while they're hot and see how many great titles you can read from this awesome list.

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• Teens
• Kids
• Summer Selections

Cool Summer Reads 2017 (3rd-5th grade)

What's a great way to chill out during the summer? Pick a book from this cool list of summer reads!

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• Kids
• Summer Selections

Bedtime is Canceled

Is bedtime in your house met with great reluctance? Enjoy this list of picture books as you discuss with your little one why the much resisted bedtime is actually quite important.

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• Kids
• Just Fun Stuff

My Own Personal Tormentor

The books on this list feature characters tormented by bullies. Bullies can manifest in various forms: they can be siblings, peers, parents, even (or maybe especially) other teens who are themselves victims of bullies. In each of these raw, funny, sometimes terrifying books, our hero turns the experience of being bullied on its head and changes his or her life for the better—but sometimes for the worse.

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• Teens
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Mysteries & Thrillers

Canceled Too Soon

Television is a numbers game. Some shows are allowed time to grow their audiences and become successful while some, like the awesome TV shows on this list, are canceled after the first season. Some of these shows were canceled during their first season and never even aired all their episodes.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV

Self-Care for Teens

For five days in March Skokie teens had the opportunity to visit the library for a series of after-school self-care programs. Whether you were able to attend and want more information, or you weren't able to attend and want to get started, this list of books helps teens learn how to care for body, mind, and soul through meditation, yoga, healthy eating, and stress management.

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Great Reads for a Classroom Visit

When you're invited to read a book to a classroom of early elementary school children the pressure is on to choose a great read-aloud story. Any of the titles on this list are sure to be a success during your next classroom visit.

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• Kids
• Staff Picks
• Just Fun Stuff

Comics at the Movies

Super heroes may get all the attention when it comes to comic book movie adaptations, but there are a few comics artists whose lives and work have been depicted in film as well. From documentaries to fictionalized accounts of real life events, these movies show comics artists to be observant, introverted, talented, and fascinating subjects. Here are a few of my favorites.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Comics & Graphic Novels

Hygge: Get Cozy the Danish Way

Hygge (pronounced hue-gah) is Danish for cozy, warm or homey. It is also a national pastime in Denmark, one that is expressed in homespun pleasures involving candlelight, knitted socks, coffee, cake, family, and friends. It's a good way to cope with long, dark winters too. Read the books on this list and soon you'll be hyggling in your hyggekrog (cozy nook).

Tags

• Adults
• Global Perspectives
• Food & Drink
• Holiday
• Health & Wellness

Persistent Girls in YA

Katniss might be the most famous strong female YA character but she has a lot of competition. The girls featured in this list may not be as skilled with a bow and arrow but I think you will find them to be her biggest rivals for the title.

Tags

• Teens
• Strong Women

Bird Watching

This list of all things ornithological was inspired by my bird watching hobby. We are fortunate we live in an area that has such an abundance of birding locations, as well as the bird watching courses offered at the Botanical Gardens, community colleges, and through municipal ecology centers. I encourage anyone interested in this subject to investigate these sources, but this list will get you started.

Tags

• Adults
• Wild Adventures
• Science & Technology
• The Natural World

Gut Problems

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are between 2.4 and 3.5 million annual physician visits for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in the United States alone. This list provides resources which I have found especially helpful for dealing with these types of autoimmune ailments. I am not a physician but I can tell you that I have found comfort and relief by incorporating practices and advice from these books.

Tags

• Adults
• Science & Technology
• Health & Wellness

Who Runs the World? Girls

I love so many things about the books on this list. Most of all, I like how these YA novels star super cool teenage girls who are realistic, even if their worlds or situations aren't. They are the protagonists, the lady bosses, the heroines—call them what you will. Personally, I'd like to call them my best friends. (Fictional characters can totally be your best friends. It's fine. Really. I promise.)

Tags

• Teens
• Nerd Pride
• Strong Women

Life's a Beach

There are a million reasons to read, but believe me when I say that every single one of the books collected here was chosen for the purpose of escapism. This list was compiled in winter so naturally all I wanted to do was escape to a warm, sunny beach. Even though I'll be cracking the spines from under a pile of blankets by the heater, I hope you'll love these books in any season.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Summer Selections
• Strong Women

Book Adventures

Mysterious fantastical bookstores, book pirates, travel to alternate universes, espionage involving rare books, and an entire city built upon a labyrinth of living books—these are novels where the books themselves are central characters.

Tags

• Adults
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Books My Book Club Loved

My book club has been meeting for several years. Not every book we've read has been a winner but some of them have been terrific. I thought I'd share a list of the titles that almost all of us loved. You can use it as a personal reading list or for your own book club. It includes a mix of fiction and nonfiction titles.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Staff Picks
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Strong Women

Disappearing Acts

In each of these sharply written, psychological YA mystery thrillers (plus one comedy) someone important to our hero goes missing, often under disturbing circumstances. Each entry also has that "something more" that will leave you thinking, imagining, and caring about the characters while your heart races out of your chest. Now, go get lost in these books.

Tags

• Teens
• Mysteries & Thrillers

Parties Gone Bad

We all love a good party. Many of us also love watching a good party go bad with sometimes dire, oftentimes hilarious consequences.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Families & Relationships

A Night in Venice

The canals, the music, the food—Venice is a one-of-a-kind city that has served as the backdrop for many movies, TV shows, and books. Here's a small gondola full of our favorites.

Tags

• Adults
• Global Perspectives
• Food & Drink

I Could Never Get the Hang of Thursdays

Dark and gritty dystopias and apocalypse scenarios are all the rage right now. That's fine, but let's revisit the lighter side of multiverses and space travel and have a much needed laugh with some humorous sci-fi.

Tags

• Adults
• Nerd Pride
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Chinese & Chinese-American YA

The theme of the 2017 Coming Together in Skokie and Niles Township program is Celebrating Chinese Culture. With that in mind, I have put together a list of titles for young adults. These novels feature Chinese and Chinese-American characters, authors, and themes. There's something here for readers of every genre; from historical fiction to dystopian, realistic fiction to folklore. The titles are ordered from youngest intended audience (early middle school) to oldest (late high school).

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• Teens
• Kids
• Global Perspectives

Black History Month Recommended Reads for Adults & Teens

In honor of Black History Month, here are some excellent titles by black authors and featuring black characters that are perfect for adult and teen readers.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Staff Picks
• Classics & Award Winners
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Biography & Memoir

Black History Month Recommended Reads for Youth & Families

In honor of Black History Month, here are some books by black authors and featuring black characters that are perfect for youth and families.

Tags

• Teens
• Kids
• Staff Picks
• Classics & Award Winners
• Biography & Memoir
• For History Buffs

Experimenting with Science

Would you like to perform a science experiment? After checking out these kid- and family-friendly books, my hypothesis is you and your family will have a great time learning about science together.

Tags

• Adults
• Kids
• Nerd Pride
• Science & Technology

Science is Full of Characters

The stereotype that scientists are all old dudes in lab coats sporting crazy hairdos couldn't be farther from the truth! Science is full of characters of all kinds. Library books help correct our misconceptions about who scientists are and what they look like. These kid- and family-friendly reads will introduce you to some of my favorites.

Tags

• Kids
• Nerd Pride
• Science & Technology

2016 Staff Picks: Fiction

Our expert readers advisory staff take a look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks

2016 Staff Picks: Mystery and Suspense

Our readers advisory staff recommend some of their favorite mysteries that they've read in the past year. You'll find them on the first floor, separate from the general fiction, on the specially-labeled shelves.

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Mysteries & Thrillers

2016 Staff Picks: Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror

Our readers advisory staff recommend some of their favorite sci-fi, fantasy, and horror titles that they've read in the past year. You'll find them on the first floor, separate from the general fiction, on the specially-labeled shelves for their genre.

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

2016 Staff Picks: Nonfiction

Our expert readers advisory staff take a look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Biography & Memoir

2016 Staff Picks: Movies

Our expert staff take a look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Movies & TV

2016 Staff Picks: TV Shows and Documentaries

Our expert staff take a look back at the year and recommend their favorite titles. You'll find all of these selection in the alcove of our AV Department.

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Movies & TV

2016 Staff Picks: Music

Our expert staff take a look back at the year and share their favorite titles.

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Music

2016 Staff Picks: 4th & 5th Grade

Youth Services staff staff picks for 4th-5th grades.

Tags

• Kids
• Staff Picks

2016 Staff Picks: K-3rd Grade

Our favorite 2016 books for K-3rd graders.

Tags

• Kids
• Staff Picks

2016 Staff Picks: Younger Readers

Staff favorite picture books and early readers for preschoolers.

Tags

• Kids
• Staff Picks

Speaking from Inside

Who knew there were so many stories where the narrator speaks from an enclosed, interior space! (Ok, I might be taking some liberties with "interior" but you'll see what I mean.) If you're claustrophobic, this might not be the list for you.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Well-Crafted Writing

Forks Over Knives

This whole-food diet is centered on whole, unrefined, or minimally refined plants. It embraces fruits, vegetables, tubers, whole grains, and legumes; and it excludes or minimizes meat (including chicken and fish), dairy products, and eggs, as well as highly refined foods like bleached flour, refined sugar, and oil. The movement started with a documentary film which explored the possibility that people changing their diets from animal-based to plant-based can help eliminate or control diseases like cancer and diabetes. A proliferation of books on the subject ensued. Here's my personal best for you to peruse!

Tags

• Adults
• Food & Drink
• Health & Wellness

25 Years of Beauty with Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown has been in business for 25 years. The Chicago-area native grew up in Wilmette, graduated from New Trier High School, and went on to establish an international makeup empire. For many of us, she is the woman to turn to for advice on skin care, makeup tips, and just plain healthy living. She embodies a brand that represents candor and lack of artifice.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Health & Wellness

Classic Job Search Books

These books have been around a long time for a reason. Take a look if you you're looking for a job.

Tags

• Adults
• Business & Careers

Short and Strange

Get a quick escape from this reality with a short story to take you far from what you know. Surreal visions, horrifying ghost stories, alien planets, and monsters that will seem hauntingly familiar await you in these collections.

Tags

• Adults
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Medical Memoirs

This list is for those interested in medical careers, or who've wondered what life is like for the people on the front lines of medical care in this country. Whether you've imagined yourself a veterinarian or want to know exactly what paramedics and midwives do, these titles should satisfy your curiosity.

Tags

• Adults
• Biography & Memoir
• Business & Careers
• Health & Wellness

Fantastic Films and Where to Find Them

Have you finished re-watching the Harry Potter films in preparation for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them? Here's a list of film favorites that also have magical qualities, sure to get you ready for the next Wizarding World installment.

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• Adults
• Teens
• Kids
• Movies & TV

Iceland: Land of Fire and Ice

A list of both fiction and nonfiction selections reflecting the culture, climate, history, and beauty of this Scandinavian country. Of all the Nordic countries I've visited (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland), Iceland holds the strongest draw for me due to its raw, rugged beauty and landscape; its solitude (unless you're living in Reykjavik); its healthy, active lifestyle; and its sheep, horse, goat, and chicken populations--all intrinsic to the country life and lore. Not to mention the great Sagas, the Viking history, trolls, troll-houses, and the abundant, relaxing geothermal watering holes. These titles will give you the idea, but they're only the proverbial "tip of the iceberg."

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Global Perspectives
• The Natural World

Hack the Planet

What's the clacking sound? It's furious typing on an outdated keyboard! With improbable graphics and interfaces, ridiculous raver fashions, and a whole lot of Jolt cola, these movies invite you to jack into a slick, sometimes silly world of ones and zeros. Thanks to my cool colleague Sharon for her contributions to this list. You're elite!

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Movies & TV
• Nerd Pride

Antidotes to the Election

No matter who you're voting for, we can all agree that this election is a bit...tense. I recently started re-watching The West Wing for the 13th time as my own antidote to this election and I asked my colleagues to help me compile this list of other election alternatives.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Just Fun Stuff

Vampire Varieties

When you're yearning for a good vampire movie but you've seen every version of Dracula half a dozen times, try these off-the-beaten path selections.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)

Skin Care Blues

Many of us suffer from skin issues, whether it's acne, psoriasis, sun-damage, eczema, rosacea, and the inevitable wrinkles. Several excellent manuals written by board-certified dermatologists are available to assist sufferers. Don't be discouraged. Many new breakthroughs--from lasers, to peals and injections--can help with the physical and psychological concerns you may have from dealing with these issues. Kim Kardashian, recently diagnosed with psoriasis, can benefit from my list and so can you.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Health & Wellness

Shred the Gnar

Snow will soon be falling (we hope) and now is the time to get ready for the fun with simple exercises to help tone and refine the muscles you'll need for the season ahead. And to get you into the mood, I've included some fiction titles so you can think about the adventures ahead at the lodge, on the trails, and in the woods.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Wild Adventures
• Health & Wellness

Freaky Fiction

Get your chills and thrills from this list of supernatural stories. (recommended for 5th grade and up)

Tags

• Teens
• Kids
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)

Tale of Two Portlands

Portland, Oregon and Portland, Maine: opposite ends of the country & opposite ends of the spectrum. Portland, Oregon is the stuff of Portlandia--youthful, funky, creative, outlandish, home to craft beer, outdoor adventures, renegade art, and little free libraries. Then there's Portland, Maine--coastal community, New England sensibilities, established institutions (like outdoor outfitter L. L. Bean and the finance industry), charming, friendly, and quaint. Having been to both many times, I drew up this list to document the similarities and differences of the communities. Could these stories have been told in the other Portland, or are they so steeped in regional qualities, and characteristics that they could only take place in their Portland?

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Just Fun Stuff

Fun In the Multiverse

Not a big fan of how things are going in this particular universe? Jump to another one! Just be careful where you step, or you could end up in a strange place where bread is considered unhealthy and evil clowns dominate the news cycle.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Nerd Pride
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Cast Your Vote!

This is a list of books to get young readers up to Junior High ready for the presidential election. The following books explain the concept and history of the voting process.

Tags

• Kids
• For History Buffs

Feel Your Best At Any Age

Trying to look good no matter what your age is a constant struggle for many of us. Wardrobe and makeup know-how, as well as exercise and nutrition can make dramatic differences. This list can get you started looking and feeling better, no matter your age!

Tags

• Adults
• Health & Wellness

Nordic Noir

Here are some TV series that tell the dark side of life in Scandinavia--specifically Denmark and Sweden. Always intriguing, full of colorful, eccentric characters, with a good helping of local color and history; a blend of police procedural as well as political intrigue. Yes, you will be reading subtitles but the series are thought-provoking, and extremely well-scripted and acted. Warning: you will get hooked and yes, they are so much better than Criminal Minds, CSI, and Elementary. BBC quality throughout.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Global Perspectives

Immigration

The materials on this list offer people of all ages opportunities to dig deeper into the topic of immigration--through fiction and nonfiction--with accounts of historical and contemporary immigration to the United States.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Kids

Reproductive Justice

The materials on this list offer people of all ages opportunities to dig deeper into the topic of reproductive justice--the concept that control of one's body and reproduction is a human right.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Kids

LGBTQQI

The materials on this list offer people of all ages opportunities to dig deeper into the topic of LGBTQQI identities and issues. LGBTQQI is an acronym for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and intersex.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Kids

Climate Change

The materials on this list offer people of all ages opportunities to dig deeper into the topic of climate change--with fiction and nonfiction, from the effects on the natural world around us to the impact on our economy and livelihoods.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Kids

Income Inequality

The materials on this list offer people of all ages opportunities to dig deeper into the topic of inequality. These fiction and nonfiction accounts explore the landscape of finance and wealth in the United States, the income gap, and the impact upon families and communities.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Kids

Great Scott! Time Travel Films

Have you ever thought of going back in time to fix that one big mistake you made? How about going forward to miss an unpleasant experience? These films look at time travel in different and unique ways, and are sure to twist your mind around as you contemplate the consequences!

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Nerd Pride
• Science Fiction & Fantasy
• Science & Technology

Explore the Past

Essential history books from the Summer Reading History Camp!

Tags

• Adults
• Summer Selections
• For History Buffs

Black Lives Matter: A Reading List for Young Adults

As the Black Lives Matter movement grows in the wake of ongoing racial injustice and police brutality against black Americans, it can be difficult to understand current events. The books on this list offer a starting place for exploring racism, prejudice, discrimination, and inequity in a manner accessible to teens and young adults.

Tags

• Teens
• For History Buffs
• Global Perspectives

Black Lives Matter: A Reading List for Adults

As the Black Lives Matter movement grows in the wake of ongoing racial injustice and police brutality against black Americans, it can be difficult to understand current events. The books on this list offer a starting place for exploring racism, prejudice, discrimination, and inequity in both fiction and non fiction.

Tags

• Adults
• For History Buffs
• Global Perspectives

Black Lives Matter: A Reading List for Children & Families

As the Black Lives Matter movement grows in the wake of ongoing racial injustice and police brutality against black Americans, it can be difficult to explain current events to children. The books on this list offer a starting place for exploring racism, prejudice, discrimination, and inequity in a manner accessible to youth.

Tags

• Kids
• For History Buffs
• Global Perspectives

Broadway!

Heading to New York to a Broadway show this summer? No? No matter! We've got cast recordings, films of live shows, feature films about life under the bright lights, and books about the creators and performers. We've got all things Broadway for adults, and kids, too.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Summer Selections
• For Artistic Temperaments

The Lives of Others

Have you ever wondered what life is like for people who don't work the usual 9-5 office job? People like smokejumpers (firefighters who jump out of airplanes to put out fires), morticians, FBI criminal profilers, or safari guides? How about prison librarians and 911 operators? What's the life of a Chicago cab driver or an English teacher in North Korea like? If you're as curious as I am, check out this list of work related memoirs. You might find a new profession, or at the least, get to imagine yourself in a different line of work. Walter Mitty anyone?

Tags

• Adults
• Biography & Memoir
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)

Ghosts, Goblins, and Gods

Time to snuggle up in a blanket with a cup of hot tea--with all the lights on--because these creepy selections will leave you shivering. By Emily Compton-Dzak

Tags

• Adults
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)

Get Lost (and Survive!)

With cell phones, GPS and wifi everywhere today, truly getting away from it all seems almost nostalgic. Here are some reads that will remind you of a time when getting lost was an option, and how one can survive in the wilderness of freedom.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Classics & Award Winners
• Wild Adventures
• The Natural World
• Just Fun Stuff

A Little Something for Everyone

A look at the books that have recently won awards--mysteries, fiction, horror, science fiction, even an audiobook. A little something for everyone!

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Classics & Award Winners

Eat Your (Fried) Veggies

These titles are to knowledge as vegetable tempura is to health food; there is a bit of good-for-you there, but really, they're just deep-fried delicious fun!

Tags

• Adults
• Summer Selections
• Biography & Memoir
• Just Fun Stuff

Favorite Classics

Despite the hoary adjective, a classic is a book that never grows old. As many readers attest a great work grows with you and becomes something new at each stage of your life. These are works of depth and genius and as such are an endless source of discussion. Please join us at our quarterly Classic Book Discussion to get a taste of what great literature is all about. Below is a list of some of my favorites.

Tags

Spring Staff Picks

The library staff is always reading good books and we love to share our findings. Here's some of the best ones we've read recently.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Staff Picks
• Audiobooks

New True Crime

If you're a lover of the true crime genre, check out this list of nonfiction titles released in the last year to see if you might have missed one. The books' subjects range from contemporary accounts of mass murder--such as Sue Klebold's chronicle of her son Dylan's involvement in the Columbine shootings--to an examination of past cases such as the still unknown identity of Jack the Ripper.

Tags

• Adults
• Biography & Memoir
• For History Buffs
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Mysteries & Thrillers

The Purr-fect Match

For the cat lady in all of us.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• The Natural World
• Just Fun Stuff

Reimaginings

Sometimes a story is so good, it just begs to be retold.

Tags

• Adults
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)

Take Me Anywhere

No immediate travel plans? Get lost in these characters as they head off on new adventures.

Tags

• Adults
• Global Perspectives

Families are Complicated

Tolstoy famously started Anna Karenina with the line: "All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way." Happy and unhappy is well and good, but what about the quirks and complications that come with family ties? These novels are rife with it--and may just make you want to call your family to say you didn't have it that bad after all.

Tags

• Adults
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Families & Relationships

Surprising Speakers

Sometimes a good story becomes a great one because of a key factor: the narrator. Whether they have an unexpected narrator or a narrator whose voice cannot be fully trusted, these novels tell great and unexpected stories.

Tags

• Teens
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)

And the Award Does Not Go To...

These actors never won acting Oscars, though some were treated to an honorary award later in their careers. Here are, in my opinion, are their best movies for which they should have taken home acting statues.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV

Oscars' Second Best Pictures

These films are all critically-acclaimed classics but they did not win Oscars' most coveted prize: the Best Picture of the year. Was the film that won better? You decide.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Classics & Award Winners

Crossing the Mexican-American Border

A sampling of the many fiction and nonfiction books, as well as movies, that focus on the policies, perils and corruption surrounding the Mexican-American border. A divisive topic in political debates today, maybe these materials will provide some insight.

Tags

• Adults
• Global Perspectives

Young Professional Career Services

In conjunction with Be an Adult: The Job Edition held on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 from 7-8:30 in the Radmacher Room

Tags

• Adults
• Business & Careers

Woody Plays the Fool

"Everybody plays the fool sometimes..." but none better than Woody Allen. Today (and possibly forever), Woody Allen is known as the cerebral comedian, but we should never forget his foolish roots. Here is a list of reminders.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Just Fun Stuff

International Food Memoirs

Some people travel to see the sights, others to learn a language or cross an experience off their bucket list. In these food-focused memoirs, the authors discover a culture through its cuisine; cooking their way to a greater understanding of their new homes and, in many cases, themselves. As an added bonus, recipes are included in many of the books.

Tags

• Biography & Memoir
• Global Perspectives
• Food & Drink

Film Jewels

If you're seeking some visual schmaltz and kvetching to conjure up nostalgic feelings of Rosh Hashanah dinner with your American-Jewish family at Bubbe's house, then here's a list of my favorite films featuring Jewish actors or characters.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Religion, Faith & Spirituality
• Families & Relationships

Underrated Performances

All of these films were nominated for acting Oscars but lost. I'm not saying that these actors and actresses were more deserving than the winners, but these are still some fabulous, though overlooked, performances.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV

Scandalous Suspense

Forget the guilt and simply take pleasure in the ridiculously unrealistic drama, mystery, suspense, and romance of these popular television shows. Your jaw will be on the floor after every episode, so clear your calendar until you finish the series!

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Mysteries & Thrillers
• Just Fun Stuff

Winter Break Reads

Cold day? No school? Then it's the perfect time for a good winter read!

Tags

• Teens
• Staff Picks

Candid Chats: Books by YouTube celebrities

If you're like my teenage daughter and love YouTube, you might like some of these books by famous YouTube personalities (most of whom I admit I'd never heard of). We've got books by people like Joey Graceffa, Tyler Oakley, Grace Helbig, Connor Franta and Miranda Sings. While you might not recognize all the names, you can easily check them out on, you guessed it, YouTube.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Biography & Memoir
• Just Fun Stuff

I'm Angry! Teaching Coping Skills to the Pre-K Set

Children can have big feelings, and when they are sad or angry life can get overwhelming pretty fast. My oldest had a particularly hard time when she turned three, and we often turned to books to help us talk about scary, out-of-control emotions.

Tags

• Kids
• Families & Relationships

Wickedly Witty

The topics of these books may be dark, morbid, or twisted, but the way they're written is hilarious! These books are great for middle grade readers, but adults (like me) enjoy them too!

Tags

• Kids
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)

Making a Job Interview Count

These books offer excellent help when you're preparing for that big interview. They provide sample questions, tips on how to dress and how to follow up.

Tags

• Adults
• Business & Careers

All in the Family

Even when we try to, we can't always put up with our kinfolk. Fortunately, there's plenty of ways to find release in the often tense relationships that comprise modern family life: humor, a heaping spoonfull of acceptance, and the knowledge that incompleteness is a theme-- all of which helps these characters to deal with the screwy routines that provide an eerie kind of reassurance.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Families & Relationships

Intern Recommendations

Just because it's popular doesn't mean it isn't fantastic! Here are a few of my choices among recent mainstream favorites.

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks

The Skinny on Food

Not your average food books (though some recipes are included), these aim to challenge ideas about what food is versus what it should be and educate about the history of all things culinary. Fascinating (food)stuff!

Tags

• Adults
• Food & Drink

Creepy Classics

I love creepy stories any time of year. If I'm looking for something that has the best parts of horror--vivid descriptions of the grotesque, characters facing psychological trauma, and grueling story lines--then the best go-to is a creepy classic. These titles are mainly from the Victorian Gothic and American Romanticism, both literary periods in both Great Britain and America that brought about favorites like Bram Stoker's Dracula and Edgar Allan Poe's The Tell-Tale Heart. I've put them in order by publication date, so we can see how horror writing really evolved.

Tags

• Classics & Award Winners
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Mysteries & Thrillers

Ah, Paris

How many times have you dreamed of living in Paris? These are stories--fiction and nonfiction--of people who followed that dream to live in the City of Light.

Tags

• Adults
• Biography & Memoir
• Global Perspectives

Life Abroad: The Expatriate Experience

Frances Mayes and Peter Mayle are both famous for their memoirs about living abroad (in Tuscany and Provence respectively) but they aren't the only ones to document the expatriate experience. If you want to get a glimpse into life as experienced by Westerners in such countries as India, Japan, Yemen, Morocco and Mexico, check out the books on this list. It also includes a collection of short pieces about the expatriate experience as well as a book about what it's like to be foreign (Italian) and living in the United States.

Tags

• Adults
• Biography & Memoir
• Global Perspectives

Philip K. Dick

The latest multimedia capitalization on the Philip K. Dick legacy is the Amazon Original Series "The Man in the High Castle." Dick's novel of the same name won the 1962 Hugo Award. Since his death in 1982 many of his stories have become hit movies. A list of my favorite Philip K. Dick books and movies follows.

Tags

• Adults
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Select 2015 Mystery Book Award Winners

Here are some prestigious award-winning mysteries of 2015.

Tags

• Adults
• Classics & Award Winners
• Mysteries & Thrillers

Old Hollywood

Strike a pose! The glamour of old Hollywood is here to stay.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• For Artistic Temperaments

YA Authors On Tour

Ally Condie, Jandy Nelson and Meg Wolitzer are coming to the Skokie Public Library! New to their books? Check out this selection of some of their best work, and then come hear them speak at our author visit on November 5, 2015!

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• Teens

Favorites from Ethan Long

Children's book author/ illustrator Ethan Long is visiting the library November 20, 2015 and we are very excited! We'd like to share some of our favorites among his books.

Tags

• Kids
• Staff Picks
• Just Fun Stuff

Demanding Art

Artists are driven to create, oftentimes in far less than ideal situations. The following are documentaries and feature films based on real visual artists who have produced work despite challenging circumstances or disability.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• For Artistic Temperaments

Atypical Action

Who doesn't love a good action movie? The problem is, they have a tendency to be very predictable. So here are some selections with unexpected twists that will leave you guessing until the end!

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV

Somebody's Watching Me

What do private eyes, whistle-blowers, and convalescing journalists have in common? Observation, dexterity, a quickness in the eyes? Surveillance can take many shapes and forms, and what better way to engage--or critique--its many tentacles than by watching the masters themselves. Be careful: you're being watched.

Tags

• Movies & TV
• Mysteries & Thrillers

Good Girls Gone Bad

You go, girl! No, seriously. Go away, girl, you're giving me the creeps. Check out these unreliable girls.

Tags

• Adults
• Strong Women
• Mysteries & Thrillers

Graphic Memoirs

Fun Home, which I read on the recommendation of a friend, was my entry point into the world of graphic novels. Delighted by the book, I went on to read Bechdel's second graphic memoir, Are You My Mother? After that, I read Marbles and then Stitches. Along with the other titles in this list these books are united under a double theme: art and mental disorder.

Tags

• Adults
• Classics & Award Winners
• Biography & Memoir
• Comics & Graphic Novels
• For Artistic Temperaments

Special Structures

Sometimes you read a book and marvel at the characters or plot, and sometimes you read a book and marvel at how the author constructed the story itself. If you're looking for engaging books with interesting framing structures, this list is for you.

Tags

• Adults
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Biography & Memoir
• Strong Women
• Families & Relationships

Chicagoland Horror

Halloween is coming up, and these movies should give locals an extra shiver as they were all filmed in Chicagoland, bringing monsters and nightmares to our own backyards!

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)

Fintastic Shark Books for Hungry Readers

Kids love sharks so why wouldn't they love books about sharks? All the easy readers on this list are designed for beginning readers who might want to dive in to a tasty read. Chomp away, shark lovers!

Tags

• Kids
• The Natural World

Three Cheers for Trilogies!

As I near the end of another trilogy series, I found myself reflecting on all of the other great series I have read, and which other ones I am looking forward to. You spend a lot of time with characters when reading three books, and when you get to the end it can feel as if you lost a friend. Here are some great suggestions to start a new relationship with a trilogy!

Tags

• Adults
• Nerd Pride
• Wild Adventures
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Well-Dressed Chick Lit

The world of fashion is a glamorous setting for chick lit, and these selections are tailored (get it?) to the most stylish tastes.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• For Artistic Temperaments

My Sci-Fi Classics

I started reading science fiction and fantasy when I was in my late teens (and I'm not going to tell you how long ago that was!). I didn't start out with the traditional classics by Heinlein, Asimov or Tolkien, what grabbed me was the fantastical, humorous, and heroic.

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Nerd Pride
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

EDM: An Electronic Dance Music Primer

After the infamous “Disco Demolition Night” at Chicago’s Comiskey Park in 1979, American dance music went underground. But the last decade has seen it return to the mainstream with a vengeance. Here, then, is a primer, of some of the best Electronic Dance Music (EDM) the library has to offer.

Tags

• Adults
• Music

Life on Mars?

Gravity may be 62.5% less on Mars, but that doesn't mean that novels set there are any lighter. In fact, the writers of these books delve into questions of nature, politics, and identity. -- By Brodie Austin

Tags

• Adults
• Nerd Pride
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Laughter and Tears

If you're a little manic in your reading tastes, this list of books from hilarious to heart-breaking is for you. -- By Emily Compton-Dzak

Tags

• Adults
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Families & Relationships

Underground Men

Here is a list of books that provide a window into the hidden conscious experience of strange, unsavory, twisted, bitter, depraved and underground men.

Tags

• Adults
• Classics & Award Winners
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)

British Women Investigate

Move over Inspector Morse, Lewis, Linley, Frost, etc. These police women mean business! Here are some terrific UK TV series which feature female leads.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Strong Women
• Global Perspectives

Feline Films

Grab your catnip of choice, get comfy with your mini Tiger, and enjoy these kitty favorites.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Kids
• Movies & TV
• Wild Adventures
• Just Fun Stuff

Affable Trash

Who says you always have to read for elevation and refinement? These titles may not be intellectual, but they sure are fun.

Tags

• Adults
• Summer Selections
• Just Fun Stuff

Good Morning, Vietnam!

After graduating college just over a decade ago, I ended up teaching English in Vietnam. It was a defining, thrilling, sultry, and eye-opening chapter in my life and I only recently had the opportunity to go back for a couple of weeks. (I'm not entirely ready to grasp the fact that it will probably be another five years before I'm able to go back.) These are the titles that keep me feeling connected to Vietnam.

Tags

• Adults
• Global Perspectives
• Food & Drink

Funny Girls

They say laughter boosts energy, strengthens the immune system and reduces stress. While we can't guarantee these audiobooks will have that effect, they should keep you entertained while you're in the car, exercising or doing boring chores. An added bonus: all the books are comprised of short (but funny, of course) chapters and essays so you can squeeze in a laugh any time you want.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Audiobooks
• Biography & Memoir
• Strong Women
• Just Fun Stuff

Just the Facts

The best youth nonfiction for school year 2015-2016 (but these are all good reads for grown-ups too!). By Ron Oberman

Tags

• Teens
• Kids
• For History Buffs

Pie Fight!

The Library of Congress recently announced that it had located the second reel of Laurel and Hardy’s 1927 film The Battle of the Century, which had been missing for 60 years, and purportedly contained the most epic pie-in-the-face scene in all of cinematic history. While we don't yet have a copy of that in circulation, here are some other classic dessert fights we think are totally sweet.

Tags

• Movies & TV
• Food & Drink
• Just Fun Stuff

Movies That Talk

Too many movies these days have nothing to offer besides special effects. It's hard to believe that they even have scripts! As a retreat from the visual bombardment of rapid scene changes and explosive imagery, here is a list of movies in which the the loudest sounds you'll hear are the character's voices.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Classics & Award Winners
• Well-Crafted Writing
• For Artistic Temperaments

Camaraderie for Caregivers

No one really chooses to be a caregiver. Usually it is something that is thrust on you by circumstances. The experience can take you where you never planned to be. Results can be hellish, funny, and, if you're lucky, life affirming.

Tags

• Adults
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Families & Relationships

GoT is Coming--Eventually (but in the meantime...)

If you're a fan of George R.R. Martin and the Game of Thrones series, you know how long the wait can be between books. And now that the TV series has surpassed the books' timeline, maybe it's time to try a new fantasy series while we wait for Mr. Martin to get back to his writing desk.

Tags

• Adults
• Nerd Pride
• Wild Adventures
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Grown-Up Storytime: Great Audiobooks

Driving can make me tense, but I found out years ago that audiobooks do a great job keeping me calm on the road. Here are the best books I've heard during my travels. -- Emily Compton-Dzak

Tags

• Adults
• Summer Selections
• Audiobooks
• Well-Crafted Writing

Found in Translation

According to some polls, average American film-goers shy away from movies with subtitles. But we know that Skokie Public Library patrons are above-average! So here are 10 accessible (and wonderfully entertaining!) foreign films for those ready to adventure forth into the bounty of goodness that is World Cinema.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Global Perspectives

Childhood Cadence

This list includes all of the fun rhythms and musical selections you'll hear in the "Childhood Cadence" playlists that were part of our Read to the Rhythm: Sonic Wall in 2015.

Tags

• Kids
• Music

Thump, Bang, Clap

Applause! Applause! This list includes all of the musical selections you'll hear in the "Handmade Meter" and "Thump, Bump, Bang, Crack, Drum" playlists that were part of our Read to the Rhythm: Sonic Wall in 2015.

Tags

• For Artistic Temperaments
• Global Perspectives
• Music

The Versatile Voice

Chanting, chattering, rapping, speaking poetry. Listen to the rhythm of speech itself. Or hear what the human voice can do as an instrument--no words required! This list includes all of the musical selections you'll hear in the "Speaking the Beat," "Poetic Pulse," and "Vocal Variations" playlists that were part of our Read to the Rhythm: Sonic Wall in 2015.

Tags

• Adults
• For Artistic Temperaments
• Global Perspectives
• Music

Weird and Uneven Tempos

Move beyond the march! This list includes all of the musical selections you'll hear in the "Time and Time Again" and "Weirdo Tempo" playlists that were part of our Read to the Rhythm: Sonic Wall in 2015.

Tags

• Adults
• For Artistic Temperaments
• Global Perspectives
• Music

Noir for Your Night In

Hole up with these suspense-filled vignettes excavating the morass of human behavior from the 1940s to today. The tantalizing femme fatale, the hardboiled private eye, the nefarious peanut gallery of lowlifes: watch as the sheen of goodness wears away, intentions grow murkier, and doom surrounds the scenes. Betrayal never looked so good.

Tags

• Movies & TV
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Mysteries & Thrillers

Not Simply Saris & Spices

There's more to the subcontinent than saris and spices. Delve into stories beyond Salman Rushdie and Jhumpa Lahiri, and discover writers ruminating on the diversity of "South Asia" in English.

Tags

• Adults
• Global Perspectives

Fishing for Good Fiction

Like Norman MacLean's 1976 classic A River Runs Through It, these tales of fishermen and women--which range from serious to satire--are about more than just fishing. Try one--and you just might get hooked!

Tags

• Adults
• Summer Selections
• Well-Crafted Writing
• The Natural World

Doctors Who Write More Than Prescriptions

These are some of the best examples of doctors who write about life and death as experienced through their work and lives. What these books have in common is the fact that doctors are human and medicine at its best is an inexact science.

Tags

• Adults

Bend Me, Shape Me

Urban fantasy fiction gets a bad rep for being trashy. But what's not to love about shape shifters? Here are a few of my favorites that I believe will turn you (get it?) into a fan of the genre.

Tags

• Adults
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Greetings from Camp

A good book takes you on a great adventure, and these "campy" titles will do just that, even if you don't leave home this summer.

Tags

• Kids
• Summer Selections
• Comics & Graphic Novels
• Wild Adventures

Summer Rut-Busters