Lists

Black History Month: Music

For Black History Month, we're highlighting staff-recommended music created and performed by black musicians.

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• Staff Picks
• Music

Black History Month: Movies & TV

For Black History Month, we're highlighting staff-recommended movies and television written, produced, or directed by black creators.

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• Staff Picks
• Movies & TV

Black History Month: Books

For Black History Month, we're highlighting staff-recommended books written by black authors or featuring black characters, for readers of all ages.

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• Staff Picks

When the Oscars Got It Right

I do tend to knock the Oscars a lot for not always picking what I think they should pick (the HORROR!). Here are times from 1990-2018 where I actually agreed with The Academy.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Classics & Award Winners

Coming Together 2020

Enjoy the featured materials selected for Coming Together 2020, Journeys to Niles Township.

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• Adults
• Teens
• Kids
• Coming Together

Girls You Wanna Meet--Sassy, Smart, and Full of Spunk

Young women who inspire and delight us--that's what this list is about. Whether found in books or movies (or both), they constantly provide a fresh perspective, laughable dialog, heartbreaking pathos, muted strength, or a nuanced performance.

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• Adults
• Teens
• Strong Women

2020 Oscar Nominees

Although The Irishman, Marriage Story, and The Two Popes are exclusives on Netflix, here are some Academy Award nominees that you can check out from the library.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV

Chicago Cookbooks

Cookbooks for when you are craving home-cooked Chicago cuisine.

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• Adults
• Food & Drink

Celebrating Winter Holidays with Food

Full disclosure: I have not (yet!) tested the recipes in these books. I am a sucker for luscious food photography, however, so if the two are correlated, the results should be delicious!

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• Adults
• Teens
• Kids
• Food & Drink
• Holiday

Short Books, Big Ideas - Science

One of my favorite kinds of books, and there are so many good ones.

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• Adults
• Science & Technology
• The Natural World

2019 Staff Picks: Nonfiction

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

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks

2019 Staff Picks: Fiction

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

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks

2019 Staff Picks: Movies

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

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Movies & TV

2019 Staff Picks: Music

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

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Music

2019 Staff Picks: Graphic Novels

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

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks

2019 Staff Picks: Mystery and Suspense

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

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks

2019 Staff Picks: TV Series

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

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• Adults
• Staff Picks

2019 Staff Picks: Young Adult

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

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• Teens
• Staff Picks

2019 Staff Picks: Picture Books for Our Youngest Readers

Here are our favorite 2019 books to share with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. We hope that you enjoy these books as much as we do!

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• Kids
• Staff Picks

2019 Staff Picks: Books for Early Readers

Our favorite 2019 books for kids in kindergarten through 3rd grade. Happy reading, everyone!

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• Kids
• Staff Picks

2019 Staff Picks: Books for Middle Grade Readers

Here are our favorite 2019 books for 4th-6th graders. Happy reading, everyone!

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• Kids
• Staff Picks

Gratitude for Families with Young Kids

Sometimes I wish my daughters were still little. I'm grateful to have this opportunity to choose some great picture books for you to share with the little ones in your life, along with a wonderful little book, translated from French, on meditation for children.

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• Kids
• Holiday
• Health & Wellness

Gratitude for Grown-Ups

It's a great time of year to consider, start, or strengthen the role of gratitude in our lives. These books represent just a tiny sample of what's out there, showing the power of gratitude through reflections, stories, and practical tips. Just putting this list together reminds me of many things I'm grateful for!

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• Adults
• Holiday
• Health & Wellness

Movies for the Whole Family

With the cold weather, there's nothing better than cozying up on the couch with the family to watch a movie. Here's a list of films sure to entertain everyone!

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

Reading Is Fundamental: Gender and LGBTQ Books for Kids

For far too long, stories have been predominately about white, cis-het, people, making those who do not fit into this category feel left out. New books featuring more diverse characters give adults and kids alike the opportunity to finally see themselves in the stories they read. These books can help children understand their feelings, express themselves, and remind them that, however they choose to identify, they deserve respect.

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• Teens
• Kids

Fantastic Female Fighter Movies

Have you ever wanted a one-stop shop for movies that feature a woman who isn't afraid to take charge? A girl who isn't afraid of a fight? Look no further than this list!

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Strong Women

Housing Insecurity

Finding affordable housing in Cook County is becoming increasingly difficult. With few options on the market, families may be evicted from their current home, forced to couch surf, or even end up in homeless shelters. These books may help parents with the tough task of explaining a difficult housing situation. Resources for parents are also included.

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• Adults
• Kids
• Families & Relationships
• Money Matters

Under-Told Histories of Racism and Immigration

"Why isn't this taught in our history books?!" Adults and children alike cry out when they learn about an injustice that the historical canon often does not discuss. While these injustices may not be taught in history books, they are being discussed today by many different authors. These books examine specific events in our time and in the recent past that deserve our attention. For kids ranging from about 7 to 17 and their families.

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• Teens
• Kids
• Families & Relationships
• Global Perspectives

Hidden Gems, Foreign Edition

Flicks in other languages that you might have missed!

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Global Perspectives

Hidden Gems 3.0

Craving more unsung films? Try these!

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• Adults
• Movies & TV

Hidden Gems 4.0

Even more titles you could have skipped past while browsing...

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• Adults
• Movies & TV

Under the Radar 4.0

If you're looking for hidden gems and overlooked releases, check out the items on this list.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV

Indigenous Perspectives

In honor of indigenous peoples and their ways of life, here are some suggested titles.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV

To the Moon and Back with Music

The Milky Way Galaxy, constellations, space travel, the planets, the moon, and the sun have intrigued composers and musicians for centuries. This list includes some of the best selections of this themed music from the classical, jazz, blues, and rock traditions.

Tags

• Adults
• Music

The Midnight Disease

In his novel Wonder Boys, Michael Chabon diagnoses writers with the "midnight disease," a form of insomnia driven by late-night inspiration, resulting in daytime madness. These movies and the books that influenced them demonstrate witness its effects.

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

Doin' the Downton

The Downton Abbey movie is now in theaters and it may be the highlight of the year. Well, for Anglophiles like me it is. For you, maybe just a mildly exciting happening. Regardless, if you are even slightly enthusiastic, use these items to enhance your enjoyment of both the upstairs Crawleys and the downstairs servants.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• For History Buffs

Non-Superhero Superheroes

These heroes do not need superpowers!

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• Adults
• Movies & TV

Two Time Periods Are Better Than One

These engaging, captivating novels feature intersecting stories set in two different times.

Tags

• Adults
• Strong Women
• Historical Fiction

Acting with a Disability

There are many actors with disabilities who have major roles in movies and television. Many are advocates for people with their same disability.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV

The 20 Campiest Fashion Movies

The first Monday night in May, all eyes turn to New York City and the annual Met Gala. Celebrities and fashion insiders descend upon the Metropolitan Museum of Art and, this year's exhibition was framed around Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay Notes on "Camp." Bolton found Sontag’s writings so timely with what is going on culturally and politically that, “[he] felt it would have a lot of cultural resonance.” In light of the Met theme, I have put together a list of the most absurdist, out-of-this-world, exaggerated, futuristic, cheeky costume designs used in movies!

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Just Fun Stuff

Music by Featured Artists at Ravinia, June-mid July 2019

Ready to relax, engage with friends and neighbors in the beautiful setting we call Ravinia? Chicagoan's suffer through what sometimes seems to be an endless winter, so the Ravinia schedule is relished every year. Who doesn't long to hear some of the great stars of today, see some of the finest dancers, or view movies accompanied by the world-famous Chicago Symphony? Preview or embellish your enjoyment of this year's presentations, and get out and support and enjoy great, live music.

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• Adults
• Summer Selections
• Music

Movies about Friends and Neighbors

Find feature movies and documentaries about community, friendship, and helping one another.

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• Movies & TV
• Summer Selections

2019 District 65 Summer Reading List (K-2)

Check out these wonderful books recommended by Evanston/Skokie School District 65 librarians and teachers.

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• Kids
• Summer Selections

2019 District 65 Summer Reading List (3-5)

This list of summer reads was curated by Evanston/Skokie School District 65's librarians and teachers.

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• Kids
• Summer Selections

2019 District 65 Summer Reading List (Español)

The suggested grade levels for each book are included in the notes. Teachers in Evanston/Skokie District 65 selected these books.

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• Kids
• Summer Selections

2019 District 65 Summer Reading List (grades K-2)

These wonderful books are recommended by Evanston/Skokie School District 65 librarians and teachers.

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• Kids
• Summer Selections

2019 District 65 Summer Reading List (grades 3-5)

This list of summer reads for kids in grades 3-5 was compiled by Evanston/Skokie School District 65's librarians and teachers.

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• Kids
• Summer Selections

Summer 2019 Friends & Neighbors: Preschool Books

Connect, explore, imagine, and create. It's always more fun when you include family, friends, and neighbors.

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• Kids
• Summer Selections

Summer 2019 Friends & Neighbors: Grades K-2

Connect, explore, imagine, and create. It's more fun when you include family, friends, and neighbors.

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• Kids
• Summer Selections

Summer 2019 Friends & Neighbors: Grades 3-5

Connect, explore, imagine, and create. It's more fun when you include family, friends, and neighbors.

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• Kids
• Summer Selections

Summer 2019 Friends & Neighbors: Grades 6-8

Connect, explore, imagine, and create. It's more fun when you include family, friends, and neighbors.

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• Teens
• Kids
• Summer Selections

Opioid Epidemic

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 115 people in the U.S. die each day after overdosing on opioids. The Midwest has been hit particularly hard by this epidemic. Across the country, from rich neighborhoods to rural enclaves, it seems that no community has been spared the horror of this epidemic. It was caused, in good part, by doctors, seeking to help patients manage pain. Several publications now address the history and devastation of this epidemic, as well as responses by pharmaceutical companies, the federal government, faith leaders, and community activists.

[Supplement: Public libraries are helping communities respond to the devastation. The Public Library Association (PLA) and OCLC are producing eight case studies of varied communities in which the public library is playing a role in responding to the opioid crisis.]

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• Science & Technology
• Health & Wellness

2019 Niles North Summer Reading List

Pick up a great book, or several, from the official Niles North list for summer 2019.

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2019 Niles West Summer Reading List

Pick some great books for the summer! Here is the official Niles West reading list for summer 2019.

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• Teens
• Summer Selections

Shah Rukh Khan Films

I'll admit it. I'm a little obsessed with the famous Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan. And I discovered his films about a decade ago by checking them out from Skokie Public Library! These are some of my favorite SRK (Shah Rukh Khan) movies, from when he was the #1 heartthrob in Indian cinema.

Tags

• Movies & TV
• Global Perspectives

Difficult Paths to Education

For many students, a formal education has not been easy to acquire. This may be because of political and equity reasons, weather-related delays or problems, gang-targeted school routes, families not valuing the importance of education, or learning challenges. This list examines the issues for those who have difficulty acquiring the education they so inherently deserve. My hope is that all of us come to appreciate and understand the priceless nature of education so many of us take for granted.

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• Adults
• For History Buffs
• Strong Women

Cool Summer Reads 2019

Some of our favorite books for kids in grades 3-5 to read this summer!

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• Kids
• Summer Selections

Hot Summer Reads 2019

Attention junior high students! From hundreds of new books, we've chosen 10 that we know you will love. Sci-fi, horror, fantasy, romance--they're all right here.

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• Teens
• Summer Selections

Recent Hidden Gems, Part 1

Catch up on some "under the radar" films that might have come and gone without notice.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV

Recent Hidden Gems, Part 2

Even more "under the radar" films that might have come and gone without notice.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV

Become a Better Investor

Try one of these recent investment advice books.

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• Adults
• Money Matters

New Riffs on Retirement

Recent advice on preparing for a well-funded and happy retirement and possibly doing it at an earlier age.

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• Adults
• Money Matters

Be Money Smart in 2019

Personal finance books to help you manage your financial life.

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• Adults
• Money Matters

Under the Radar 3.0

If you're looking for hidden gems, overlooked releases, or slightly forgotten films, check out the items on this list.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV

Under the Radar 3.5

If you're looking for hidden gems, overlooked releases, or slightly forgotten films, check out the movies on this list.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV

Women in the Director's Chair

Celebrate women directors. Here are some recently released movies directed by women; some are veterans and others are up-and-coming filmmakers.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV

Books Inspired by the Arabian Nights

Although the influence of the Arabian Nights can hardly be reduced to eight books, I hope this selection gives an approximate idea of the range of that influence, and will gratify those readers who wish the Nights will never end.

Tags

• Adults
• Wild Adventures
• Global Perspectives

BEST Best Pictures

Around "awards season," people often note the films that shouldn't have won Best Picture. Here, I'd rather highlight some of the best ones that did win...in my opinion.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Classics & Award Winners

Reading to Keep You Awake

From skin-crawlingly creepy horror to psychological suspense, these books will keep you up at night.

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• Adults
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Mysteries & Thrillers

Movies for Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, here are some suggested titles from Black directors and featuring Black characters.

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• Movies & TV
• Classics & Award Winners
• For History Buffs

Black History Month Documentaries

In February, in honor of Black History Month, check out these documentaries on the Black experience, from either a contemporary or a historical point of view.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV

Black History Month 2019--Books for Adults and Teens

In honor of Black History Month, here are some recent titles celebrating Black lives that are perfect for adult and teen readers.

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• Adults
• Teens
• Biography & Memoir
• For History Buffs

It Ain't All Gamblers and Gunslingers

Westerns are peopled by many character types—from rebellious and headstrong men and women, to the desperate, confused, and outright maniacal—all of them bound together by the forbidding, but beautiful landscape that serves as a character in its own right.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Wild Adventures

Modern Film Noirs

Think noir movies are only black and white films from the 1940s? Well, think again!

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

Beyond The Nutcracker

If you enjoy classical ballet, I invite you to also explore these contemporary ballet and modern dance features and documentaries. You'll be entertained and awed by the choreography, and by the athletic and artistic prowess of the dancers. And in some, you'll get to see how the choreographers work, as well. The following titles are by no means a complete list of the library's holdings! Also, there are oodles more titles to stream on Kanopy and Hoopla.

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• Movies & TV
• For Artistic Temperaments
• Music

Kindness Matters

These picture books emphasize the importance of being kind to everyone.

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• Kids
• Just Fun Stuff

Desi & Desi-American Fiction

As someone working on a novel about an Indian-American family, I am constantly trying to diversify my reading palette by diving into books by different Desi authors. Although Khaled Hosseini would be considered an Afghan author and not Desi, his first novel has resonated with me deeply and it would be a loss to omit from this list. Many of these titles are from the early 2000s but each tell an important tale that has, and will likely continue to, stand the test of time.

Tags

• Well-Crafted Writing
• Global Perspectives

Pairs Well with Wine

At home having a nice glass of wine and want something to watch? These films might go well with what you're sipping.

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• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Romance

2018 Staff Picks: Picture Books to Share with Our Youngest Readers

Our favorite books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

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• Kids
• Staff Picks

2018 Staff Picks: Teens

Our experts select the best books of 2018 for teens.

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• Teens
• Staff Picks

2018 Staff Picks: Books For Early Readers

Our favorite books for Kindergarten through Third Graders.

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• Kids
• Staff Picks

2018 Staff Picks: Books for Middle Grade Readers

Our favorite books for 4th-6th graders.

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• Kids
• Staff Picks

2018 Staff Picks: Fiction

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

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks

2018 Staff Picks: Mystery and Thriller

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

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• Staff Picks
• Mysteries & Thrillers

2018 Staff Picks: Nonfiction

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

Tags

• Adults
• Staff Picks
• Biography & Memoir
• Science & Technology

2018 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
• Comics & Graphic Novels

2018 Staff Picks: Science Fiction and Fantasy

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

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• Staff Picks
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

2018 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

2018 Staff Picks: Movies and TV

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

Tags

• Staff Picks
• Movies & TV

Off-Beat Graphic Novels for Adults

These quirky, often irreverent graphic novels are a bit off the beaten path. Find something new, dark, weird, or interesting to match your personality.

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• Adults
• Comics & Graphic Novels

In Their Words

This list of funny, insightful, and inspirational audiobook memoirs deliver more impact when read by the actual authors.

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• Audiobooks
• Biography & Memoir

Visually Stunning Films

Give your eyeballs a treat with these ground-breaking, fascinating, and gorgeous films.

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• Movies & TV
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Wild Adventures

Dark Futures

From sci-fi to modern classics, these are worlds you wouldn't want to find yourself living in.

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• Adults
• Classics & Award Winners
• Wild Adventures

Spooky Movies for Family Fun Part 2

More ideas for October viewing; take look and enjoy. Age recommendations provided by commonsensemedia.org, when available.

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• Teens
• Kids
• Movies & TV
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Just Fun Stuff

Movies about Movies

Hollywood has been self-examining itself for years. Here are some of the best!

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Classics & Award Winners
• Mysteries & Thrillers

Hitchcocktober

I cannot take credit for the creative merge of The Master of Suspense with the 10th month on the calendar. I saw it in a BBC America email and it spurred me on to recommend some spooky Hitchcockian tales.

Tags

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

Notable Firsts and Promising Introductions

Enjoy this list of artistically significant movie debuts, starts, and firsts.

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• Movies & TV
• Classics & Award Winners
• Global Perspectives

Classic Rom-Coms by Classic Directors

Romantic comedies are hardly a recent addition to American cinema. Here are some oldies but goodies that are just as good—if not better—than today's rom coms.

Tags

• Adults
• Classics & Award Winners
• Romance

Differently Dead

American funerary practices are big business that have little to do with the naturalness of death. Author and non-profit undertaker Caitlin Doughty wrote, “Due to the corporatization and commercialization of deathcare, we have fallen behind the rest of the world when it comes to proximity, intimacy, and ritual around death.” But that is changing—with the green burial movement, in particular. These books and movies explore alternatives to current mainstream funerary and deathcare practices.

Tags

• Adults
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)

On the Basis of Sex: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Supreme Court Judge, exercise enthusiast, opera lover, advocate for equality, mentor to hundreds of female attorneys, role-model for many women—Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) strikes fear and wonder into the hearts of many. This list views her through a variety of different lenses.

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• Adults
• Biography & Memoir
• For History Buffs

Stellar Courtroom Dramas

Looking for a little legal drama to spice up your life? Well, look no further than these great films set in the world of lawyers and courts.

Tags

• Adults
• Classics & Award Winners
• Mysteries & Thrillers

Let's Go Back in Time! (6th-8th Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go back in time. The books on this list will help you travel back through time.

Tags

• Kids
• For History Buffs

Let's Go Back in Time! (K-2nd Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go back in time. The books on this list will help you travel back through the pages of history.

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• Kids
• For History Buffs

Let's Go Back in Time! (3rd-5th Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go back in time. The books on this list will help you get a blast from the past.

Tags

• Kids
• Historical Fiction
• Just Fun Stuff

Let's Go Back in Time! (picture books)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go back in time. The books on this list will help you step back into the past.

Tags

• Kids
• Just Fun Stuff

Let's Go on a Quest! (3rd-5th Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on a quest. The books on this list will help you launch your next adventure.

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• Kids
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Let's Go to the Cinema! (6th-8th Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go to the Cinema. The books on this list inspired great movies.

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• Kids
• Movies & TV

Let's Go to the Cinema! (Picture Books)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go to the Cinema! The books on this list were turned into fantastic films.

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• Kids
• Movies & TV

Let's Go on a World Tour! (Picture Books)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on a World Tour! The books on this list will take you places you've only dreamed of visiting.

Tags

• Kids

Let's Go on a Quest! (6th-8th Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on a quest!

Tags

• Kids
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Let's Go to the Cinema! (3rd-5th Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go to the Cinema! The books on this list inspired movie magic.

Tags

• Kids
• Movies & TV

Let's Go to a Studio! (Picture Books)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go to the Studio! The books on this list will help inspire the imaginations of young artists.

Tags

• Kids
• For Artistic Temperaments

Let's Go on a Picnic! (6th-8th Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on a Picnic! The books on this list will get you excited about food this summer.

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• Kids
• Food & Drink

Let's Go on a Picnic! (3rd-5th Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on a Picnic! The books on this list will help you work up an appetite.

Tags

• Kids
• Food & Drink

Let's Go on a Picnic! (K-2nd Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on a Picnic! The books on this list will help you plan for your outdoor meal.

Tags

• Kids
• Food & Drink

Let’s Go on a World Tour (Adult/Teen)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on a World Tour. Try these items and explore all parts of the planet.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Global Perspectives

Let’s Go to the Laboratory (Adult/Teen)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go to the laboratory. These works of science and science fiction provide a summer's worth of knowledge and entertainment.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Science Fiction & Fantasy
• Science & Technology

Let's Go To the Cinema (Adult/Teen)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go to the cinema! The books on this list will help you become a Summer Reading movie star.

Tags

• Movies & TV
• Biography & Memoir

Let's Go on a Picnic (picture books)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on an picnic! Take a bite. These books are delicious.

Tags

• Kids

Let's Go to the Park (Adult/Teen)

Skokie has tons of public parks and summer is the perfect time to visit them! These books are all about games and sports perfect for playing at the park or perfect for just reading at the park.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• Just Fun Stuff

Let's Go to the Studio (Adult/Teen)

The following books will help jumpstart your creativity and entertain you with stories of artists.

Tags

• Adults
• Teens
• For Artistic Temperaments
• Just Fun Stuff

Movie Nights at Ravinia 2018

This summer Ravinia is bringing us a great selection of movies which will be broadcast on large screens throughout the park. The amazing part is that the music scores will be played by live orchestras! Plan to hear some of the best film music composed by Bernard Herrmann, John Williams, and John Corigliano played by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Chicago Philharmonic.

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Let's Go To a Concert

Going to a concert can really transport the listener to another place—there is so much happening in and around the show. These books shed some light on the many factors that go into making it all happen!

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• Adults
• Music

Let's Go to Skokie (Adult/Teen)

Summer is the perfect time for a staycation so let's explore Skokie and earn that Summer Reading badge in the process!

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• Adults
• Teens
• Biography & Memoir
• For History Buffs

Let's Go on a Picnic

It's summertime and the outdoors is a-callin'. Grab a basket and blanket and head to the park, or fire up the grill in your own backyard. From the simple to the exotic, these books offer suggestions for outdoor eating. And there are culinary fiction books to enjoy, as well.

Tags

• Adults
• Food & Drink

Milos Forman and His Movies

The Czech director of two of my favorite films (Amadeus and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest) passed away recently. And even though he did not direct many films, his impact on the filmmaking world is considered legendary.

Tags

• Adults
• Movies & TV
• Classics & Award Winners

Let's Go to the Moon! (picture books)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go to the moon: 3, 2, 1, blast off!

Tags

• Kids
• The Natural World

Let's Go to the Moon! (K-2nd Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go to the moon: 3, 2, 1, blast off!

Tags

• Kids
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Let's Go to the Moon! (3rd-5th Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go to the moon: 3, 2, 1, blast off!

Tags

• Kids
• Science Fiction & Fantasy
• Science & Technology

Let's Go to the Moon! (6th-8th Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go to the moon: 3, 2, 1, blast off!

Tags

• Kids
• Science Fiction & Fantasy

Let’s Go to the Moon (Adult/Teen)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go to the Moon. These books can take you to space and different realms and worlds without you having to leave your home. Blast off!

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• Adults
• Teens
• Science Fiction & Fantasy
• Science & Technology

Outstanding Audiobooks, 2018

This is a select list of finalists for the annual Audie Awards which recognize outstanding audiobooks and spoken-word entertainment. The awards were conferred in May. See if I picked the winners: https://www.audiopub.org/winners/2017-audies-1

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• Audiobooks
• Classics & Award Winners

33rd Chicago Gospel Festival June 1& 2, 2018

Before you start stomping your feet and clapping your hands at this year's Gospel Festival, take a look at this list of CDs and books that will enrich your experience of this world-class event.

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Let's Go on an Adventure (Adult/Teen)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on an Adventure. These books can take you to faraway places without you having to leave your comfiest chair.

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• Adults
• Teens
• Wild Adventures

Let's Go on an Adventure (3rd-5th Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on an adventure! These books will take you on the ride of your life.

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• Kids
• Wild Adventures

Let's Go on an Adventure (K-2nd Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on an adventure! These books will take you on the ride of your life

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• Kids
• Wild Adventures

Let's Go on an Adventure (6th-8th Grade)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on an adventure! These books will take you on the ride of your life.

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• Kids
• Wild Adventures

Let's Go on an Adventure (picture books)

In celebration of Summer Reading, let's go on an adventure! These books will take you on the ride of your life.

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• Kids
• Wild Adventures

Niles North High School 2018 Summer Reading List

Niles North High School 2018 Summer Reading List

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• Teens

Niles West High School 2018 Summer Reading List

Niles West High School 2018 Summer Reading List

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• Teens

I’m Not Crying, You’re Crying

Some movies, despite our best efforts, make us cry. Tearjerkers, weepies, melodramas, and perhaps most pejoratively, the chick-flick, these films are often oppressively fine-tuned to elicit our sorrow. Here are some movies that earned my own recalcitrant tears.

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• Movies & TV
• For Artistic Temperaments
• Global Perspectives

Money Moves

This list features autobiographical books by famous black women who want to talk to you about money, relationships, discrimination and everything in between.

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Evanston Literary Festival 2018

Running May 12 through 20, 2018, the Evanston Literary Festival brings books to life. Guests include: Daniel Kraus (The Shape of Water), Audrey Niffenegger, Eddie Campbell, Charles Johnson, Nadine Strossen, Angela Morales, Ricardo Rowan Phillips, Sofa Samatar, and others. Coordinated specifically to coincide and partner with the Northwestern Spring Writers' Festival in mid-May, the festival casts a spotlight on the fantastic selection of literati (including readers, writers, and publishers) in and around the Evanston area.

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• Classics & Award Winners
• Well-Crafted Writing
• Strong Women

Alaska!

As we celebrated longer hours of daylight this spring, I was reading a novel set in the interminable darkness of an Alaskan winter. Yet, despite the lack of daylight (just over 3 ½ hours on the shortest day in Fairbanks), Alaska inspires and fascinates many people who are looking for true wilderness and adventure, plus opportunities for quiet and solitude. Maybe you yourself don’t want to live there, but you can experience it vividly through these books.

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• Biography & Memoir
• Wild Adventures
• The Natural World

Armchair Travel

Want to take a staycation? Try these movies set in beautiful, scenic, breathtaking locales while staying in the comfort of your home.

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• Movies & TV
• Wild Adventures
• Global Perspectives

Hear Our Voice!

Movements like March for Our Lives have proven once again that anyone, regardless of age, can be civically engaged in a meaningful way. Whether that means organizing a protest or simply starting a conversation, this list is a new generation's guide to speaking up about injustice and creating change on a local and national level.

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• Teens
• Biography & Memoir
• Strong Women

Cool Summer Reads 2018

What's cooler than cool? These awesome summer reads for third through fifth graders!

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• Kids

Hot Summer Reads 2018

Attention 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

Fairy Tales Retold

Your favorite timeless stories with a twist.

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• Strong Women
• Offbeat (and a Little Dark)
• Mysteries & Thrillers

Catch a Killer

Have you ever wondered if you have what it takes to track down a serial killer? Close a cold case? Discover a murderer in your own midst? The characters in these books will take you down the cold, dark road to an answer. You might not like what you find out.

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

Tchaikovsky at Chicago's Steppenwolf Theater

Playwright, pianist, and actor Hershey Felder is known for bringing musical greats like Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, and Franz Liszt to life with his engaging and acclaimed solo shows. His latest subject is Piotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky—not only considered one of Russia's greatest composers, one of the greatest composers of all time. Check out these selections before or after the performance and enrich your experience.

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• Biography & Memoir
• Music

Leonard Bernstein at 100

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great American musician, conductor, composer, and music educator, Leonard Bernstein. With so many local organizations paying tribute to this phenomenally creative artist, it is appropriate to take a look at his vast catalog of contributions. Included in this list are CDs, DVDs, and books to round out our tour of all things Bernstein.

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• Movies & TV
• Classics & Award Winners
• Music

Under the Radar 2.5

If you're looking for hidden gems, overlooked releases, or the slightly forgotten, check out the items on this list.

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• Movies & TV
• Classics & Award Winners
• Strong Women

Get the Gardening Bug

For avid gardeners, floral dabblers, and armchair observers, here are some cinematic recommendations that have more blooms than weeds.

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• Summer Selections
• The Natural World

Business Narratives

Highly readable accounts of recent business scandals, investigations, meltdowns, plant closings, new product developments, and the occasional happy development.

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• Adults
• Biography & Memoir
• Money Matters
• Business & Careers

Underwater Beauty: Shedd Aquarium's Special Exhibit

Oceans, lakes, and rivers are filled with unusual and stunning creatures. Many of us never get to see what beauty lies beneath the surface. Chicago's Shedd Aquarium is the best place to see these strange and bizarre creatures. But before you head to the museum, take a glance at the gems we have in our collection. It will enhance your visit.

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• Science & Technology
• The Natural World

Lagom: Culture of Enough

Last year I compiled a list on hygge, the Danish expression for cozy, warm, and homey. This season, I want to highlight a new trend which many Americans are embracing (including Oprah): lagom, which means "just the right amount."

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• Global Perspectives
• Just Fun Stuff
• Health & Wellness

Under the Radar Picks 2.0

If you're looking for hidden gems, overlooked releases, or the slightly forgotten, check out the items on this list.

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• Movies & TV
• Romance
• Global Perspectives

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.

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• 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 weren't in the mood to leave the house? Both world famous and small performances come together to make this your go-to list for a listener's 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.

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• 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.

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• 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.

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• 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 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
• Holiday
• 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.

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• 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.

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• Movies & TV
• Strong Women
• Global Perspectives

Under the Radar Picks

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

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• 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.

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• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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.

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• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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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• Adults
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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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• Adults
• 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

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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Food & Drink