Spotlight on Women Directors: Independent Films
We believe these critically acclaimed under the radar gems deserve to be seen more often. Compiled by Sharon, Rummanah, and Chris.
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Women Making History
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” —Michelle Obama. We love to celebrate the achievements and determination of women everywhere. Here are several of our favorite nonfiction books about women making waves.
Excellence in Black Fiction
Here is some of the best fiction by Black authors published in 2024 and 2025.
Excellence in Black Nonfiction
Here is some of the best nonfiction by Black authors published in 2024 and 2025.
Excellence in Black Music: Blues, R&B, Jazz, Folk, and Country
Enjoy these albums created by Black musicians and recommended by our staff members.
Excellence in Black Music: Pop, Rock, Rap, and Hip-Hop
We're highlighting albums created by Black musicians and recommended by our staff members.
Excellence in Black Movies and TV
We're highlighting staff-recommended movies and television shows written, produced, or directed by Black creators.
2025 Staff Picks for Grade 3-5: Fiction
Our expert staff members have selected these excellent titles for kids.
2025 Staff Picks: Television
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Film
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Biography and Memoir
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Historical Fiction
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Nonfiction
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Literary Fiction
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Romance
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Fantasy
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Adult Graphic Novels
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Science Fiction
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Mystery
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Suspense and Thrillers
Our expert staff members look back at the year and choose some of their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Horror
Our expert staff members look back at the year and choose some of their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Music
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite albums.
2025 Staff Picks: Teen
Our expert staff members look back at the year and choose some of their favorites.
2025 Staff Picks: Teen Graphic Novels
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks for Babies-PreK
So many great books! Here are some of this year's favorites, selected by our expert staff members.
2025 Staff Picks for Grade K-2: Picture Books
Our expert staff members have selected these picture books especially for this age group.
2025 Staff Picks for Grade K-2: Readers, Chapter Books, Graphic Novels, and Nonfiction
The list includes books for kids just learning to read, through independent readers. Also see the Staff Picks list for picture books for this age group.
2025 Staff Picks for Grade 3-5: Graphic Novels and Nonfiction
Our expert staff members have selected these books for enjoying both nonfiction and graphic novels.
2025 Staff Picks: Grade 6-8
Some of our favorite 2025 fiction and graphic novels for middle schoolers. From funny to fantasy, realistic to mystery, there's something here for everyone to love.
2025 Staff Picks: Documentaries and World Films
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Independent Films
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles.
2025 Staff Picks: Family-Friendly Movies
Our expert staff members look back at the year and share their favorite titles. Age recommendations provided by commonsensemedia.org.
Beginner's Guide to Cookbooks: Staff Picks
We have a lot of favorites--here are some cookbooks that staff highly recommend. Yum!
Embrace Nature
Whether the nature you know is outside your back door or a wilderness destination, there is endless beauty and wonder to be celebrated in the natural world. Here, Skokie librarians share some favorite books about nature and the benefits of getting outdoors.
Celebrating Jewish Voices
Explore and get inspired by Jewish biographies, culinary traditions, and memoirs.
Colleen Hoover Readalikes
Whether you have read all of Colleen Hoover's books or have one on hold, our staff has compiled a list of books that you might also enjoy.