Banned Books Week is an annual event celebrating open access to information and our freedom to read. Each year, several books are challenged in libraries and schools across the country, and their removal requested. Banned Books Week shines a light on these attempts at censorship by releasing a list of the most-challenged books that year.
These books honor the contributions of the world's Indigenous peoples—the descendants of a given region's original inhabitants—and the cultural heritage with which they continue to identify. As a way to engage with authentic representations of the Indigenous cultures of the United States, these great titles feature Native American characters, authors, and stories.
The wait between Star Wars movies is just too long for true fanatics! A good read can help you "Force" yourself to hang in there. Enjoy these stories featuring familiar Star Wars characters—and other tales of galaxies far, far away.
Graphic Novels feature some of the best storytelling you'll find anywhere! We bet you can't read just one!
Fiction and nonfiction titles about teens experiencing homelessness.
Check out one of these too good to miss titles for readers in 6-8th grade!
When feelings of intense fear and distress are overwhelming and prevent us from doing everyday things, an anxiety disorder may be the cause. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 40 million adults (19%) in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder.
These books feature many different relationships from the good to the bad. They are realistic portrayals of things that are happening to teens in Bloomington and all over the country. Pick one up to learn, to grow, or to find comfort that you are not alone.
Celebrate LGBTQIA+ voices by reading young adult books written by contemporary LGBTQIA+ authors!
There are tons of movies and tv shows that have come out or are coming out based on books and graphic novels. Get a jump on the lines and read the book before you see the movie or tv show!
From the Young Adult Library Services Association -
The Teens' Top Ten is a "teen choice" list, where you, the teen, nominate and choose your favorite books of the previous year! Exciting, right?! You can participate as long as you are between the ages twelve to eighteen. Reading is a great pastime so we'd love it if you participated!
Ready, set, go! Start reading the nominees for the Eliot Rosewater Book Award and vote for your favorite. You just might choose the winner!
Want to lose yourself in a romantic story about love between a human and a vampire/werewolf/angel/zombie (seriously, zombie), or are you just looking for a realistic tale of meet cutes and true love? Try one of these with a side of hot chocolate for the perfect romantic night in.
Whether your interests are in solving a mystery or getting into the mind of a criminal, these titles have something for you, from missing persons to murder to a touch of the supernatural.