Looking for your next great read? Our library staff has you covered! We have handpicked some favorite books to share—stories that made us laugh, think, cry, or stay up way too late turning pages. From gripping thrillers and heartwarming novels to thought-provoking nonfiction and hidden gems, this Staff Picks Reading List offers something for every kind of reader. Whether you’re in a reading slump or just browsing for inspiration, let us help you discover a new favorite. Happy reading!

War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy
The monumental Russian classic reflects the life and times of Russian society during the Napoleonic War.
Genre: Classic Literature
Recommended by Kandy – Circulation Department

Summer of Night – Dan Simmons
Terror comes to Elm Haven, Illinois, when something or someone makes off with a child, bizarre events occur with increasing frequency, and the long-silent Borgia Bell rings by itself, announcing a malignant presence.
Genre: Horror
Recommended by Mark – Processing Department

Strange the Dreamer – Laini Taylor
In the aftermath of a war between gods and men, a hero, a librarian, and a girl must battle the fantastical elements of a mysterious city stripped of its name.
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Recommended by Liza – Circulation Department

Young Mungo – Douglas Stuart
In Glasgow, Mungo and James, who should be enemies due to their religious beliefs, fall in love, dreaming of finding somewhere they belong, while Mungo works hard to hide his true self from all those around him to protect them both from the danger their relationship brings.
Genre: Literary Fiction
Recommended by Ben – Information Services Department

Covet – J.R. Ward
When hard-edged Jim Heron becomes a fallen angel, he’s tasked with saving seven souls from the grip of the seven deadly sins—or risk eternal consequences. His first mission involves Vin diPietro, a driven businessman whose fate is upended by a mysterious savior on a Harley and a woman who just might lead him to redemption.
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Recommended by Jackie – Circulation Department

A Perfect Blood – Kim Harrison
When mutilated, part-human corpses surface across Cincinnati, day-walking demon Rachel Morgan is called in by the FIB to uncover the killer. But the truth is far darker—a rogue creator is trying to make new demons, and Rachel’s blood is the key to their monstrous plan.
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Recommended by Amanda – Circulation Department

American Sirens: The incredible story of the Black men who became America’s first paramedics – Kevin Hazzard
The story of a group of Black men in Pittsburgh who became the first paramedics in America and forever changed how emergency medicine is administered, only to find their history and legacy erased.
Genre: Non-fiction – society & culture
Recommended by Stefanie – Information Services Department

Burn for Me – Ilona Andrews
A pyrokinetic “Prime” is on the loose, using powerful magic to incinerate anyone or anything that stands in his way, and it’s up to private investigator Nevada Baylor to stop him. She finds an unlikely ally in Mad Rogan, a billionaire with dark powers of his own who also seeks the rogue Prime, but for personal reasons.
Genre: Romantic Fantasy
Recommended by Ashley – Interlibrary Loan Department

A Discovery of Witches – Deborah Harkness
Discovering a magical manuscript in Oxford’s library, scholar Diana Bishop, a descendant of witches who has rejected her heritage, inadvertently unleashes a fantastical underworld of daemons, witches and vampires whose activities center around an enchanted treasure.
Genre: Fantasy/Magical Realism
Recommended by Kathy – Circulation Department

The Eyes of the Dragon – Stephen King
After Flagg, the evil court magician, sees a mouse chance upon a grain of dragon sand behind Prince Peter’s shelves and die–as did the king–in fire and smoke, he plots to imprison Peter in the Needle and sieze control of the kingdom.
Genre: Horror
Recommended by Melody – Technology Department

The Vegetarian – Kang Han
Deciding to go vegetarian in the wake of violent thoughts, Yeong-hye, a woman from an Asian culture of strict societal mores, is denounced as a subversive as she spirals into extreme rebelliousness that causes her to splinter from her true nature and risk her life.
Genre: Literary Fiction
Recommended by Rebecca – Circulation Department

Remarkably Bright Creatures – Shelby van Pelt
A luminous debut novel about a widow’s unlikely friendship with a giant Pacific octopus reluctantly residing at the local aquarium–and the truths she finally uncovers about her son’s disappearance 30 years ago.
Genre: Relationship Fiction
Recommended by Sarah – Information Services Department

Gironimo!: Riding the Very Terrible 1914 Tour of Italy – Tim Moore
A chronicle of the 1914 Giro d’Italia, believed by many to be history’s most difficult bike race, details how only 8 of the original 81 riders finished and how the author sought to retrace the competition using period equipment.
Genre: Non-fiction – travel writing
Recommended by Danton – Circulation Department

The Eye of the World – Robert Jordan
Relates a tale of the bestial Trollocs, the witch Moiraine, and three boys, one of whom is fated to become the Dragon–the World’s only hope and the sure means of its destruction.
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended by Ashley – Information Services Department

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