| Benjamin Alire Sáenz | Benjamin Alire Sáenz | <i class="fa-sharp fa-solid fa-pen"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/benjamin-alire-saenz | Discover the works of American author and poet Benjamin Alire Sáenz (1954-2026). | <div class="ExternalClass1D860E5F1D434FF887632494081581DC"><p><span style="color:rgb(119, 119, 119);font-size:1em;">Benjamin Alire Sáenz was born in New Mexico and studied in Colorado and Texas. He eventually settled in El Paso, Texas, where from he wrote novels, short stories and poetry for adults, young adults and children. Sáenz's identity as a Chicano informed much of his work and his later-in-life coming out as gay found its way into his works as well. In fact, </span><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start" style="color:rgb(119, 119, 119);font-size:1em;"></span><span style="color:rgb(119, 119, 119);font-size:1em;">Sáenz attributes his writing as a way to contend with and eventually celebrate his most genuine self.</span></p><p><span lang="en" dir="ltr" style="color:rgb(119, 119, 119);font-size:1em;">The winner of many accolades, </span><span style="color:rgb(119, 119, 119);font-size:1em;">Sáenz was the first Latino to win the </span><a href="https://www.penfaulkner.org/our-awards/pen-faulkner-award/" target="_blank" style="font-size:1em;">PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction</a><span style="color:rgb(119, 119, 119);font-size:1em;"> in 2013. </span><span style="color:rgb(119, 119, 119);font-size:1em;">His writing is funny, truth-telling, emotionally bold, and identifies strongly with his lifelong home, the borderlands. </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(119, 119, 119);font-size:1em;">Discover a singular voice in contemporary American literature.</span></p><br></div> | benjamin-alire-saenz | |
| Best Reads of 2025 | Best Reads of 2025 | <i class="fa-sharp fa-solid fa-star"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/best-reads-of-2025 | Check out the best books Phoenix Public Library staff read in 2025! | <div class="ExternalClass02C9558801D74D9D8BDA968133AB7861"><h2>Check out the best books <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Phoenix Public Library staff read in 2025! </span></h2><h3><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Browse the list, be inspired and a</span>dd to your 2026 reading wish list! There's something for every reader!<br><br>More titles will be added soon...<br></h3><p><br></p></div> | best-reads-of-2025 | |
| Domestic Violence Awareness | Domestic Violence Awareness | <i class="fa-solid fa-hands-holding-heart"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/domestic-violence-awareness | No one deserves to be abused - for any reason. These books explore domestic violence awareness and related topics. | <div class="ExternalClass49B9CB55C7E54BDD80E513D4253ACF0F"><h4></h4><h3>No one deserves to be abused - for any reason.<br></h3><h3>These books explore domestic violence awareness and related topics. <br></h3><h3>Learn more about the City of Phoenix's domestic violence awareness campaign <a href="https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/humanservices/programs-services/strategic-initiatives/domestic-violence.html" target="_blank">Paint Phoenix Purple</a>.<br></h3></div> | domestic-violence-awareness | |
| Gloria Steinem's "Life-Giving" Reading List | Gloria Steinem's "Life-Giving" Reading List | <i class="fa-sharp-duotone fa-solid fa-books"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/gloria-steinems-life-giving-reading-list | | <div class="ExternalClass6D3E0A89EEE84DDBAF8ED9687A1FDD4E"><h4>Gloria Steinem (1934-2026) was an American journalist and social-political activist who was widely regarded as the leader of the second-wave feminism movement in the United States. She was also a columnist for <em>New York Magazine</em> and co-founder of<em> Ms. Magazine</em>. </h4><h4>In addition to being the figurehead of a monumental culture-shift in American history, Steinem, not surprisingly, was a strong proponent of advocating for one's personal growth through literacy. As a child, Steinem could be found devouring any and all books that she encountered, including books meant for an adult audience including novels and "a multivolume history of the Civil War." As a lifelong reader, she gravitated toward "writers who are making the invisible visible.”</h4><h4>The following titles are from a collection of books - its creation motivated by a list of recommended reads by writer Alice Walker - that Steinem considered "life-giving" in that they inspired “the pleasure of big and new understandings." <br></h4><br></div> | gloria-steinems-life-giving-reading-list | |
| Indigenous Peoples' Day | Indigenous Peoples' Day | <i class="fa-regular fa-people-group"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/indigenous-peoples-day | Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples as well as their heritage and cultures. | <div class="ExternalClass416CD4FD1BC44E57881979DBA9421038"><p>Indigenous Peoples' Day, observed each year on the second Monday in October, celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples as well as their heritage and cultures.<br></p></div> | indigenous-peoples-day | |
| Juneteeth: A Reading List | Juneteeth: A Reading List | <i class="fa-solid fa-flag-usa"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/juneteenth | Delve into the history of this pivotal moment in American history and explore its legacy through thoughtful examinations, fiction, poetry, children's books and more. | <div class="ExternalClassF40A04A403BD4F4AAB0FFC28723569E8"><div class="ExternalClass8E00952B740A4814AD79A80EB0120FDE" style="text-align:left;">When President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation - freeing more than 3.5 million enslaved people in this country - it was <strong>1863</strong>.<br><br>When news of this finally reached the people it affected, it was June 19, <strong>1865</strong>.<br><br>In <strong>1866</strong>, Juneteenth, as the day the news was delivered came to be known, was first celebrated on its one-year anniversary. <br><br>In <strong>2021</strong>, Juneteenth was declared a federal holiday.<br><br>Delve into the history of this pivotal moment in American history and explore its legacy through thoughtful examinations, fiction, poetry, children's books and more. <br><br><h4 style="font-size:13px;"><br></h4></div></div> | juneteenth | |
| Love All: Tennis Reads | Love All: Tennis Reads | <i class="fa-regular fa-tennis-ball"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/love-all-tennis-reads | Looking for something to read in between tennis matches? | <div class="ExternalClassBE103A5F91CC46D7AC8DA53628D8D9B6"><h3>Looking for something to read in between tennis matches? We picked our favorite non-fiction and fiction titles straight from the world of tennis. <br></h3></div> | love-all-tennis-reads | |
| Mental Health Awareness | Mental Health Awareness | <i class="fa-regular fa-head-side-brain"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/mental-health-awareness | Mental health matters. Understand your brain, understand yourself. | <div class="ExternalClass618F18BEC80E4C3490C0DEB5302448C3"><h2>Mental health matters. </h2><h3>Understand your brain, understand yourself. Start with these books on topics such as anxiety, depression, grief, post-partum depression, ADHD, trauma, attachment, agoraphobia, and more. Start with what speaks to you and begin your healing era.<br></h3></div> | mental-health-awareness | |
| National Library Week 2026: Find Your Joy | National Library Week 2026: Find Your Joy | <i class="fa-sharp fa-solid fa-heart"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/national-library-week | National Library Week is April 19-25, 2026 | <div class="ExternalClass230F967F1A9F46C0B582CAFFEC82FE43"><div><div><h4>"There
are so many library kids and library grown-ups who have yet to fully embrace
their library joy, and I am so excited for them! When they enter the world of
libraries and stories, I am confident they will find not only their library joy
but their courage to believe in their own story and maybe even share it with
others.” </h4><h3>- Mychal Threets, National Library Week Honorary Chair<br><br></h3><h2>Find Your Joy at Phoenix Public Library!<br></h2><p>This year (and every year!), Phoenix Public Library wants every member of the Phoenix community to find their joy at the library! Discover all that Phoenix Public Library has to offer by <a href="/services/borrowing/get-your-library-card">becoming a customer with a new Phoenix Public Library card</a>, by <a href="/services/programs">attending a program</a>, <a href="/locations">by visiting us</a>, or by trying out one of many of the Library's signature services - <a href="/about/start-with-us"><strong>Start With Us</strong></a><strong>!</strong><br></p><p><strong>What is your joy? Let's go find it!</strong><br></p><h2>About National Library Week<br></h2></div><p>National Library Week is an annual celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.</p><p>In the mid-1950s, research showed that Americans were spending less on books and more on radios, televisions and musical instruments. Concerned that Americans were reading less, the American Library Association and the American Book Publishers formed a nonprofit citizens organization called the National Book Committee in 1954. The committee's goals were ambitious. They ranged from "encouraging people to read in their increasing leisure time" to "improving incomes and health" and "developing strong and happy family life."</p><p>In 1957, the committee developed a plan for National Library Week based on the idea that once people were motivated to read, they would support and use libraries. With the cooperation of ALA and with help from the Advertising Council, the first National Library Week was observed in 1958 with the theme "Wake Up and Read!" The 2025 celebration marked the 67th anniversary of the first event.</p><p>Read more about the <a href="https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2018/03/01/national-library-week-60th-anniversary-libraries-lead/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="604267263e520ca59416d0a9" target="_blank">history of National Library Week</a> at American Libraries magazine.<br></p><div><h2>Celebration Days During National Library Week</h2></div><h3>Monday, April 20</h3><p><a href="https://uniteagainstbookbans.org/right-to-read-day/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="604267263e520ca59416d0a9" target="_blank">Right to Read Day</a>, a day for readers, advocates, and library lovers to take action to protect, defend, and celebrate the right to read. The American Library Association (ALA) kicks off National Library Week with the release of its <a href="https://www.ala.org/news/state-americas-libraries-report-2025" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="604267263e520ca59416d0a9" target="_blank">State of America's Libraries Report</a>, including the list of Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2025.<br></p><h3>Tuesday, April 21</h3><p><a href="https://ala-apa.org/nlwd/" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="604267263e520ca59416d0a9" target="_blank">National Library Workers Day</a>, a day for library staff, users, administrators, and Friends groups to recognize the valuable contributions made by all library workers.<br></p><h3>Wednesday, April 22</h3><p><a href="https://www.ala.org/conferencesevents/celebrationweeks/natlibraryweek/national-library-outreach-day" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="604267263e520ca59416d0a9" target="_blank">National Library Outreach Day</a> (formerly National Bookmobile Day), a day to celebrate library outreach and the dedicated library professionals who are meeting their patrons where they are.<br></p><h3>Thursday, April 23</h3><p>Take Action for Libraries Day, a day to rally advocates to support libraries. </p><h2>Enjoy some books about library joy!<br></h2><p><br></p></div></div> | national-library-week | |
| Pride | Pride | <i class="fa-solid fa-rainbow"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/pride | Recommendations for books, films, and other resources for all ages celebrating the diverse voices of the LGBTQIA+ community. | <div class="ExternalClass539091C38D364B7CBACF6CA57CBD6C1A"><h3>See below <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN">for books, films, and other resources for all ages celebrating the diverse voices of the LGBTQIA</span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN">+</span><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN"> community.</span></h3><h3><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN"></span>Because Pride is every day.<br></h3></div> | pride | |
| Reading Lists for Kids | Reading Lists for Kids | <i class="fa-solid fa-children"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kids | Whether you're looking for books in a specific reading level or want to browse different topics, this is the place for you! | <div class="ExternalClass63C060273F2D473FAB9DC80B3302A36E"><h2>Whether you're looking for books in a specific reading level or want to browse different topics, this is the place for you!<br></h2><br></div> | kids | |
| Reading Lists for Teens | Reading Lists for Teens | <i class="fa-regular fa-children"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/teens | Browse different topics in books, just for you! | <div class="ExternalClass4DC1743EE52D4BD5AE4DB91EE34431BD"><h2>Browse different topics in books, just for you!</h2><p><br></p></div> | teens | |
| Star Wars | Star Wars | <i class="fa-solid fa-stars"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/star-wars | Venture on a Jedi's journey to the stars FREE with your Phoenix Public Library card. | <div class="ExternalClassB658806D99874F32AF17EA4DAE8D8A21"><h2>Venture on a Jedi's journey to the stars FREE with your <a href="/services/borrowing/ecard-registration">Phoenix Public Library card</a>.<br></h2></div> | star-wars | |
| What Would Dolly Do? | What Would Dolly Do? | <i class="fa-duotone fa-regular fa-star" style="--fa-primary-color: rgb(233, 67, 133); --fa-secondary-color: rgb(233, 67, 133);"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/what-would-dolly-do | Check out this list of titles about the life and times of the entertainer that will surely spark a little of that Dolly joy. | <div class="ExternalClassCE6692EE58CA4918ADF669264E4E7453"><h4><span id="ms-rterangepaste-start"></span>Dolly Parton fans have often lived by the guiding question: <em>What Would Dolly Do?</em><span id="ms-rterangepaste-end"></span><br>The singer-songwriter, musician, actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and literacy advocate packed a lot of laughs and life in the 80 years she graced us with her bubbly and bigger-than-life spirit.<br>A beacon of smiles, kindness, and strength, Dolly was even more beloved than she was talented - and that's saying something.<br></h4><h4>Well, pour yourself a cup of ambition and check out this list of titles about and by the entertainer that will surely spark a little of that Dolly joy.<br></h4></div> | what-would-dolly-do | |
| Women in Translation | Women in Translation | <i class="fa-solid fa-earth-asia"></i> | https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/women-in-translation | This book list champions the reading books by women writers from all over the globe and which have been translated into English for wider access, enjoyment, community spirit and celebration. | <div class="ExternalClassC6719478CD27474785B261632C1E7500"><h3>This book list champions the reading of books by women writers from all over the globe and which have been translated into English for wider access, enjoyment, community spirit and celebration.<br></h3><h4>August is Women in Translation Month.<br></h4><p><br></p></div> | women-in-translation | |
