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Staff Picks - RecommendationsStaff Picks - Recommendations<div class="ExternalClass0C860DF223024F26A7F09E3D13BA4D6A"><div><div class="ExternalClass488633DC1C80418F83F8B87CB53548F5" style="text-align:center;"><p><img src="/images/Lists/Staff%20Picks/Staff-Picks_web.jpg" alt="A variety of hands holding up different books" style="margin:5px;" />​</p><h4>Discover a world of reading recommendations and more! </h4><p style="text-align:center;">Arranged by subject and audience, these lists are carefully selected by Phoenix Public Library staff and other subject experts and offer the best in suggested reading, listening and watching. <br>Explore these lists and see what you discover!</p></div></div></div>

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best Reads of 2025Best Reads of 2025<i class="fa-sharp fa-solid fa-star"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/best-reads-of-2025Check 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
Bill's New and TrueBill's New and True<i class="fa-jelly-fill fa-regular fa-check"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/bills-new-and-truePhoenix Public Library librarian Bill presents his picks of new and forthcoming non-fiction to stimulate your hungry brain!<div class="ExternalClassC87FAC7D856447AE84DD0607986FAB56"><p></p><table class="ms-formtable" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="margin-top:8px;"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" class="ms-formbody" width="350px"><div><div><div><table class="ms-formtable" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%" style="margin-top:8px;"><tbody><tr><td valign="top" class="ms-formbody" width="350px"><div><div><div class="ExternalClass15F2FB665DEF459B864E73EB136F8F79"><h2>Phoenix Public Library librarian Bill presents his picks of NEW AND FORTHCOMING NON-FICTION TO STIMULATE YOUR HUNGRY BRAIN​! <br></h2></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br></p></div></div></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br></p></div>bills-new-and-true
Book Look: New and Notable Picks from Collection ServicesBook Look: New and Notable Picks from Collection Services<i class="fa-sharp fa-solid fa-eyes"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/book-lookCheck out the stellar new book titles that Collection Services has highlighted this month.<div class="ExternalClass61118299206E40A09D4D87FC64CECCBC"><h3>​Every month, Phoenix Public Library's Collection Services team highlights new book titles they find to be particularly exciting and which they recommend to you! <br></h3><h3>Add them to your TBR, place a hold on them or find them at your neighborhood <a href="/locations">Phoenix Public Library location</a>.<br></h3></div>book-look
Domestic Violence AwarenessDomestic Violence Awareness<i class="fa-solid fa-hands-holding-heart"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/domestic-violence-awarenessNo 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
Indigenous Peoples' DayIndigenous Peoples' Day<i class="fa-regular fa-people-group"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/indigenous-peoples-dayIndigenous 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 ListJuneteeth: 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 ReadsLove All: Tennis Reads<i class="fa-regular fa-tennis-ball"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/love-all-tennis-readsLooking 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 AwarenessMental Health Awareness<i class="fa-regular fa-head-side-brain"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/mental-health-awarenessMental 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 JoyNational Library Week 2026: Find Your Joy<i class="fa-sharp fa-solid fa-heart"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/national-library-weekNational 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
PridePride<i class="fa-solid fa-rainbow"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/prideRecommendations ​​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 KidsReading Lists for Kids<i class="fa-solid fa-children"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/kidsWhether 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 TeensReading Lists for Teens<i class="fa-regular fa-children"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/teensBrowse 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 WarsStar Wars<i class="fa-solid fa-stars"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/star-warsVenture 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 You're ReadingWhat You're Reading<i class="fa-solid fa-book-heart"></i>https://www.phoenixpubliclibrary.org/browse/staff-picks/what-youre-readingWe asked and you answered. This is what Phoenix Public Library's social media community is reading lately.<div class="ExternalClassC00B1E4F6B4845A5B335E875B76B1A03"><h2>​We asked and you answered. </h2><h2>This is what Phoenix Public Library's social media community is reading lately.​<br></h2></div>what-youre-reading
Women in TranslationWomen 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