Whether it's stargazing, bird watching, exploring the outdoors, connecting with loved ones, or discovering new books, the library has several curated kits to help kick start activities with friends and family. Read on to learn more about our kits as well as other resources to enjoy with loved ones over the holiday break.

Self-discovery, making friends, exploring new worlds, finding your passion: these are just a few of the themes you’ll find on this year’s Staff Picks list of teen titles.  

If you’re looking for more recommendations in 2025, subscribe to one of our genre-specific newsletters, browse thousands of read-alikes and mood-inspired recommendations on Novelist, or try our My Next Read service to receive a custom list of titles from one of our librarians. And while you’re reading through that new stack of recommendations, why not earn prizes too? Check out our ongoing 100 Books Before Graduation Challenge to learn more.

Be sure to also visit our Staff Picks lists for Kids and Adults to find suggested titles for the other readers in your life.

K-Pop, which is short for Korean Pop, is a music genre that originated in South Korea. It encompasses musical styles like pop, hip hop, electronic, and more. The infectious melodies, combined with intricate choreography and larger-than-life style, create a stunning world of entertainment that is hard to ignore.

Whether you’re new to the craze or already a fanatic, the library’s collection offers plenty of resources about K-Pop. Read on for books and music to help you learn more about why K-Pop is so popular, who the major players are, and what styles are trending.  

HCPL would like to thank and welcome veterans, service members, and their families to the library. HCPL provides access to several resources, including VetNow, JobNow, and Tutor.com, for those seeking help with veteran benefits, career support, academic assistance, and more. If you haven't already, stop by your closest library location to sign-up for a library card and start exploring all that is available to you. Additionally, this November we look forward to hosting programs that honor veteran history and experiences. Read on for further details about upcoming programs, resources, and related titles from our collection.

In commemoration of Native American Heritage Month, the library is hosting a series of programs in November. Learn about the practices of regional tribal communities, sample a staple from Native American cuisine, and discuss stories written by indigenous authors. Read on for more details and to explore more Native American stories and voices from our collection.

Happy National Cookbook Month! As the weather begins to cool off, we look forward to cozying up indoors and cooking with family and friends. And while many of us now turn to our phones and social media for recipes, why not skip the ads and flip through an old-school cookbook instead? Our collection includes cookbooks for everyone in the family. Read on for a selection of kid, teen, and adult titles as well as delicious programs coming up this fall.

October is quickly approaching, and as the cooler weather sets in, we find ourselves getting in the spooky spirit. We’ve planned a month full of crafts, movies, history programs, and more. So whether you enjoy a good scare, or a just a small chill, the library has programs scheduled for every level of spooky!  

The library is your neighborhood hub for hands-on teen creativity! From 3D printing services and technology available in our Digital Media Labs, to books detailing various DIY activities in our catalog, we have tons of tools to help teens tinker on their next project. If crafting is your love language, we hope you’ll stop by to create with us at our many maker-focused programs for teens. Whether you prefer experimenting in the digital sphere or love using old-school supplies, let the library be your first stop for creative inspiration. Read on for a full list of upcoming spooky-season crafting events for teens, library resources that can enhance your crafting experience, and related titles in our Young Adult collection. 

We’re gearing up and getting excited for this weekend's Familia Fiesta celebration and other Hispanic Heritage Month events, but the celebration doesn’t end there. You can continue to explore Hispanic voices, history, and culture beyond this month through titles available in our collection. The library also offers regular programs and resources throughout the year to support the Spanish-speaking community and those interested in learning Spanish. Read on to learn more!