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.  

Picture and chapter book readers alike are sure to find reads on this year’s Staff Picks list of children’s titles. Dive into beautiful artwork, magical worlds, adventure, and more!

Be sure to also check out our Staff Picks lists for Teens and Adults to find fresh reads for the other readers in your life. And if you’re looking for more recommendations for your young reader(s), subscribe to 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. HCPL’s littlest readers can also sign up for our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge to help develop their reading skills and love of books! Browse our conveniently curated book kits to get started.

We couldn’t let this year come to a close without sharing our 2024 Staff Picks. Find new reads for your TBR (to-be-read) pile or to gift to someone special this holiday season. From feel-good romances to out-of-this-world science fiction, staff read across a wide range of genres and interests. We hope this list provides a little something for everyone as you start setting reading goals for the New Year.

Be sure to also check out our Staff Picks lists for Teens and Kids to find fresh reads for the younger readers in your life. And 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.

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.

The sun is setting earlier, the air is getting cooler: time to go on a camping adventure. Camping is a great way to reconnect with nature, and there are several resources available at the library to help you plan your next camping endeavor. Read on to learn more about our exploration kits, upcoming programs, books, and more.