While our library staff members are always happy to provide reading recommendations on the spot, it’s best to give them lots of information to help them understand why you like what you like. With fiction, is it the setting? Character development? Genre? And with nonfiction, knowing the target subject is only part of the answer. Is a “for Dummies” book appropriate, or is an intermediate or advanced level of information required?
To get personalized recommendations from library staff, fill out this form to help us learn about your preferences and make useful suggestions. You can find that link on our Recommendations page, along with book lists from our book groups and other online resources to help you choose your next read.
DIY Recommendations for Adults
If you’d rather use a website to help you decide what to read, there are some good (and some not-so-good) sources. Here are some good ones:
- Gale Books and Authors: Browse genres/subjects, themed lists, award winners, read-alikes, authors, and more!
- LibraryReads: LibraryReads is a list of the top ten books published this month that library staff across the country have voted on as their favorites. Click the archive link in the upper right to see lists from previous months.
- If You Like from Hennepin County Library: Pick a category from the first dropdown menu and then select a list from the second dropdown menu. Or scroll down to browse the lists. The left menu contains lists for other age groups.
- Read This Twice: Search by keyword, people, genre/subject, or get help from AI
- BookPage: Digital version of the monthly BookPage magazine available in the library.
- Kirkus and The New York Times Book Review: Reviews of recent releases
- KDL What’s Next: Series search
DIY Recommendations for Teens
- Book Riot: Trending and popular new young adult titles
- No Flying No Tights: Reviews of graphic novels and comics
- YALSA: Reading lists from the American Library Association
- Seattle Public Library: Staff picks for teen readers
DIY Recommendations for Kids
- ALSC: Award-winning books and media presented by the American Library Association
- Children’s Book Council: Reading lists, including nonfiction
- The Children’s Book Review: Narrow down reviews in the “books by age” section
- KDL What’s Next: Series search that has a filter for “youth”
- Reading Rockets: Use the Book Finder tool or browse booklists under the “Books and Authors” menu.
