Library Services: 13 Ways to Find Your Next Read
- Rachel
- Jul 25
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 9
As Summer Reading begins to wind down, you might be struggling to find that next great read. I wonder where you could go, or who you could ask to get some suggestions? Here are 13 ways your Vespasian Warner Library can you find your next read!
Vespasian Warner Library Staff
The library staff is your best resource for discovering your next great read! We are passionate about reading and eager to help patrons find their next book!
If you're interested in dark romance, Madisyn is your go-to. For romantic comedies, reach out to Emily. If horror or sci-fi is what you're after, Rachel is the one to ask. Aric and Bobbi have diverse tastes and are perfect for when you're unsure of what you want. Kyle is a fan of everything fantasy and sci-fi. If you're in search of a classic, Kyle or Bobbi can assist. Intrigued by manga? Chat with Marcus. Discuss LBGTQ+ recommendations with Christin. Kelsey is all about Harry Potter, and Adara enjoys junior high fantasy. Callie and Olivia are excellent for young adult selections.
For non-fiction, Adara and Anton are both science enthusiasts and can guide you on topics from reptiles and geology to birds. Rachel is passionate about gardening, preserving, and cooking, while Christin enjoys true crime and all things creepy. For local history, you can ask Bobbi, Christin, or Adara. Discuss general world history with Bobbi or WWII history with Marcus.
Although each staff member has their specialties, we can usually guide you in the right direction by asking a few simple questions. We love discussing favorite reads and helping you discover something new if you're interested.
Feeling anxious about speaking with the staff? That's perfectly fine! We offer other ways for the staff to assist you without any conversation. Continue reading to learn more!
Staff Picks
Throughout the library shelves, you'll find Staff Pick flags attached to certain books. These helpful flags are placed by staff members, along with a brief explanation of why they recommend the book. This is an enjoyable way to browse and select your next read, available on both the Main Floor and the Children's Floor.
Browse Displays Throughout The Building
Staff members also fill displays throughout the building. Highlighting both fiction and non-fiction books, each display typically revolve around a theme and are updated monthly. As books are borrowed, new ones are added to the displays. A favorite among the staff is Christin's display next to the Online Catalog computer on the main floor. This month's theme is "Bite Me," showcasing adult non-fiction books about sharks. Displays offer a fun way to find your next read!
Discover The New Book Shelf
Another great place to discover your next book is the new book shelves. On the main floor, you'll find these shelves in the adult and young adult areas. On the children's floor, new selections are showcased in the picture book, juvenile, and junior high sections. You might come across the latest release from your favorite author, or you might discover a new author to binge-read.
The new book shelves include a selection of both fiction and non-fiction titles. You'll also find new graphic novels, early reader books, high-low books, and picture books on these shelves and displays. New adult fiction, adult graphic novels, and children's books are available on the new book shelves for their initial 3 months in the library. Adult non-fiction stays on the new book shelf for 6 months.
Visit and explore the new book shelf if you're in search of something new to read!
Read A Blog or Two
You can discover library staff recommendations in various library blogs. The weekly blog covers a range of topics, including Library Services, Did You Know, Tech Help, Staff Blogs, and Local History. Within the Staff Blogs section, you'll find numerous posts dedicated to our top recommendations. Whether you're interested in Perfect Reading Spots and Current Favorites to Who are Your Favorite Authors, Producers, Director? to our Favorite First Lines the library blog is a fantastic resource for finding your next read. To explore more blogs, click the ALL POSTS button in the menu above.
Listen to Christin's Soothing Podcasts
The monthly library podcasts cover a wide range of topics, and you'll also find staff recommendations featured! Feeling a bit low and in need of a boost? Explore the Lighten Up Recommendations. Now that July 4th has come and gone, are you gearing up for Halloween and eager for some spooky reads? Tune into Recommendations: Things That Go Bump In The Night. If you're searching for a YA/Jr. High Series recommendation, listen to Five Faves: Adara's Favorite YA/Jr. High Series podcast. Listen to a library podcast and discover your next read!
Children's Book Directory Binder
On the Children's Floor, you'll discover the Book Directory Binder. This binder offers book recommendations based on your previous favorites. For instance, if you enjoyed the Percy Jackson series, you might like the Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard trilogy by Rick Riordan, or perhaps The Blackwell Pages trilogy by K.L. Armstrong and M.A. Marr. Recommendations are sorted into four categories: Children (Kindergarten, under age 6), Juvenile (Grades 1-4, ages 6-9), Jr. High (Grades 5-8, ages 10-13), and Young Adult (Grades 9-12, ages 14-18). It includes Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Graphic Novels. Remember, many of these books are also available on our digital platforms as e-books and audiobooks. The Book Directory Binder is a valuable tool to assist our younger visitors in finding what they seek.
Flip Through A Book Page
The library subscribes to Book Page, an editorially independent publication released monthly that showcases the best books published across various categories. Although all books featured are recommended by the editors, those marked with a star signify truly exceptional reads. With featured articles like "Class Thrillers" or "Read-Alikes," columns on bestsellers, book clubs, romance, and more, as well as reviews of fiction, non-fiction, and children's books, Book Page can help you find your next great read or at least expand your To-Be-Read list. The current issue of Book Page is available on the Event Table across from the Circulation Desk on the Main Floor. Back issues, if available, can be found in the seating area to the left of the Circulation Desk.
Best Sellers List at the Circulation Desk
Displayed under the glass at the Circulation Desk, Bobbi provides a list of upcoming Best Sellers that we will receive. Some months may feature just a few, while others boast a large number of new releases. Two months' lists are available at a time, with each new list released around the 15th of the preceding month. Although these popular items might have longer hold lists, you can place any item from the Best Sellers lists on hold through the Share App or by asking a staff member to ensure you receive them as soon as possible. This list can also be found in the "New & Coming Soon" section of our website, where you can quickly place holds on any items that catch your interest.
Aspen, hoopla, cloudLibrary Recommendations
Even our digital platforms offer recommendations, allowing you to easily discover a new book without needing to visit the building.
On our website, the Aspen search bar located at the top allows you to find exactly what you need. When you enter Aspen, you'll discover a list of recommendations on the homepage, curated by staff members. The image on the right displays recommendations such as "Coming in July!", "America's Building Blocks", "cloudlibrary, hoopla & Libby, Oh My!", and the "2025 Book Club Books."
In cloudLibrary, you can explore recommendation lists that assist in discovering new reads across various categories. Examples include "New Additions" and "Read It Before You See It." These digital displays are frequently updated, offering a great way to "browse" whether you're at home, in the doctor's office, or waiting in the school pickup line.
On the hoopla homepage, you'll discover recommendations tailored specifically for you. hoopla analyzes the books you've read or listened to and creates a personalized list of suggestions. Additionally, hoopla offers lists of trending and popular items. Similar to cloudLibrary, these displays are frequently updated and refreshed.
For additional details about our digital resources, visit the eResources page on our website.
Browsing Encouraged At The Return Cart
It may seem a bit unusual, but the return carts on each floor can serve as an entertaining method to choose your next book. The items on these carts have been checked in and are waiting to be reshelved. This offers a fun opportunity to discover what others are reading and provides a limited browsing experience for those who find the shelves full of books overwhelming.
Listen To A Shelf Talker
Shelf talkers are another way to find authors you might enjoy. For example, if you like James Patterson, you might also like Patricia Cornwell. Or if you are a John Sandford fan, you might want to check out James Lee Burke. Shelf talkers are created by our staff and are located throughout the fiction section on the adult floor.
Join A Book Club
Our final recommendation for finding your next read is to join one of our two book clubs. This removes the decision-making process for you, though it does involve some social interaction. The General Fiction/Non-Fiction and Sci-Fi/Fantasy book clubs are hosted by library staff and focus on a different book each month, alternating genres monthly. Signing up doesn't require a year-long commitment; simply inform the staff a month in advance so they can order the book for you. Once you've read the book, you can attend the book club to enjoy a lively discussion or simply listen to others talk about it. Your level of participation is entirely up to you!
Visit our Book Discussion Group page to explore all the information about our Book Clubs.
There you have it!
13 ways that you can utilize various resources available in your library to discover your next great read!
Libraries are treasure troves of knowledge and entertainment, offering a multitude of tools and services designed to help readers find books that resonate with their interests and preferences.
From traditional print books to digital resources, your Vespasian Warner Public Library provides access to a vast array of genres and authors, ensuring that there is something for everyone.
I hope this has provided you with plenty of ideas on how to find your next read! With these diverse resources at your disposal, you’re sure to uncover books that will captivate and inspire you. Happy reading!
Until Next Time Library Friends!
The Vespasian Warner Library is located at
310 N. Quincy St. in Clinton, IL 61727.
Contact us by phone, 217-935-5174,
by email library@vwarner.org,
or drop in and say hello!
