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The Blog Wants to Know: Aug. 2025

School is back in session so it’s got me thinking about all of the awesome things that our school-age patrons will get to learn and experience, and all of the fun topics that we dove into during school.

What were some subjects or topics that you loved learning about in school? Was there a certain historical period or concept you found fascinating? This could have been during elementary school, middle school, high school, or even college. What kinds of things did you love to learn about? Feel free to share any books, TV shows, or resources you used in school to dive into that topic!

Dawn B., Event Coordinator: In elementary school I was OBSESSED with the Loch Ness Monster! I did several different types of reports on Nessie. My resources were library books and the show Unsolved Mysteries!

Tabbitha, Youth Services: One of my favorite topics in school was the Lewis and Clark Expedition. I was fascinated by how they discovered countless new insects and animals, and meticulously mapped the uncharted land.

This led me down a rabbit hole of historical events that paved the way for their journey. I learned that the expedition was made possible by the Louisiana Purchase, a massive territory bought from France under President Thomas Jefferson. While this purchase was a huge win for expanding trade routes, I also learned about its complicated role in expanding slavery in the South.

Over their two-year, four-month, and nine-day journey, Lewis and Clark met many different Native American tribes. This expedition was a huge part of my elementary school history classes, especially since I’m from Illinois. It was an amazing topic that captured my interest for years!

Kathy, Public Support Services: My favorite books growing up were the James Herriott books and that led to Vet School which I loved.

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: Starting in about 7^th grade I had a history teacher, Mrs. Kelso, who I absolutely loved. She was always excited about what she was teaching and it sparked my love for history.

In college I studied history for my degree. I graduated from Tabor College in Hillsboro. My advisor, Dr. Richard Kyle, taught many of my classes, took a group of us on a trip to Europe and helped me work my way through writing my senior paper about Thomas Cranmer and the English Reformation. He was so knowledgeable about so many subjects and had a career that took him all over the world. It was a great privilege to know and learn from him.

Dawn S, Youth Services Coordinator: It was Little House on the Prairie for me. My mom and I spent every morning before school watching the television series and I told my teacher about it. My teacher informed me there was entire book series written. I had to read them all!

Shane, Public Support Services: This should not come as a shock to anyone, but history has always been my favorite subject, particularly early American History. This continues to be a focus of mine into my college education. I first discovered this love in middle school American History. The late David McCullough is a notable historian who has written many great American History books. I have History Matters on hold to read when we have it available. It is a collection of essays he wrote during his life curated by his daughter and colleague focusing on his passion of History.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: In elementary school, I loved learning about American History, particularly the Revolutionary War. I watched this PBS Kids show, Liberty’s Kids, all the time. In middle school, I did many projects on the life of the poet, Maya Angelou. I found her so inspiring and her poetry made me feel both strong and vulnerable. I loved her poems “Phenomenal Woman” and “Still I Rise.”

Now it’s your turn! What were some topics that you loved learning about or are currently learning about in school?

The Blog Wants to Know – July 2025

We are knee-deep in the thick of summertime so this month’s question will hopefully cool you down!

What are some of your favorite drinks to have during the hot, summer months? What do you reach for on these 90-degree days?

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: Lots of iced coffee!! I spend too much money at 7Brew on the Smooth 7 which is Irish Cream and White Chocolate Breve. I add almond milk instead of the half and half. It’s my go to drink for sure! Peach Iced Tea is great, too!

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: I just recently discovered lavender lemonade!! So delicious and refreshing!

Tami, Office Manager: Ice tea and for an adult beverage…a gin and tonic

Maycie, Public Support Services: Raspberry lemonade!! There is nothing more refreshing or thirst quenching on a hot mid-western day.

Kathy, Public Support Services: In the evening I like to have a nice cool glass of S. Sohne Riesling-Blue wine.

Shane, Public Support Services: I reach for a crisp, refreshing (alcoholic) seltzer.

Hannah, Assistant Director: Topo Chico! Or as my family calls it “Mom’s spicy water.”

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: One of my favorite drinks in town is the Blueberry Moscow Mule from Dempsey’s. It’s so crisp and sweet! I’ll also make a non-alcoholic version at home with ginger beer and blueberry syrup.

Miranda, Youth Services: My favorite summer drinks are Seagram’s Jamaican Me Happy and strawberry lemonade with sliced strawberries. I usually order the strawberry lemonade at Red Robin.. its the best!

Jessie, Public Support Services: My favorite summer time drink is so simple! Lemon lime cucumber water! When I worked at a Marriott hotel years ago, one of our daily afternoon duties was to make infused waters for guests at check in. It doesn’t take much of the ingredients sliced up in a big pitcher of water to get a nice refreshing flavor in a few hours of it sitting and infusing the water.

Baya, Youth Services: If I’m in need of caffeine, I’ll get a Sonic Dr. Pepper with coconut and cream! When it’s above 90 degrees, I’ll take iced cold water. It’s basic but tastes life-changing in the heat. Then for cases when I don’t want caffeine or water, I’ll get a a crisp Sprite.

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: I absolutely love a good iced coffee. It usually has small dash of caramel in it because I don’t like it too sweet. Then for an adult drink I usually go for a local beer like Warbeard Irish Red by Walnut River Brewing. Refreshing and cold which is perfect for these hot days.

Tabbitha, Youth Services: During summertime, my family’s go-to drink is to make freshly squeezed lemonade! It is a fun thing to do together and it tastes so much better than store bought.

Now it’s your turn! What are some of your favorite drinks during the summer months?

The Blog Wants to Know: June 2025

Despite the current deluge of rain and the humid temperatures, we are technically in the middle of summertime and maybe some warmer weather so this month’s blog question is all about summer activities!

What are some of your favorite summer activities? Do you like to go somewhere special in town during the summer months or do you get to enjoy certain hobbies now that it’s a little warmer?

Shane, Public Support Services: I grew up camping in the summer months and I still do when I can. El Dorado Lake is a fun one close by to go to for one night or just a day to go swimming. My favorite summertime activity is evening bonfires with plentiful s’mores with friends and family.

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: My boys and I enjoy going to the Y for swimming and the movie theater for air conditioning.

Eric, Director: Just in case you didn’t know, my primary favorite summer activity is cycling! I definitely ride a lot more in the summer months!

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: One of our favorite summer activities is going to Starlite Drive-In in Wichita. We love the atmosphere and of course, the concessions. Oh and if your car battery dies, they have jumper cables for you to borrow! “Starlite Drive-In gives you more, call 524-2424“

Maycie, Public Support Services: I am not by any means a hot weather kind of gal so my favorite summer activity is hanging out the air conditioning and waiting for winter to return!

Emily B., Public Support Services: Some of my favorite summer activities are driving with my windows down and the music up! If you happen to catch me driving around, there’s a strong possibility that you’ll be able to hear my music- even if the windows are rolled up. I also love going on evening walks and getting to watch the sunset, since it’s warm enough to be out, and having small bonfires with friends.

I try to spend as much time as I can down at a small lake just across the border of Kansas into Oklahoma. My family has been going there as long as I can remember, so it has a very special place in my heart.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: I love sitting on my porch outside in the summer mornings or evenings just reading a book either with a cup of coffee or a glass of white wine. I’m also a big fan of evening summer walks. I adore the ocean so summertime means visiting family in North Carolina and hitting the waves in our favorite coastal town, Wrightsville Beach. My godchildren and I love to board surf, and we’re hoping to take pro surf lessons this summer!

Hannah, Assistant Director: Early morning summer walks and runs are the best. I can watch the sun come up, and I’m not running in the pitch black like the rest of the year.

Kristy H., Public Support Services: My favorite summer activity was always going to Worlds of Fun In Kansas City. It was the best of times, all the walking and the old fashioned cars that were on rails that we got to drive at 6 years old , And the big paper flowers. Those are the best memories!

The Blog Wants to Know: May 2025

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and with the end-of-school year and summer stress looming, it’s a great time to chat about managing stress.

What are some tips, tricks, methods, and resources you use to de-stress? How do you take care of your mental health and what have you found that works for you?

Maycie, Public Support Services: Quiet time is so important! I recommend a dark quiet room for when you have sensory overload. Don’t overestimate what laying on the floor for a minute can do for your mental well-being. You have to remember to give your brain, your ears and your eyes all a break together during the day and just when you’re sleeping.

Also adopt a cat (or two) … they help a lot.

Kathy, Public Support Services: My biggest joy is actually reading so I end my day reading for about 30 minutes. I let the book take me away from everything else and then I am ready to go to sleep.

Emily B., Public Support Services: Anxiety is always something I have struggled with, and while journaling is easy, it’s hard for me to be consistent. I found an app called How We Feel and I cannot recommend it enough! It helps you dissect your feelings and helps you get to the source of your problem. It also has several other techniques to help de-stress and manage negative thoughts. It’s entirely free too!

Shane, Public Support Services: As a college student, I often have overlapping deadlines and workloads with each class having its own structure. This semester was a unique challenge with two accelerated courses and two regular courses (and I will be doing the same thing for the summer semester).

To manage my stress, I plan out my time using a day planner (I use the Happy Planner weekly layout) and I color code each class. I write down my work schedule, due dates, appointments, social obligations, etc. and plan out when I will work on assignments. If I have a large assignment, I find breaking it up into little chunks much easier than trying to deal with the whole assignment. That way, “I have to write a 10 page paper by this date” becomes “I have to write the four paragraphs of my paper today.” Also, it always helps to plan a break day to let my mind rest and recover and enjoy myself so I can be more productive the next day. It’s important to enjoy yourself even when you’re busy!

Megan, Outreach Coordinator: How I de-stress is by putting in ear buds, playing some Kendrick Lamar and artists similar, and deep clean/organize my space.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: When I’m stressed, either I need to move my body or I need to be a quiet, lazy blob . For movement, going for a walk, practicing yoga, or even just putting on some music and dancing around the house can really help. I often watch SarahBethYoga videos if I want to follow an instructor or a guided meditation. I do also love boxing or HIIT workouts like this one just to get all of that built-up cortisol and adrenaline out. And for peak blob-form, I’ll get in this shark onesie, turn on a comfort show, and turn off my phone!

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: My go-to for stress relief is usually being out in the sun and/or spending time with our various pets. My husband and I recently purchased bikes and getting out and riding always puts a smile on my face and makes me feel better.

Trinity, Page: When I’m stressed, I spend time with my dog. She’s a cuddlebug and I can’t say no to her puppy eyes!

Hannah, Assistant Director: I wear an Oura ring to monitor my biometrics, and I’ve been using the Finch app for the last month to prioritize my mental health and my productivity. I’m a big fan of meditation as well. I’ve used almost all the apps…Headspace, Calm, Mindllama, and the Mindfulness app on my Apple Watch.

Dawn, Youth Services Coordinator: For de-stressing I tend to talk to friends and listen to music. Going to a movie or streaming something also helps me de-stress. I try to make lists so I don’t overwhelm myself both at home and work. It’s so gratifying to cross off things on a list once I get them accomplished.

Now it’s your turn! What works for you when you’re dealing with stress? Let us know in the blog comments below!

The Lineup: Alyssa

TV Show: Summer Camp Island

This is one of my all-time favorite comfort shows. Unlike most cartoons (or really most TV Show these days), this show is so gentle and soothing. It follows two best friends, Oscar and Hedgehog, while they’re away at a magical summer camp led by three witches. The show has everything; musical yetis (with one voiced by Elijah Wood), ingenious elves, talking trees, dancing aliens, a shark who’s a licensed therapist, and a friendly moon. It’s pure magic!

Books: The Silmarillion Collector’s Edition

I tackled J.R.R. Tolkien’s world-building behemoth, The Silmarillion, a few years ago, and I’ve always wanted to give it a re-read. While strolling through Barnes and Noble, I found this edition and had to get it! It’s got this beautiful blue hardcover with the Two Trees of Valinor and the three Silmarils perfectly highlighted. The inside is fairly straightforward with a colorful map and decently-sized text, but the spine is flexible enough to lay flat which is perfect for all the note-taking I plan on doing. It’s even got a built-in bookmark. I feel like a Tolkien scholar walking around with this!

Coffee: NesCafe Gold Espresso Instant Coffee

I’m a coffee fiend. Whether hot or cold, flavored or unflavored, I’m into all the robust dark-roasted coffees. For the past few years I’ve been making pour-over coffee each morning which, while effective, does take a little time and clean-up. As I approach the hectic summer season, I was looking for something quicker and stronger. I found this NesCafe Gold on YouTube Shorts and O. M. G. it’s amazing! Just two teaspoons, some boiling water, and you have dark, rich, espresso-like coffee that even has a lovely crema on top. Perfect for iced lattes or my fave almond milk lattes. It is on the pricey side, but it lasts a while and it’s way cheaper than hitting up the drive-thru line.

Hobbies: Cat Full of Spiders Tarot Deck

In preparation for a trip to Planet Comicon in Kansas City where I planned on meeting the incredible Christina Ricci, I purchased her tarot deck, Cat Full of Spiders. I’ve always had a love of tarot, and this deck is so fun! It highlights a lot of her movies, but in subtle, secretive ways. I’ve done some deep digging into each of the cards to find all the meanings and references. And meeting Christina was so awesome!!

Streaming: Dropout

I stumbled on Dropout from seeing random YouTube shorts and thought I’d try the full subscription. Their content is amazing! It’s hilarious and random, but also really thoughtful at times and such a great company. I love shows like Game Changer and Make Some Noise which both have a “Whose Line Is It Anyway” improv vibe. The Dimension 20 series is also great, especially the season called “Burrow’s End.” Highly recommend giving Dropout a try, even just for a month. It’s worth the money!

The Blog Wants to Know – April 2025

The first full week of April was National Library Week and in celebration of our beloved libraries, we asked the staff to journey back to their first experiences at their local library.

Do you remember a library that you loved going to as a kid or a teen? What and where was that library? What were some of your favorite books to check out from the library as a kid or a teen?

Hannah, Assistant Director: When I was a kid, we always went to the downtown Wichita Library. I loved that old building…walking up the stairs to the third-floor children’s room. I checked out every single Johnny Dixon book by John Bellairs.

Kristy H., Public Support Services: Emporia Library, I remember riding bikes just to get to the library and the 2-story building that had an elevator. They had little kid’s chairs shaped like the white Mork and Mindy egg chairs that just cradle you like a glove. I would check out the Cam Jansen books. They were the best mystery books ever! I still have my library card from my youth!

Shane, Public Support Services: I always read a lot growing up. My relationship with libraries started when I took a “Library Aide” class in middle school where I would shelve/straighten books and check books in/out for other students for one period a day. I also made a large display on a book of choice as part of the “class.” This was during my middle school years, so I remember checking out every “Hank the Cowdog” book that we had there before moving on to Christopher Pike novels. I grew up in the country so I didn’t really have access to a public library while growing up.

Eric, Director: I can remember frequently visiting the McPherson Public Library when I was growing up. At one point, I was trying to read every sports and mystery book in the juvenile section. My brother and I often rode our bikes to the library, filled our backpacks with books and then stopped by the baseball card shop on the way home.

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: I grew up going to the Westlink Branch Library in Wichita. I would check out Amelia Bedelia and I loved reading From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. I told the children’s librarian I would someday work there, and I did.

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: One of my favorite libraries was my high school library. I was able to work there as a student librarian. Some of my favorite reads was “The Black Stallion”, “Man O’War” and “Where the Red Fern Grows.”

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services: I grew up in Houston, Texas, and I loved taking the city bus with my mom to the huge Houston Public Library downtown. It had a giant escalator in the middle of the lobby and four different levels including an academic level for university students. I would hang out in the teen section on the bean bag chairs and read Amelia Atwater-Rhodes’ books or the paperback spin-offs of the TV Show, Charmed.

Emily B., Public Support Services: When I was still in middle school, after school got out, me and my close friend would walk to the Rose Hill Public Library and we would spend hours together just talking and reading. I remember feeling very welcomed and it became such a comfort place for me. My favorite books to check out were any of Maggie Stiefvater’s books, but specifically the Shiver series!

Tabbitha, Youth Services: My childhood involved frequent moves, helping me explore many diverse libraries in Illinois, Arkansas, California, and Kansas. However, Kansas libraries always held a special place in my heart. My all-time favorite library growing up was the Newton Public Library in Newton, KS. It’s large children’s area filled with wonderful books and literacy resources, was a weekly haven for me. It was actually at this library that I read my first book, ‘Hop on Pop’, independently. I loved checking out Arthur books, School House Rock DVD’s, and an abundance of non-fiction books on the solar system.

As a teenager, the Derby Public Library was a valuable asset. It was here that I found a love for the tranquility of a quiet library and having a place to read on the weekends, somewhere other than home. During the week, it was also a great place to come finish homework or just catch up with friends.

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: Growing up, the library in Hesston was just down the street from our house. During the summer we would be in and out of the library constantly getting books, hanging out in the bean bag chairs and completing the summer reading challenge. I don’t remember any big prizes. It may have just been pieces of candy for reading so many books. My aunt would also take my sister and cousins to the library when she was taking care of us in the summer. We would usually spend the days playing together, going to the pool a LOT and having dedicated reading time. The librarians knew us by name and we rarely needed to take our library cards with us. It was and still is a fairly small library but it was a place I loved visiting often as a kid.

Now it’s your turn! What was your favorite library to visit as a kid and what were some of your favorite books to check out?

What’s Ashley Reading?: Story of a Murder

Story of a Murder by Hallie Rubenhold

First line: No murderer should ever be the guardian of their victim’s story, and yet this is the role of Hawley Harvey Crippen has always held.

Summary: Belle Elmore, wife of Hawley Harvey Crippen and vaudeville actress, was found buried in the basement of her home in July 1910. In Story of a Murder Rubenhold examines the women involved with the case and details out the events leading up to the arrest of Crippen for the murder of his wife. For years writers have placed the blame on Belle for her own death but Rubenhold gives back her story while breaking down the subjects of class, misogyny and the role of women in Edwardian society.

My Thoughts: As with The Five, Rubenhold gives back the humanity to her subject. Her latest work dives deep into the Edwardian world and the murder case that captivated the masses on both sides of the Atlantic. I had never heard of the Crippen murder which gave me no preconceptions going into the narrative. The story starts out with Crippen’s life, education, work experience and first marriage. As she builds on these points we see the path leading us to the winter of 1910.

I find Rubenhold’s writing to be superb. I easily get drawn into the story as if I was reading fiction. Belle was not perfect and Rubenhold doesn’t try to portray her that way. She had flaws but nothing she did gave Crippen the right to do to her what he did. After Belle’s disappearance I loved how the research showed her friends doing all they could to find answers. The persisted against the male dominated world to try and find justice for their friend. It shows how much this woman meant to those around her.

The other woman the author examines is Crippen’s mistress, Ethel Le Neve. What did she truly know about the events surrounding the death of Belle Elmore? As the evidence is laid out and the narrative given for years is challenged, it leaves the reader questioning Ethel’s role in Belle’s death. We are taken through Ethel’s life and choices on her way to meeting Crippen. This new insight into the case gives a whole new dimension to the woman who was only considered a bystander at the time.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a true crime story and women’s history. After reading it let me know what you think! Are you convinced by Rubenhold’s assessment or do you stand with the courts of Edwardian England?

FYI: This is currently only available on Libby. DNA research has been done on the remains and new eyes on this DNA research has come into the public eye again recently. Read the story here.

The Blog Wants to Know – Mar. 2025

With our Spring Break World Tour programming series coming this month along with the number of passports that we’ve been processing, it’s gotten the library staff thinking about travel.

What other countries would you like to visit some day? Perhaps you’d like to return there again or visit there for the first time. What interests you about traveling there and what things would you like to do?

Tabbitha, Youth Services: A country I hope to visit one day is Japan. There are so many reasons I wish to visit this country! It has beautiful architecture and temples as well as delicious cuisine and fascinating culture. There are many Sakura Cherry Blossom Festival during the Spring around Japan, and one day I hope to attend one of these and bask in all the botanical ambiance.

Miranda, Youth Services: I’ve never been outside the country yet! 🙁 I’d love to start with Cancún, Mexico or a Caribbean island. My family loves the ocean, and the water and beach are so gorgeous there. My dream is to go to Italy someday, probably in a couple decades when my life slows down! 😄Reasons are for the beautiful scenery, architecture, and FOOD!

Shane, Public Support Services: I would love to go to Iceland. I’ve had my passport for several years but still have never traveled outside of the country (or seen the ocean in person). I find Norse culture super interesting and have heard how beautiful Iceland is. The Northern Lights would be wonderful to see.

Dawn, Youth Services: Getting out of the United States would be nice in general. I’d love to visit France some day since I minored in French in college. I’d really love to go to Italy, go on a gondola ride, see the sights, and enjoy authentic Italian food.

Kathy, Public Support Services: Japan in spring to see the cherry blossoms and Italy to spend some time in Venice!

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services: I’ve always wanted to visit Thailand to explore the incredible temples and stay at the Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary. I’d love to get a traditional sak yant tattoo which is done by a Buddhist monk using the tap and poke method. The sak yant is a geometric design created originally for you by the monk after telling him about your life and goals. It’s a pretty gnarly process, but the end result is so beautiful. I’d also love to visit Mexico some day and see Frida Kahlo’s home, Casa Azul!

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan Services: Three years ago, I took my cousin to the UK. It was her first time and my third trip to London but we both got to experience Edinburgh, Scotland together for the first time. We only had a few days there which was not enough. I would love to travel back to Edinburgh and visit other more rural parts of Scotland like the Highlands. Plus, I’d love to have another plate or two of haggis at Makars Mash.

And even though I’ve been to London multiple times there are still places I have yet to visit. I would love to do some day trip excursions outside the city to Canterbury, Winchester and York. These places are filled with architecture and history that spans centuries.

But for a place I’ve never visited and would love to experience would have to be the Low Countries. I have read and love the idea of hygge (the Danish art of coziness) and want to visit one of the happiest places on earth. The countries of Denmark and the Netherlands just seem like an idyllic vacation spot with tulips, windmills and pastries.

Now it’s your turn! Tell us where you would love to travel to in the comments below!

The Blog Wants to Know: Feb. 2025

It’s February with Valentine’s Day approaching so whether you’ve got a special someone or just want to treat yourself, you might be heading about the town to a new spot. Our library staff have some excellent suggestions!

What are some of your favorite restaurants that you’d recommend in the surrounding areas of town? Do you have a favorite item that you order from this restaurant or a dish you’d suggest for a first-timer?

Shane, Public Support Services: “I would recommend Wichita Brewing Company for a relaxing night out with delicious pizza and craft beer.

You absolutely have to try the Itis Pizza if you haven’t been before. It is decadent with cream cheese and other toppings sandwiched between two doughs. It’s definitely not for the gluten or dairy intolerant though! They also do a pizza of the month every month that is always worth a try.

Hannah, Assistant Director: I have to recommend Pizza John’s! It’s iconic to Derby. Their thin cracker crust is so good, and the seasoning blend that they sprinkle on top of every pizza is magic. But don’t miss out on trying their sandwiches!

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: We recently discovered Shindigs Bar & Grill in Winfield. It’s a railroad freight station turned into a bar and grill. They have a fun food and drink menu and take reservations.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services: “I’m a huge breakfast food person so I have two recommendations for you.

If you’re looking for a luxurious brunch spot, try HomeGrown in Wichita. They have a seasonal menu with well-executed, decadent options. It’s on the pricier side, but for a special treat, the “farm to table” vibes are unbeatable. If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend the Pop’d Hearts. They’re homemade pop tarts made with flaky pastry, and it’s like something straight out of the Great British Baking Show!

For a down-home diner vibe, check out Jimmie’s Diner. The ever-flowing diner coffee is charming, the waitresses have on poodle skirts, and the prices are super reasonable. My favorite item (and one of my favorite meals in Wichita) is the Breakfast Sandwich on an Everything Bagel. It’s divine!

Eric, Library Director: We really enjoy Mediterranean Grill (by Town East) in Wichita. We love the dolma, fattoush salad, honey biscuits and the lamb gyros.

The kids also like Wichita Brewing Company and are having fun trying all the different pizzas.

My wife, Kara, and I enjoy Sabor and would recommend the plantain chips as a starter.

Justin, Technology Coordinator: You know what, I’m basic. I love the Totally Tuna sandwich at Jimmy Johns, the classic chicken sandwich at Buffalo Wild Wings and the Whiskey River BBQ chicken wrap at Red Robin. If I’m feeling naughty, I’ll get the Royal Red Robin burger.

Dawn S., Youth Services Coordinator: “Ty’s Diner is delicious! I love the frings and the mushroom swiss burger.”

Tabbitha, Youth Services: “One of my favorite restaurants is located here in Derby. Las Vaquitas is a family-owned business that serves the most delicious Mexican food and great hospitality! They recently expanded their storefront to accommodate their customers. They have a lunch and dinner menu, along with kids meals too! My family enjoys going to this establishment for a nice meal close to home. They are located at 128 E Madison, on the other side of Kansasland Tire.

Another favorite of mine that is close to home, is Good Fortune Chinese Restaurant. This is a convenient take-out meal for my family usually on busy evenings or for a special movie night treat. They are right on Baltimore in one of the shopping centers. Usually, we order sweet and sour chicken (for the kids), egg rolls, and dumplings. I enjoy their seafood and grilled chicken options for my food sensitivities. They also have a small lunch buffet that many people have told me they enjoy.”

Now it’s your turn! Tell us what some of your favorite restaurants are in town!

The Blog Wants to Know: Jan. 2025

New Year, new books or perhaps the same books if you’ve got a to-be read list as long as ours. We’ve checked in with the library staff to see what some of those books and other materials might be.

What are some books/movies/TV shows you are hoping to get to in 2025? These can be new releases or items you’ve had on your read/watch list for a while.

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: “For years I have owned copies of the first 2 books in the Thomas Cromwell trilogy by Hilary Mantel but never read them. This year I am determined to read the trilogy and re-watch the first season of the show before the final season airs in March on PBS. The books include Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies, and The Mirror and the Light.

The TV series is Wolf Hall, season one was in 2015 & season two is 2025. Season one covers books 1 & 2 while the second season is book 3. This follows the life and career of Thomas Cromwell in Henry VIII’s court.”

Maycie, Public Support Services: “Two of my favorite authors, Sarah Adler and Rachel Lynn Solomon, both have new releases coming out this year, Finders Keepers and What Happens in Amsterdam, that I can’t wait to read! I’m also really looking forward to The Love Haters by Katherine Center and Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins.

I’m already fully sat at the movie theaters waiting to watch the new Paddington movie!! I’m also excited for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon and the second part of Wicked.

When it comes to TV, I’m just hoping we can finally see the end of Stranger Things and hopefully a season two of Percy Jackson.”

Kathy, Public Support Services: “I always wait for Nora Roberts to finish her trilogy to read them all so looking forward to reading her latest one this fall when the final book comes out.”

Miranda, Youth Services: “A series on Netflix I’ve been watching is The Empress. It’s a German historical drama loosely based on the life and marriage of Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz of Austria in the 1850s. A book I’ve started reading that I’ve been wanting to read for a while is The Girl in His Shadow. It’s a historical fiction about a woman who secretly assists with surgeries in 1845 London, a time when women were not allowed to practice medicine. A great read so far!”

Hannah, Assistant Director: “Season 2 of Severance! We’ve been waiting for 3 years!”

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: I am very excited to watch the movie, “Wicked“!

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: “I’m so excited for the book, Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft. It tells the story of two characters from the Disney Fairies film, Secret of the Wings. I adore these films with Tinkerbell and her friends, and Secret of the Wings is my favorite of them. Wings of Starlight features Queen Clarion of Pixie Hollow and the Lord of Winter, Milori.

I also hope to re-read The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien again this year. I read it a few years ago, and I’d like to go through it again and take some notes. And, of course, I’m continuing my absolute obsession with Elin Hilderbrand. I’m looking forward to reading The Blue Bistro and Summer of ’69 this year.

Megan, Outreach Coordinator: I’m hoping to finish Gilmore Girls in 2025 (The first time watching it!). I’m wanting to start It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I’m hoping to get caught up on the In Death series by JD Robb in 2025! I’m only 6 or 7 behind.

Grace, Youth Services:

Books I’m excited for in 2025:

Onyx Storm, Empyrean #3 by Rebecca Yarros (the third book in the Fourth Wing series)
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti, which I’ve already read but am excited to get a hold of my physical copy and reread.
Finders Keepers (I absolutely ADORE Sarah Adler)

TV Shows:

Severance Season 2 comes out! I might have to actually get Apple TV+ for a bit, so I can see it. I haven’t had more fun not knowing what’s going on in a show since LOST.
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ on Disney+ – My husband, Eli and I have nearly finished all of the old Daredevil episodes (they aren’t very bingeable, I need a light and fluffy show or book after watching an episode). He watched Punisher without me and loved it, so we’ve both been looking forward to this!
‘Percy Jackson And The Olympians’ Season 2 – This is another Eli & Me show! We had a blast watching the first season. It’s refreshing to see a book series adapted by the author. The cast is fantastic, and he’s a bigger Percy Jackson fan than me, so we can both hardly wait for season 2!

Movies:

Captain America: Brave New World
Ballerina, from the John Wick Universe
Death of a Unicorn, which looks terrible and hilarious and absolutely not appropriate for children
Fantastic Four: First Steps (Joseph Quinn AND Pedro Pascal!)
Love Hurts (all I needed to know was Ke Huy Quan, and I will be seated. But also, the director is the stunt coordinator for Black Panther, Fall Guy, Violent Night, Deadpool 2, Dr. Strange, and John Wick. David Leitch is on the producing team, too, and he had a hand in all of those movies. I’m a HUGE fan).
Superman (Mrs. Maisel is Lois Lane, take my money)
Wicked: For Good. I can’t tell you how badly I am YEARNING for this (while also avoiding spoilers as someone who’s never seen Wicked all the way through because she was going to see it onstage first).

Justin, Technology Coordinator:

I am looking forward to:

TV—Andor: Season Two (StarWars)

Movie—Mickey 17 (Robert Pattinson)

Book—The Staircase in the Woods (Chuck Wendig)

Now it’s your turn, patrons! What books, TV shows, and movies are you looking forward to in 2025?