Every year, the American Library Association compiles a list of the Top 10 Most Frequently Challenged Books based on reports from the field and media coverage. Here at MHL, all of these books are available to read freely. Banned Books Week is an important reminder to celebrate our freedom of speech. You can learn more about banned and challenged books at the American Library Association's Banned Books Week website.
2025 Pura Belpré Awards
Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time to check out the winners of this year's Pura Belpré Awards. These awards are given out annually by the American Library Association to honor Latino authors and illustrators whose work best portrays, affirms and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in children’s books. The awards are named for New York's first Puerto Rican librarian.
Books For Fans Of K-Pop Demon Hunters
Are you a fan of the movie K-Pop Demon Hunters? If so, you're not alone--it recently became the most watched Netflix movie of all time. (If you'd like to watch K-Pop Demon Hunters but don't have Netflix access, you can borrow MHL's Roku with Netflix access. And the K-Pop Demon Hunters soundtrack is also available to stream from Hoopla!) Here are some books for readers of all ages that are inspired by K-Pop music, Korean folklore, or magical girls kicking butt.
August 30 is Frankenstein Day
In honor of Mary Shelley's birthday, August 30th is observed as Frankenstein Day. Shelley's novel is popularly credited as being the first science fiction novel written in English, and Frankenstein continues to be an influential novel. Here are some books to learn more about Mary Shelley's life and times, as well as books carrying on Frankenstein's legacy.
What’s for Lunch?
Are you looking for some fresh lunchtime inspiration? Here are some cookbooks with great ideas for lunches and afternoon snacks for all ages.
The Books of a Showgirl
While you're waiting for the next Taylor Swift album, The Life of a Showgirl, why not check out one of these books about showgirls, dancers, and divas? (Or if you're just in the mood for music: did you know that all of Taylor Swift's previous albums are available to stream on Hoopla?)
Books for International Cat Day
August's Book of the Month is The Dog Days of Summer, but that doesn't mean we can't also celebrate International Cat Day on August 8th! Here are some books with fantastic feline characters.
What to Read While Waiting for The Let Them Theory
So...everyone else already checked out all the copies of The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins? Well, you know what? Let them have them! You can check out one of these other books instead. (You can also get the main idea of the "Let Them" theory from an episode of her podcast.) No matter which book you choose, you're already on the path to living your best possible life because you're using your library!
Books for Fans of Superman
Are you a fan of the OG superhero, Superman? Here are some books to check out, whether you'd like to learn more about the character's history and creators, find a starting point to read Superman comics, or keep up with his latest adventures. Also, with your MHL library card, you can access Hoopla Digital, which has hundreds of Superman comics available to read digitally!
July is Disability Pride Month
In honor of the anniversary of the Americans With Disabilities Act, July is observed as National Disability Pride Month. Here are some great books by and about people with disabilities to check out!