Southwest
Neighborhood Library

Royalty Gone Awry

Hard times for royals in fiction

As Lorde sings, “we’ll never be royals,” and maybe it’s for the best. This list includes stories of the royal life not being all it’s cracked up to be. Although we might have dreamed of running our own kingdoms as kids, now fiction tells us how fraught that experience would be. Enjoy your peasant status while you read about stressful politics, assassination, kidnapping and other trials in the court.

Feels Like Summer

YA and Children's fiction with summer vibes for all ages

Summertime, and the livin’ is easy… The weather is starting to warm up, but it’s not quite summer yet. If you’re yearning for those hot-hot days and warm nights around the campfire, visit June, July and August through these stories. These YA and juvenile reads are great for their target audience -- and adults too!

Graphic Novels and Nonfiction to Share with Kids

Connect with little literatis through graphic works

Sometimes, the best way to connect with the kids in your life is over a good book. But you might be wondering what constitutes a good book when it comes to little literatis. Fear not, the Children’s Librarian is here! Below, find six great graphic novels (and two graphic format nonfiction) to share with kids, whether you’re looking to start a conversation or just want a good story.

What to Read after "The Yellow Wallpaper"

Read-Alikes and Contextual Texts

Published in 1892, “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman has left a lasting impression on readers interested in feminism and mental health. While Gilman’s is one of the better-known stories about women, mental health and their treatment in western society, many authors have also approached the subjects before and since its publication.

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal

How to Read Like a Librarian

Peek at our staff's reading list

There are a lot of librarian stereotypes out there: we’re all women (false), we’re all either uptight and impersonal or coding nerds with tattoos (false), we like to shush people (false), and we have either read everything in the library or we only read books you’d find on lists of importance (definitely false and false).

Hey, I Know Them!

A handful of books by authors in the area

The DMV isn’t just about government and politics. We have lots of talented people in the literary world living in and around the city. Some are rare natives to the area, and others are, like many of us, transplants. Whether they’re new here or not, you might be lucky enough to find these authors strolling around DC or, you might even know them personally. Check out their books from your branch and support local talent!

New Year, New You

Nonfiction for Living Your Best Life

It’s the beginning of the new year, so it’s time to start thinking about your goals and intentions for personal betterment (if you’re into that kind of thing). Even if you’re not up to writing down or articulating your resolutions, you may want to pick up a few titles that will encourage personal growth. Here are six titles to get you started toward a more-informed you.

Candy Construction

Holiday Houses at Southwest

On Wednesday, Dec. 12, Southwest Library held its fourth annual Holiday House program. Over seventy-five children and their families came to build colorful creations out of graham crackers, frosting and a wide selection of candy.

Jessica S.

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Twice upon a Time...

Young Adult Fantasy Series

As the colder months approach, you'll want plenty of good books to keep you busy indoors. Why not dive into a new series? And, while you're at it, why not try some fantasy to escape the doldrums of the dark reality of winter? Below, find the books that kick off seven great young adult fantasy series. Some series are complete while others are still in the works, so take your pick and, like a drifting snowflake, get carried away by these immersive stories of the fantastic.

What to Expect When the New Baby Comes Home

I'm a Big Sibling!

All about New Babies for Big Siblings

For parents, there’s a lot to take care of with a new baby on the way, but it can be hard on big-siblings-to-be, too! These books can help make understanding the how’s and why’s of the new baby easier on the big sibling. From younger kids who are concerned about how the new baby will change their family to older kids asking about how babies are made, this list has something for everyone. Happy reading -- and congratulations on your new family member(s)!

Southwest Neighborhood Library