The Library

Memoirs for Transgender Day of Visibility

Published March 27, 2022 Submitted by: Miranda

Transgender Day of Visibility takes place each year on March 31st to celebrate transgender and nonbinary people, and raise awareness of discrimination faced by trans people worldwide. The memoirs listed here are penned by all kinds of people from different walks of life, but their gender nonconformity is one thing they all have in common. It's a great time of year to make space in your reading life for one of these memoirs by a transgender or nonbinary author!

#VeryAsian Stories

Published January 23, 2022 Submitted by: Miranda

After sharing a racist voicemail she received from a viewer, St. Louis news anchor Michelle Li has received a hugely supportive response from the public, from stories shared on social media with the hashtag #VeryAsian, to an appearance from Li on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Li's story has inspired us to share some of our favorite #VeryAsian stories that you can find at the library. Each of these books offers a distinct perspective from the vast and rich Asian diaspora. 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2021

Published September 19, 2021 Submitted by: Miranda

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month, when we honor and celebrate the generations of Hispanic Americans who have positively influenced and enriched our nation and society. One great way to celebrate the season is to read one of these new books by Latinx authors!

Disability Independence Day

Published July 4, 2021 Submitted by: Miranda

National Disability Independence Day on July 26th commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) on July 26th, 1990. The ADA provides protection from employment discrimination as well as better access to goods, services and communications for people with disabilities. Celebrate Disability Independence Day by reading stories--true and fictional--about the lives of Americans with disabilities.

Speculative Fiction by Indigenous Authors

Published June 27, 2021 Submitted by: Miranda

Throughout history and still today, mainstream popular culture often depicts Native characters as stereotypical historical figures. These books by Indigenous authors imagine new worlds for Native culture to thrive.

Black History is American History

Published February 7, 2021 Submitted by: Miranda

In the words of activist Rachel Cargle, "Black history is American history." Open your eyes and ears to the stories of our country's history told by Black Americans.

Black Voices On-Screen

Published September 29, 2020 Submitted by: Miranda

Learn more about racial injustice and the Black experience by watching these films.

Afrocentric Science Fiction and Fantasy

Published August 2, 2020 Submitted by: Miranda

Broaden your literary horizons with these science fiction and fantasy books centered on African and Black culture. 

Black Joy Matters

Published June 28, 2020 Submitted by: Miranda

While it's important to shine a light on the struggle of the Black community, it's also important to highlight the wonderfully joyful books featuring Black characters and authors. If you'd like to escape into a happily-ever-after, here are some optimistic Black stories to sink into.

LGBTQ+ Books for Grown-Ups

Published June 9, 2019 Submitted by: Miranda

Pick up one of these books to celebrate National Pride Month in June! Keep reading throughout the summer to gear up for Greater Ozarks Pridefest in Downtown Springfield on October 12, 2019.

Saving Seeds From Your Garden

Published August 11, 2016 Submitted by: Miranda

The Immigrant Experience in Fiction

Published December 17, 2015 Submitted by: Miranda

Book & Music Pairings

Published September 17, 2015 Submitted by: Miranda

Growing Up Is Hard To Do

Published June 11, 2015 Submitted by: Miranda

The Unreliable Narrator

Published March 12, 2015 Submitted by: Miranda