See all posts in the Libraries series

(Note: Carver County Library branch managers are providing updates on programs and services for Carver County Local News. This month, Chaska location manager Kevin Spencer shares back-to-school recommendations.)

As the school year begins, the Carver County Library becomes more than a place to check out resources or find a quiet corner to work; it’s also a welcoming space where readers of all ages can explore stories, discover new ideas and celebrate the joys of learning.

From picture books that ease first-day jitters, to novels that examine ambition, resilience and growth, there’s something here for everyone this season.

For Teens and Adults

• Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger: A witty steampunk adventure where a finishing school teaches both manners and espionage.
• The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson: Two young women in 1950s America pursue education and opportunity while navigating societal barriers.
• The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk: A Pulitzer Prize-winning classic about leadership, discipline and lessons learned under pressure in the Navy.
• Princess Academy by Shannon Hale: Village girls sent to a special academy learn more than etiquette — they discover their voices and their power to shape their futures.
• Practice by Rosalind Brown: A contemporary exploration of balancing ambition with the demands of academic life.
• The Fever by Megan Abbott: A high school thriller about a mysterious illness and the pressures of adolescence.

For Children and Families

• Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes: A reassuring story about a little mouse who worries about starting school.
• School’s First Day of School by Adam Rex: Told from the perspective of a brand-new school building, capturing the excitement and nerves of opening day.
• A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon: A playful story about embracing individuality when trying to fit in at school goes hilariously wrong.
• How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan: A funny role-reversal picture book showing kids how to help their teachers prepare for the school year.

Carver County Library is proud to be a community resource where learning, curiosity and imagination come together. This fall, make time to stop by your local branch and check out these titles — and discover much more.