Expert advice on finding a book that's just right for you:

Staff Picks
book reviews by DPPL staff

One-Click Searches
by topic, genre, format

Write Your Own Book Reviews - NEW

What's Hot in Des Plaines? - The most popular books, authors and subjects in our Library right now.

NoveList database - Get suggestions on books that are similar to titles, authors, subjects you've liked before.

BookList Online database - Book reviews and recommendations.

DPPL Blogs:

The Blog of AWESOME is our blog for teens only.

Positively Ellinwood Street is a blog about books, movies & music

PlainTalk is the catch-all blog about the Des Plaines Public Library.

Learn more about authors and literature in these databases - great for term papers:

Contemporary Authors

Literature Resource Center

Readers' Toolkit:

Library Catalog
your search begins here.

Book Discussion Groups

Book/Movie Advisor - Tell us what you like and we'll recommend new titles you can try

BookChecker
check our catalog for books you find at Amazon and Barnes and Noble online

Online tutorials
get more from our Web site from these tutorials

Internet Sites for Fiction Lovers - what's next from your favorite author or in your favorite genre?