Resources: Reading Advice

Holiday hours: All MCPL locations will be closed Sat.-Mon., 9/1-9/3.

On-site Resources

A variety of helpful equipment, archives and services are available at your local Marathon County Public Library! Some resources are only available at certain MCPL locations, as noted below.

Book Discussion Kits

Start your own book club! Book discussion kits include multiple copies of popular books, discussion questions and author information, all in a handy tote bag! View available book discussion kits in the Library Catalog (V-Cat). For a larger selection, request kits from elsewhere in the state using... MCPL On-site Reading Advice

Personalized Reading Suggestions

Are you looking for books to add to the top of your must-read list? Let the staff at the Marathon County Public Library help! We are eager to use our expertise to find great reads just for you. Complete this form, and we'll send you three personalized reading recommendations within four... MCPL On-site Reading Advice

Online Resources

The following are databases to which the library has subscribed and websites that are affiliated with the library or host library-owned content. For an A-Z listing of all online resources, click here.

NoveList

A reader's advisory service designed to help you find information about authors, specific books, series information, "read-a-likes" (books similar to ones you enjoy), book and author reviews, book lists, teaching guides and more! BadgerLink Reading Advice WVLS Online

NoveList K-8

A reader's advisory service for children, designed to help you find information about authors, specific books, series information, "read-a-likes" (books similar to ones you enjoy), book and author reviews, book lists, teaching guides, and more! BadgerLink For Children Reading Advice Online

Staff Reviews

Book reviews written by the staff of the Marathon County Public Library, featuring reviews of fiction and nonfiction for adults, children and teens! These book reviews also are published at Goodreads.com; follow us for the latest updates. Reading Advice MCPL Online

The Teen Review

Book reviews written by Marathon County teens! Also includes reviews for games, movies, graphic novels, and magazines. Feel free to add comments and contribute your own reviews! For Teens MCPL Reading Advice Online

LitFinder

Contains a wealth of primary literature content, including citations and full text of hundreds of thousands of poems, short stories, essays, speeches and plays. BadgerLink Reading Advice Online

Literary Reference Center

Information on thousands of authors and their works, including summaries, literary criticism, biographies, reviews, interviews, classic and contemporary poems and short stories, full-text access to classic works of literature, and much more. BadgerLink Reading Advice Online

TeachingBooks

Provides audio excerpts of book readings, movies of authors and illustrators, and guides to thousands of titles and multimedia resources on children's and young adult literature. BadgerLink For Educators Reading Advice Online

Web Resources

The following are third-party websites suggested by library staff for your consideration. Use at your own risk; these sites are not controlled or monitored by the library.

BookPage

Book reviews, reading lists, book club resources, book-finding tools, and more. This is the online version of the Book News newspaper, available monthly at the Library. Web Reading Advice

KidsReads.com

A site dedicated to book lovers providing a forum to discover and share commentary about the books and authors they enjoy. Author interviews, book reviews and lively book commentary are found here. Content includes books from bestselling, midlist and debut authors. Web For Children Reading Advice

Kirkus Reviews

Book reviews and recommendations from the most trusted voice in book discovery. Web Reading Advice

National Public Radio: Book Reviews

Web Reading Advice

New York Times: Book Review

Web Reading Advice

Read On Wisconsin!

Promotes high-quality books for children and teens throughout Wisconsin. Allows parents and educators to discuss relevant titles and teaching strategies. Also, children and teens are encouraged to create and share "book trailer" videos for sharing on this site. Web Wisconsin For Teens For Children Reading Advice

Reading Group Guides

A resource for book discussion groups, including reading guides, discussion questions, plot summaries, and book lists. Web Reading Advice

Teen Reads

Lots of information about young adult books, including lists, reviews, author bios, and more. Web For Teens Reading Advice

YALSA's Teen Book Finder

This is a free smartphone/tablet app created by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) to help teens, parents, library staff, educators and anyone who loves young adult literature access YALSA's growing database of book awards and book lists. Web For Teens Reading Advice