LJ

The theme of the American Library Association’s (ALA) 2025 LibLearnX, “Reimagine, Refocus, Reset: Charting a Path for the Future,” has particular resonance, as this will be the final LibLearnX. The event, which replaced ALA’s Midwinter Meeting in 2022, had seen low attendance—just over 2,000 at last year’s conference in Baltimore—and ALA has opted to stop hosting the conference.

Audio horror, fantasy, mystery, social sciences, and more. This winter’s audiobook stars offer auditory delights across a wide range of subjects and genres.

Captivating mystery audios, showcasing octogenarian amateur detectives, intricate psychological thrillers, and a pulse-pounding installment in a beloved series.

Exhilarating listens, from classic high fantasy to thrilling tales of intrigue in extraterrestrial settings.

Key fiction, nonfiction, and reference titles.

As much as LJ editors love to read, we also hold deep admiration for book and cover design. Each year we gather to debate how image, text, and color help create the mood of a book and invite readers into the story. These 10 choices represent the standout covers from our best books and highlight trends in jacket design, arresting imagery, and just how important the aesthetics of book art can be.

In the days after the election, LJ spoke with library colleagues for their takes on what may be in store from the new administration—and potential next steps.

Top titles across 12 subjects serving reference work and research.

Searching to update collections and fill information gaps? Consider these 580+ new and forthcoming print titles. Also included are updated lists of reference fun reads.