The Swampscott Public Library has put together a 2025 gift guide, offering seasonal inspiration for holiday shopping for parents, friends, and grandchildren.

Library staff handpicked reading recommendations for adults, teens, and children, and the guide also includes current music, television, and movie picks. The adult section of the guide features 24 fiction titles, 12 nonfiction books, 12 audiobooks, 12 movies and television picks, and ten music selections. The teen section includes 24 books, and the children’s section lists 20 titles.

Susan Conner, assistant director of the library, said staff members are often asked for personal recommendations. The gift guide compiles these varied suggestions into one easy-to-use resource.

“There are lots of people out there with lots of different interests,” said Conner, who said the list is meant to have a wide variety of books, something for everyone.

Conner added that librarians often know about lesser-known authors, allowing some under-the-radar favorites to make the guide alongside popular titles.

“It gives light to the books that aren’t as picked up,” said Conner.

One recommendation from Conner in the adult section is The Secret Christmas Library by Jenny Colgan. Set in the Scottish Highlands, the story follows antiquarian book hunter Mirren, who is hired by a young laird with a family collection that includes a rare book so valuable it could save his crumbling castle estate. Mirren encounters a rival book hunter, and the three must search the castle for the treasure. Conner praised Colgan’s talent for heartfelt storytelling.

“We all chimed in because everyone has such different genres they enjoy,” said Reference Librarian Dave Archer.

Archer said the staff’s love of reading and media makes them great sources of gift-giving inspiration.

One adult recommendation from Archer is Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick, a history book that explores the first 55 years of Plymouth Colony beyond the Thanksgiving myth, highlighting the Pilgrims’ struggles and their complex relationship with the Wampanoag people. Archer noted that while it’s not new, it remains highly informative.

“Some of our librarians read all of the newest fiction books, and some read older authors they haven’t discovered yet,” Archer said.

Graphic novels have also been popular across all ages this year. The teen section includes titles such as The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater, a fantasy series about a girl entangled with four mystical students on a quest for a legendary Welsh king; and Loving, Ohio by Matthew Erman, a coming-of-age story about high school friends navigating grief and a mysterious cult-related murder.

The children’s guide helps gift-givers explore what kids might enjoy, said librarian Denise Runyan.

“Lots of adults haven’t read children’s books in a long time,” said Runyan. “Adults might not know what books are popular for children right now.”

Her recommendations include The House of Found Objects by Jo Beckett-King, a middle-grade mystery about two cousins solving a scavenger hunt in Paris to recover their grandmother’s stolen Matisse. Lisa Julien-Hayes recommended the latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, Partypooper, which follows Greg’s chaotic birthday plans and social media mishaps.

“We offer a good range of what our population is coming in and accessing,” said Archer. “Not all gifts need to be bought. The list recommends gifts for parents, kids, or to treat yourself to something new.”

To review the full list of recommendations, visit https://swampscottlibrary.b-cdn.net/app/uploads/2025/12/Holiday-Gift-List-2025.pdf