North Douglas Library District's
Mildred Whipple Public Library
Link to the Past. . .Gateway to the Future
Library Labels Explained:
what they mean & where to find them
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The North Douglas Library District uses a variety of spine labels to help organize the materials within our physical collection and quickly convey information to both library staff and visitors.
Learn about the different labels the library uses below.
Did you know you can suggest changes? If you read a title and think it belongs better under a different fiction genre or nonfiction category, let a library staff member know.
Want to recommend a purchase? Send purchase suggestions (such as a title, author, or specific topic) here or let a library staff member know during your next visit.
Looking for your next great read but don’t know where to start? Contact the Mildred Whipple Library to receive a curated list of library items specific to your reading interests.
Still have questions? Contact the Mildred Whipple Library.
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Library Terminology
Topics in this section: Target Audiences, Formats, How to Read A Spine Label
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Target Audiences:
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Juvenile: Geared for readers from birth through elementary school​.
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in-beTWEEN: Geared for readers in middle school​.
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Young Adult: Geared for readers in high school.​
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Adult: Geared for readers 18+.
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Formats:
Board Book: Geared for newborn babies to around 2 years old and intended to be read aloud. Board books have thick paperboard pages to combat wear and tear from baby hands and mouths. There may be more interactive elements to these books such as cloth, noise, or popups to engage a baby or allow the reader to make the story more exciting.
Picture Book: Fiction and nonfiction titles intended to be read aloud that feature a blend of full-page illustrations with minimal text.
Early Reader: Geared for newly independent readers that are structured similar to chapter books but with limited vocabulary and lots of illustrations.
Fiction: Learning through imagination. Titles can - and often do - tackle real world themes and subjects but through a fictional lens.
Nonfiction: Learning through information. Titles include real world people and events and include research and references. In the North Douglas Library District, Young Adult Nonfiction titles are geared specifically for teen readers while Juvenile Nonfiction titles tend to broadly introduce information and Adult Nonfiction titles expand on detailed subjects.
Graphic Novels: A format of book that tells a story in a long-form work of sequential art. Graphic novels can be fiction or nonfiction and are shelved by target audience.
Manga: An umbrella term for a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels. Manga is read from top to bottom and right to left.
Large Print: Refers to the formatting of a book where the font is at least 18 points in size (instead of the 12-16 point font typically published). Large Print books can be fiction or nonfiction and geared for any age of reader.
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How To Read A Spine Label:
There are two basic types of materials in the Mildred Whipple Library: fiction and nonfiction.
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Fiction materials have “FIC” on the label.
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Nonfiction materials have a series of numbers on the label.
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In general, fiction materials follow this format:
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First line: shelving location. Example: BB, JE, ER, J, YA, CD, DVD, LP, etc.
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Second line: FIC
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Third line: 3-5 letters of the author’s last name. Example: MIL or MILDR
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In general, nonfiction materials follow this format:
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First line: shelving location. Example: BB, JE, ER, J, YA, CD, DVD, LP, etc.
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Second line: series of numbers (known as Dewey decimals). Example: 921 or 641.32.
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Third line: 3-5 letters of the author’s last name. Example: MIL or MILDR
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Fourth line: a dash (“-”). This doesn’t convey any specific information, but helps separate the third and fifth lines of information.
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Fifth line: publication year. Example: 2012 or 2023.
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Common exceptions:
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If the material is in a language other than English, 3 letters of the language are added to the beginning of the spine label. Example: SPA, FRE, JAP, GER, etc.
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Materials that are in the same format and shelved together have the shelving location followed by the target age. Example: CD YA.
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For manga titles, the last line on the spine label is the volume or series number.
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If you would like a more detailed explanation on spine label information or have questions about a specific item, please see a library staff member.
Picture Books
Where to find these labels: Look for these labels directly above the white spine label.
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How to find these titles: Titles are shelved by category, such as “Adventure” or “Concepts”. Titles within a category are shelved alphabetically by author last name.
Adventure: Books with themes of imagination, exploration, creativity, & play. Also includes word play and puzzle stories. Label Description: Look for bright orange labels with a compass and the word “adventure”.
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​​Animals: All animal books, from pets to wild animals. Label Description: Look for lime green labels with a paw print and the word “animals”.
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​Beliefs: Includes religion, folklore, and mythology-based stories. Label Description: Look for teal labels with 4 religious symbols surrounding a person and the word “beliefs”.
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Celebrations & Holidays: Special events such as weddings, celebrations, and parties, along with books themed around specific holidays and events. Look for labels for: Celebrations (general), Christmas, Dia de los Muertos, Diwali, Earth Day, Easter, Groundhog Day, Halloween, Hanukkah, Holiday (general), Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, Lunar New Year, New Year, Passover, Ramadan, St. Patrick’s Day, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and more.
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Characters: Books asked for by name (such as Disney, Marvel, Pigeon, Pig the Pug, etc.). Label Description: Look for bright green labels with the Pigeon character and the word “characters”.
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​Concepts: Shapes, numbers, letters, colors, time, etc. Label Description: Look for medium blue labels with “1,2,3” and the word “concepts”.
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​​​Emotions: Feelings and dealing with emotions. Label Description: Look for gold labels with 3 emojis and the word “emotions”.
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​​​Experiences: Bedtime, school, moving, etc. Label Description: Look for light purple labels with a school and the word “experiences”.
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​​Food: Gardening and meal time. Label Description: Look for light green labels with an empty plate and the word “food”.
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​​​Growing Up: Changing bodies, identities, life lessons, & childhood experiences. Label Description: Look for dark orange labels with a name badge and the words “growing up”.
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​Humor: Books meant to be silly. Label Description: Look for bright pink labels with a jester’s hat and the word “humor”.
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Nature: Plants, seasons, weather, outdoors, space, etc. Label Description: Look for dark green labels with a sprouting plant and the word “nature”.
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​Objects & Things: Transportation, technology, books about books, etc. Label Description: Look for pale yellow labels with a lightbulb and the words “objects & things”.
People: Family, friends & friendships, and famous people. Label Description: Look for dark purple labels with 3 people and the word “people”.
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​Places: Specific locations (ie. U.S., maps, Oregon, home, etc.). Label Description: Look for light blue labels with a “you are here” symbol and the word “places”.
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​Society & Culture: Social justice, world cultures, sports, history, politics, etc. Label Description: Look for dark blue labels with a basketball, soccerball, and football, and the words “society & culture”.
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Stories: General category for titles that don’t fit well into the other categories. Label Description: Look for medium purple labels with an open book and the word “stories”.
Fiction
Labels in this section: Adventure, Comfort, Dystopian, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Horror, Literary, Magical Realism, Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Mystery/Thriller, Paranormal, Realistic, Religious Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Suspense, Thriller, Western
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Where to find these labels: Look for these labels below the white spine label.
How to find these titles: Authors can write in multiple genres. Titles are shelved alphabetically by author last name, not by genre.
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Adventure
Sections Used In: Juvenile Fiction
Label Description: Small medium purple labels with the word “adventure”.
Definition: High-action fiction that usually include danger, survival themes, or gives the reader a sense of excitement.
Example Titles:
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Juvenile: Just Keep Walking by Erin Soderberg Downing; Hatchet by Gary Paulsen; The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Comfort
Sections Used In: Juvenile Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small light green labels with the word “comfort”.
Definition: Light-hearted stories that do not contain graphic violence and are quick to read. While specific comfort reads vary between readers, this genre typically includes cheer, humor, kindness, and warmth that readers seek out again and again.
Example Titles:
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Juvenile: A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond; Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
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Young Adult: Austenland by Shannon Hale
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Adult: Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop by Hwang Bo-Reum; Crow Talk by Eileen Garvin; The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred-Year-Old Man by Jonas Jonasson
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Dystopian
Sections Used In: Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small gray labels with the word “dystopian”.
Definition: Opposite of utopian, where life in fictional worlds is terrible due to deprivation, oppression, and/or terror, and human society is characterized by human misery (such as squalor, oppression, disease, overcrowding, environmental destruction, and/or war).
Example Titles:
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Young Adult: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins; Sky’s End by Marc J Gregson; Legend by Marie Lu
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Adult: The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood; A Boy and His Dog at the End of the World by C.A. Fletcher; Red Clocks by Leni Zumas
Fantasy
Sections Used In: Juvenile Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small gold labels with the word “fantasy”.
Definition: Fiction that is often characterized by a departure from the accepted rules by which individuals perceive the world around them; it represents that which is impossible (unexplained) and outside the parameters of our known reality. Generally this genre relies on a reader's suspension of disbelief, is set in a fictional universe, and contains unrealistic settings, magic, and/or beings.
Example Titles:
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Juvenile: Sal & Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Alberto Hernandez; The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton; Warriors by Erin Hunter
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Young Adult: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin; Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor; The Bone Spindle by Leslie Vedder
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Adult: The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin; Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse; The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
Historical Fiction
Sections Used In: Juvenile Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small dark purple labels with the words “historical fiction”.
Definition: Transports readers to another time and place, either real or imagined, where a specific time period (and its depiction, including: settings, characters, events, and/or major political or social events) are at the core of the story.
Example Titles:
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Juvenile: Rover by Jackie French; Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry; A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck
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Young Adult: Last Night At The Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo; Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys; The Steep & Thorny Way by Cat Winters
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Adult: River East, River West by Aube Rey Lescure; Good Night, Irene by Luís Alberto Urrea; The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Horror
Sections Used In: Juvenile Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small dark red labels with the word “horror”.
Definition: Fiction intended to scare, unsettle, or horrify the reader. Horror primarily evokes fear through the protagonists' weaknesses or inability to deal with the antagonists. While horror may contain supernatural elements, it relies on morbid, gruesome, surreal, suspenseful and/or frightening themes.
Example Titles:
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Juvenile: Jumbies Series by Tracey Baptiste; Creepers Series by Edgar J. Hyde; Goosebumps Series by R.L. Stine
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Young Adult: White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson; #MurderTrending by Gretchen McNeil; The Sacrifice Box by Martin J. Stewart
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Adult: Interview With The Vampire by Anne Rice; Pet Sematary by Stephen King; Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill
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Literary
Sections Used In: Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small light yellow labels with the word “literary”.
Definition: Literary fiction often includes slower-paced, character-driven stories, poetic or flowery language, an unusual story structure and/or writing style, complex themes, highly original and/or intellectual ideas, and/or not-so-simple and/or less-than-happy endings.
Example Titles:
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Young Adult: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
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Adult: Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo; Tom Lake by Ann Patchett; The Five Wounds by Kirstin Valdez Quade.
Magical Realism
Sections Used In: Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small bright pink labels with the words “magical realism”.
Definition: Books in the magical realism genre contain aspects of magic in an otherwise normal, realistic environment. Stories often use a parallel magical world (sometimes hidden, sometimes not) to intertwine with the real world.
Example Titles:
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Young Adult: Pet by Akwaeke Emezi; Dig by A.S. King; We Speak In Storms by Natalie Lund;
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Adult: One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez; Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami; Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq
Mystery
Sections Used In: Juvenile Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small dark orange labels with the word “mystery”.
Definition: Fiction where the primary focus is on a puzzling crime, situation, or circumstance that needs to be solved. Mystery stories reveal a crime and the reader works alongside the protagonist to figure out the "who" and the "why".
Example Titles:
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Juvenile: Escape From Mr. Limoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein; Greenglass House by Kate Milford; A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snickett
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Young Adult: The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes; Paper Towns by John Green; Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
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Adult: Finlay Donovan Series by Elle Cosimano; Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich; Kinsey Millhone Series by Sue Grafton
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Cozy Mystery
Sections Used In: Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small, bright orange labels with the words “cozy mystery”.
Definition: A specific subgenre of mystery fiction in which graphic violence and explicit romance occur off the page and where the detective is typically an amateur sleuth and the events take place in a small community.
Example Titles:
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Adult: A Cop & A Coop by Hillary Avis; Miss Marple Series by Agatha Christie; Pawsitively Poisonous by Melissa Erin Jackson
Mystery/Thriller
Sections Used In: Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small light purple labels with the words “mystery/thriller”.
Definition: Use when the primary genre could easily be either Mystery or Thriller. See also Thriller.
Example Titles:
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Young Adult: Ace of Spades by Faridah Abike-Iyimide; The Ivies by Alexa Donne; Two Truths & A Lie by April Henry
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Adult: Chief Inspector Armand Gamache Series by Louise Penny; The Investigator by John Sandford; Someone Knows by Lisa Scottoline
Paranormal
Sections Used In: Juvenile Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small dark blue labels with the word “paranormal”.
Definition: Encompasses stories that include experiences that defy scientific explanation and are generally set in the real world. Common elements include: ghosts, vampires, demons, witches, etc.
Example Titles:
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Juvenile: The Girl & the Ghost by Hanna Alkaf; The Supernatural Society by Rex Ogle; The Odds by Lindsay Puckett
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Young Adult: Twilight by Stephanie Meyer; All Our Hidden Gifts by Caroline O’Donoghue; The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater
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Adult: The Sentence by Louise Erdrich; Certain Dark Things by Silvia Moreno-Garcia; The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna
Realistic
Sections Used In: Juvenile Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small medium blue labels with the word “realistic”.
Definition: Also known as contemporary, this genre includes stories that could happen to real people in real settings and usually take place in the same time period of the reader (the present). The fantastic element found in most fiction is somewhat suspended.
Example Titles:
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Juvenile: No Place Like Home by James Bird; Beezus and Ramona by Beverly Cleary; Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney
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Young Adult: Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield; Yolk by Mary H. K. Choi; Seton Girls by Charlene Thomas
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Adult: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng; Conversations With Friends by Sally Rooney; The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal
Religious Fiction
Sections Used In: Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small white labels with the word “religious”.
Definition: Books in the religious fiction genre include stories where explicit themes of religion and/or faith are central to the primary plot and characters interact with their world (or relationships) through a religious lens. Religious fiction can include stories that deal with prophecy, spiritual choices, and/or inspirational encouragement of forgiveness and freedom from what hinders humanity.
Example Titles:
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Adult: The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom; Winter’s Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray; At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon
Romance
Sections Used In: Young Adult, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small light pink labels with the word “romance”. Romance labels can also have up to 5 chili peppers.
Definition: Romance is frequently paired with other genres (such as fantasy or historical fiction). It can be difficult to differentiate between romance as the genre or primary subplot, but every romance novel must contain two elements: 1) the main plot is centered around individuals and their romantic relationship, and 2) an emotionally satisfying and optimistic ending. Romance is divided into several subsections. If you read a title and think it should have a different pepper rating, let the library know.
Young Adult Fiction Romance
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Romance (0 peppers): Used for romance books when the level of romance is unavailable online.
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1 pepper: Everything stays PG. Maybe a kiss or two, but physical romance is either not included or described in general terms/implied.
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2 peppers: No explicit sensuality. Can include sexual tension, but physical romance remains off the page.
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Example Titles: To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han; Camp by Lev AC Rosen; The Sun is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon
Adult Fiction Romance
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Romance (0 peppers): Used for romance books when the level of romance is unavailable online.
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1 pepper: Everything stays PG. Maybe a kiss or two, but physical romance is either not included or described in general terms/implied. Example Titles: Love Finds You in Sisters, Oregon by Melody Carlson, The Rosie Project by Graeme C. Simsion; That Summer by Jennifer Weiner
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2 peppers: No explicit sensuality. Can include sexual tension, but physical romance remains off the page. Example Titles: The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews; The Best of Us by Robyn Carr; Happy Place by Emily Henry
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3 peppers: 1-2 moderately explicit sex scenes, but generally milder language. Physical details are described, but are not graphically depicted. Much is left to the reader’s imagination. Example Titles: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory; Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert; Red, White, & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
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4 peppers: R-rated. 3 or more explicit sex scenes and/or strong descriptive language. Example Titles: Ship Wrecked by Olivia Dade; Blood Magick by Nora Roberts
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5 peppers: Extremely explicit and/or erotica (where sex/sexuality are fundamental to character and/or plot development). Example Titles: Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman; Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James
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Science Fiction
Sections Used In: Juvenile Fiction, Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small teal labels with the word “sci-fi”.
Definition: Science fiction includes any narrative which is unlikely, though plausible, and explained through logical scientific or technological extrapolation. Stories can center around the effects and ramifications of technology and generally involve traveling through space, time, or alternate universes, as well as, involve alien life-forms. Science fiction is distinguished from Fantasy by the plausibility of the narrative elements.
Example Titles:
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Juvenile: Klawde by Johnny Marciano; Marooned by Brad Strickland; Paige Not Found by Jennifer Wilde
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Young Adult: Munmun by Jesse Andrews; This Vicious Cure by Emily Suvada; Across the Universe by Beth Revis
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Adult: The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers; Recursion by Blake Crouch; All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Speculative Fiction
Sections Used In: Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small light blue labels with the word “speculative”.
Definition: Can be used to describe books that don't neatly fit into one genre (such as Fantasy, Science Fiction, or Historical Fiction) or contain primary elements of multiple genres, such as alternative history and alternate reality stories.
Example Titles:
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Young Adult: City of the Beasts by Isabel Allende; A Snake Falls to Earth by Darcie Little Badger; Roxy by Neal Shusterman
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Adult: How To Stop Time by Matt Haig; Raised in Captivity by Chuck Klosterman; The Seep by Chana Porter
Suspense
Sections Used In: Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small lime green labels with the word “suspense”.
Definition: The suspense genre includes stories that slowly generate feelings of anxiety, anticipation, and uncertainty in the audience that continue to build until the end of the story. Common elements include slower pace, heightened anticipation, and the reader knows more than main character.
Example Titles:
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Young Adult: The Raft by S.A. Bodeen; Deep Water by Watt Key; When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall
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Adult: Jackal by Erin E Adams; Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews; The Confession by John Grisham
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Stories
Sections Used In: Juvenile Fiction
Label Description: Small teal labels with the word “stories”.
Definition: These titles are often collections or treasuries of short stories, fairy tales, and fables. Often these books are oversized and can be adaptations of classic read aloud stories.
Example Titles:
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Juvenile: Eric Carle's Treasury of Classic Stories by Eric Carle; More Bones: Scary Stories From Around the World by Arielle North Olson; Not One Damsel in Distress: Heroic Girls From World Folklore by Jane Yolen
Thriller
Sections Used In: Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small bright green labels with the word “thriller”.
Definition: Similar to the mystery genre, except thrillers tend to devote most of their focus to suspense, dread, and the fear of a future crime instead of one that's already happened. The reader and the protagonist might already know who’s responsible for the crime, and both are waiting to see how that criminal will be brought to justice. Thrillers often take the readers on a roller coaster of emotional tension.
Example Titles:
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Young Adult: And Don’t Look Back by Rebecca Barrow; Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin; Into the Light by Mark Oshiro
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Adult: The Last Word by Taylor Adams; Long Road to Mercy by David Baldacci; Jack Reacher Series by Lee Child
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Western
Sections Used In: Young Adult Fiction, Adult Fiction
Label Description: Small brown labels with the word “western”.
Definition: A specific genre that generally takes place in the American Old West and commonly feature bounty hunters, gunfighters, outlaws, cowboys, settlers, Native Americans, Civil War elements, and/or saloons. Many are set in some sort of wild, natural landscape that’s hard to survive in.
Example Titles:
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Young Adult: These War-Torn Hands by Emily Hayse
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Adult: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry; Go West, Young Man by William W. Johnstone; Montana Territory by Charles West.
Fiction Series
Where to find these labels: Look for these labels directly above the white spine label.
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How to find these titles: Series are shelved by author. Books within the same series are shelved together numerically.
Fiction books that are part of a series are labeled with the series number on the spine of each book. Series color varies based on section:
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Children’s/Juvenile Fiction Series:
All series in the children’s section use a bright blue series sticker.
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Young Adult Fiction Series:
All series in the young adult section use a bright green series sticker.
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Adult Fiction Series:
Series stickers in Adult Fiction have 13 possible colors. Series have a unique color to help differentiate between individual series by the same author. For example: V.E. Schwab’s A Darker Shade of Magic series uses bright yellow series stickers while her Villains series uses dark green series stickers. In the photo to the left, all these books are by James Patterson but are within different series.
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Nonfiction
Labels in this section: Animals, Arts & Crafts, Beliefs, Business & Economics, Education, Food, Language, Games, Gardening, Growing Up/Health & Relationships, History, Home, Humor, Law & True Crime, Literature, Natural Sciences, Nature, People, Social Sciences/Social & Political Sciences, Sports/Sports & Recreation, Technology, Transportation, World/Travel
Where to find these labels: Look for these labels directly above the white spine label.
How to find these titles: Materials are shelved by category, such as “Animals” or “Gardening”. Materials within a category are shelved alphabetically by subcategory, then numerically by Dewey number. If there are multiple identical Dewey numbers, materials are then shelved alphabetically by author.
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Animals
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large lime green labels with the word “animals” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: The care and keeping of pets and livestock along with all other animal titles.
Subcategories:
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Arts & Crafts
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large bright yellow labels with the words “arts & crafts” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Creative projects and hobbies that require hands-on skills, techniques, and/or tools. Also includes art history.
Subcategories:
Beliefs
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large teal labels with the word “beliefs” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Titles on religion, folklore, and spirituality along with astrology and paranormal titles.
Subcategories:
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Business & Economics
Sections Used In: Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large bright orange labels with the words “business & economics” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Resources for small business, human resources, career resources, financial literacy, leadership, and business & economics commentary titles.
Subcategories:
Education
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large light purple labels with the word “education” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: In the Juvenile and Young Adult sections, these titles are focused on the learning of specific subjects and prepping for educational experiences (such as study guides). In the Adult section, these are titles focused on continuing education and K-12 schooling resources.
Subcategories:
Food
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large light green labels with the word “food” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Cookbooks and food science titles.
Subcategories:
Games
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large deep purple labels with the word “games” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Resources and guidebooks for different types of gaming, from computer games to outdoor play.
Subcategories:
Gardening
Sections Used In: Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large dark blue labels with the word “gardening” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Resources for all types of plant care, from houseplants to homesteading and small scale farms.
Subcategories:
Growing Up (Juvenile & YA) or Health & Relationships (Adult)
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large dark orange labels with the words “growing up” (in Juvenile and Young Adult) or the words “health & relationships” (Adult) plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: In the North Douglas Library District, Young Adult Nonfiction titles are geared specifically for teen readers while Juvenile Nonfiction titles tend to broadly introduce information and Adult Nonfiction titles expand on detailed subjects.
Subcategories:
History
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large medium blue labels with the word “history” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Titles describing broad or specific state, country, and/or world events. Titles in all sections are arranged by primary geographic continent. Events that span several continents are shelved under “History: World”.
Subcategories:
Home
Sections Used In: Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large medium purple labels with the word “home” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Home repair, interior design, home systems, etc.
Subcategories:
Humor
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large hot pink labels with the word “humor” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Titles intended to be funny.
Subcategories: There are currently no subcategories in Humor.
Language
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large bright orange labels with the word “language” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: English language grammar books, language learning resources, and all titles not in English. These titles are shelved by target audience, include both fiction and nonfiction titles, and are shelved separately from other nonfiction categories.
Subcategories:
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Law & True Crime
Sections Used In: Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large white labels with the words “law” and/or “true crime” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Legal references and true crime titles.
Subcategories:
Literature
Sections Used In: Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large salmon pink labels with the word “literature” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Classics, screen plays, poetry, and writing and author resources.
Subcategories:
Natural Sciences
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large dark green labels with the words “natural sciences” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: A branch of science that includes the physical world (such as biology, chemistry, geology, physics, etc.).
Subcategories:
Nature
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large bright green labels with the word “nature” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Conservation, plant identification, ecosystems, natural disasters, and natural history. These titles differ from Natural Science titles in that they generally are less about science and more about general information and engagement.
Subcategories:
People
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large dark purple labels with the word “people” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Biographies and memoirs; books about specific individuals or groups of people. Titles may include aspects of other genres (such as history or sports), but the primary focus of the title is on the person or people.
Subcategories:
Social Sciences (Juvenile & YA) or Social & Political Sciences (Adult)
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large gold labels with either the words “social sciences” (Juvenile and Young Adult) or the words “social & political sciences” (Adult) plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Human rights, government, popular culture, and the study of social groups and/or populations.
Subcategories:
Sports (Juvenile & YA) or Sports & Recreation (Adult)
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large dark red labels with either the word “sports” (Juvenile and Young Adult) or the words “sports & recreation” (Adult) plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Sports, hobbies (such as collecting), hunting, and outdoor recreation.
Subcategories:
Technology
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large light yellow labels with the word “technology” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Computers, electronics, and resources for technology use.
Subcategories:
Transportation
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction
Label Description: Large dark blue labels with the word “transportation” plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Vehicles Vehicles and technology that move persons and/or materials from one place to another.
Subcategories:
World (Juvenile & YA) or Travel (Adult)
Sections Used In: Juvenile Nonfiction, Young Adult Nonfiction, Adult Nonfiction
Label Description: Large light blue labels with either the word “world” (Juvenile and Young Adult) or the word “travel” (Adult) plus a subcategory and distinct image.
Definition: Guide books, atlases, and informational titles on a specific place.
Subcategories:
Additional Labels
Labels in this section: Graphic Novel, in beTWEEN, Manga, New Adult, Oregon Author
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Graphic Novel
Sections Used In: Juvenile Graphic Novels, Young Adult Graphic Novels & Manga, Adult Graphic Novels & Manga.
Label Description: Large red labels with the words “graphic novel” and the image of two speech bubbles.
Where to find these labels: Look for these labels below the white spine label.
Definition: A format, not a genre, that tells a story in a long-form work of sequential art. Graphic novels can be fiction or nonfiction and are shelved by target audience.
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in beTWEEN
Sections Used In: in beTWEEN
Label Description: Large teal labels with the words “in beTWEEN” and the image of two preteens.
Where to find these labels: Look for these labels at the top of a book’s spine.
Definition: Juvenile and Young Adult titles geared for middle grade readers. Books shelved in this section are intended for independent readers who are ready to move from the Juvenile fiction shelves but are not quite ready for the length, vocabulary, or themes of teen books.
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Manga
Sections Used In: Young Adult Graphic Novels & Manga, Adult Graphic Novels & Manga
Label Description: Large bright yellow labels with the word “manga” and the image of two speech bubbles.
Where to find these labels: Look for these labels below the white spine label.
Definition: An umbrella term for a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels. Manga is read from top to bottom and right to left. Unlike American graphic novels and comics, which are usually printed in full color, Japanese manga are almost always published in black and white. The North Douglas Library District has manga titles in both the Young Adult and Adult sections.
Shonen: Manga geared for tween and teen boys.
Shojo: Manga geared for tween and teen girls.
Shonen and shojo manga are all shelved in the Young Adult Graphic Novel & Manga section.
Seinen: Manga geared for adult men (18+).
Josei: Manga geared for adult women (18+).
Seinen and josei manga are all shelved in the Adult Graphic Novel & Manga section.
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New Adult
Sections Used In: Young Adult, Adult
Label Description: Large dark green labels with the words “new adult” and the letters “NA”.
Where to find these labels: Look for these labels at the top of a book’s spine.
Definition: Young Adult and Adult titles in both fiction and nonfiction geared for older teens and readers in their twenties. These titles are intended for readers ready to move from the Young Adult shelves to Adult titles. New Adult books can (but not always) include graphic violence and explicit romance.
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Oregon Author
Sections Used In: All physical materials
Label Description: Large white and green labels with the words “Oregon author” and the image of an evergreen tree.
Where to find these labels: Look for these labels at the top of a book’s spine.
Definition: Books written by authors with significance to Oregon. The North Douglas Library District follows the Oregon Author Project’s criteria for Oregon authors: Authors must have published at least 1 book with an ISBN/ISSN and been born in Oregon, have been or currently is a resident of Oregon, or have spent a significant portion of their writing career in Oregon.