New high school and college graduates get a ton of advice — both solicited and unsolicited — about their futures.

We decided to check in with the folks at the Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vt., to get their top books to buy as gifts for graduates. Here are their suggestions.

“A Room with a View,” by E.M. Forster

I think it is one of the best books I’ve ever read about the social pressures that face young people in their early 20s entering the adult world, and the importance of remaining true to your own feelings about what you want to pursue with your life, and who you wish to share it with.

— Dan Coleman

“To Kill a Mockingbird,” by Harper Lee

Lee gives lessons in civility, compassion, kindness and justice in ways that linger with the reader. Told through the eyes of the children, Jem and Scout, the reader comes to realize how often one is confronted with decisions on giving respect to others, even to those we do not agree with or understand, to be able to move past distrust and hatred.

— Pattie Johnston

“Hope in the Dark,” by Rebecca Solnit, and “Blessed Unrest,” by Paul Hawken

These are the two wide-ranging and hopeful titles that immediately spring to mind. The fact that the many unsung stories of positive change described by the authors have become heard around the world since the books were published itself provides great hope — and inspiration. Solnit reminds us that “we get to choose our stories — the stories that divide and conquer or those that tie things together with possibility.”

— Jake Vail

“The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need,” by Andrew Tobias

This isn’t aimed specifically at high school or college grads, but I read it in college, and it had a major impact on me. It’s a practical and accessible guide about how to think about money and investing. His writing is funny, too! Here’s an excerpt from Amazon’s review: “Personal-finance guru Andrew Tobias slams online trading and praises the Roth IRA in his newly revised ‘The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need.’ This investment bible remains as stimulating and meaningful as it was when it was first published 20 years ago. It’s packed with ideas about stocks, living beneath your means, tax planning, retirement and just about everything else in the financial world. And all of it is presented with Tobias’ trademark brevity and ingenuity.”

— Susan Chi

“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss

Since its publication in 1990, this charming Seuss work has become a standard graduation gift. Like many of Dr. Seuss’ “children’s books,” this one has a message that is appropriate for all ages. It is especially meaningful for graduates, who are “off to great places” and have the world open before them.

— Maria Butler

“Yay, You!: Moving Out, Moving Up, Moving On,” by Sandra Boynton

The beloved board book author and illustrator created this picture book for her own son’s high school graduation. The message offers congratulations and a whimsical look at some of the many options available in the future.

— Denise Berkley