Sioux City Reads is a community-wide reading initiative with the goal of providing educational opportunities and fun activities while bringing readers together around one book in ways relevant to the Sioux City community.
Bookmark this page or sign up for our e-newsletter HERE for updates on events, programs and activities for Sioux City Reads.
2026 Sioux City Reads Title
The 2026 Sioux City Reads title is The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger.
About The River We Remember:
In 1958, on Memorial Day, as the people of Jewel, Minnesota gather to remember and honor the sacrifice of so many sons in the wars of the past, the half-clothed body of wealthy landowner Jimmy Quinn is found floating in the Alabaster River, dead from a shotgun blast. Investigation of the murder falls to Sheriff Brody Dern, a highly decorated war hero who still carries the physical and emotional scars from his military service.
Writing Contest: Submissions Due March 31
We want to know how the 2026 Sioux City Reads book impacted you! Write an original written work, no longer than one page, inspired by the 2026 Sioux City Reads title – The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger.
Submit your one-page work by Tuesday, March 31. One submission per participant, please.
A selection of finalists will be displayed at the Library in April and the winner will be announced on Reference Roundtable, Live on Facebook, on Thursday, April 2. The winning author will also receive a $25 gift card to Book People.
Recommended Reads & Discussion Questions
News and Updates
Sioux City Reads Book Discussion with Helen Rigdon
Wednesday, January 25 • Online via Zoom • 12 noon – 1 pm
Join the Sioux City Public Library Director, Helen Rigdon, and Reader Services Specialist Librarian, Michael Maxwell, as they discuss the 2023 Sioux City Reads book: Calling For a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah. This discussion is FREE and open to the public and will take place over Zoom.
National Willa Cather Center Presents: Author Event with Oscar Hokeah via Zoom
Thursday, January 19 • Online via Zoom • 7 pm
Join in a Virtual Author Talk on January 19 with critically-acclaimed novelist and 2023 Sioux City Reads book author, Oscar Hokeah! This online event is presented in partnership with the National Willa Cather Center. ‘Calling for a Blanket Dance’ has been described as a “stunning” example of “honest storytelling,” and it has
Free Film Screening: The Warrior Tradition
Tuesday, January 24 • 6 – 7:30pm • Aalfs Downtown Library • 529 Pierce St
Join the Sioux City Public Library for a screening of the PBS documentary, “The Warrior Tradition” as part of the Sioux City Reads program. Learn about the astonishing, heartbreaking, inspiring, and largely-untold story of Native Americans in the United States military. Why would Indian men and women put
Sioux City Reads 2023 Nominee: Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah
Join the Sioux City Public Library for Sioux City Reads, a new community-based reading initiative where Sioux Cityans are involved every step of the way – from book selection to attending programming and book discussions together.
2023 Sioux City Reads book nominee Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah is an honest, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting novel.
Locations:
Aalfs Downtown Library
529 Pierce Street
712-255-2933
Monday – Wednesday 9am – 8pm
Thursday – Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday (Sept – May) 1pm – 5pm
Click here for a virtual tour!
Free parking on weekends and after 5pm on weekdays
Morningside Branch Library
4005 Morningside Avenue
712-255-2924
Monday – Wednesday 10am – 6pm
Thursday – Friday 10am – 5pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Click here for a virtual tour!
Perry Creek Branch Library
2912 Hamilton Boulevard
Plaza Professional Center, Lower B
712-255-2926
Monday – Friday 10:30am – 5:30pm