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 2026 Nominee: The Briar Club by Kate Quinn
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn is a haunting and powerful story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington, D.C. boardinghouse during the McCarthy era. Vote for this title, or one of the two other options to become the 2026 Sioux City Reads title! Voting open now through November 30.
Trivia Night at Buffalo Alice on March 26
We are closing out the 2025’s Sioux City Reads season with Trivia Night at Buffalo Alice on Wednesday, March 26 from 6:30-8:30pm! Answer pop culture questions from across the decades plus a couple rounds inspired by the 2025 Sioux City Reads book, Unmask Alice by Rick Emerson.
Sioux City True Crime: Unsolved Mysteries on March 22
Before advancements in forensic science and DNA analysis, Sioux City faced many unexplained crimes and fatalities. Sarah, our Local History Librarian Specialist, will explore several of these local cases.
Tips For Being News Savvy Online on March 20
Sharing news with others? In the digital age, anyone can publish anything on the internet, even if it’s completely false. This talk will explain why it has become easier to create and spread misinformation and will introduce you to tools that help you evaluate news sources as well as review helpful fact-checking sites. This talk is presented by Senior Planet Partner Resources.
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