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 Poetry Contest
We want to know how this book impacted you – through poetry! Write an original poem, no longer than one page, inspired by the 2025 Sioux City Reads title, Unmask Alice. Submit your poem by Friday, March 14 in-person at any Library location or on the Library's website.
Sioux City Reads: Community Window Mural at the Downtown Library
Add a thought or doodle to our window mural in the Atrium at the Aalfs Downtown Library. Inspired by this year's Sioux City Reads selection, Unmask Alice by Rick Emerson, the book reveals that Go Ask Alice, a sensationalized diary chronicling a teenage girl's struggle with drug addiction, was, in fact, a fabrication.
Get Ready for Sioux City Reads!
SIOUX CITY, IA – The Sioux City Reads program, a community-based reading initiative where a book chosen by Sioux Cityans becomes the basis for a month of programs, discussions, and events; returns with a new title for 2025: Unmask Alice: LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World’s Most Notorious Diaries by Rick Emerson.
Sioux Cityans chose this title by
Vote for the 2025 Sioux City Reads Book!
Join the Sioux City Public Library for Sioux City Reads, a community-based reading initiative where Sioux Cityans are involved every step of the way – from book selection to completing challenges and attending book discussions. Now through November 30, cast your vote to help select the next Sioux City Reads title. Copies of each book are available for check out at any Sioux City Public Library location.
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