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.
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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
Razzle Dazzle Sewing Events with Amanda Browder and the Sioux City Art Center
In partnership with the Sioux City Art Center, the Sioux City Public Library is hosting sewing events at the Aalfs Downtown Library where community members can take part in the creation of the installation Razzle Dazzle with artist Amanda Browder! No experience is necessary. Materials will be provided.
Family History Collage Craft on March 3
Be an artist just like Jean from the Sioux City Reads novel 'Take What You Need' by Idra Novey. All ages are invited to spend a relaxing afternoon on Sunday, March 3 making family history collages in the Gleeson Room at the Downtown Library. Scissors, poster board, scrapbooking paper, stickers, and paste will be provided. Participants should bring the family photos they wish to use in their collages.
Book Discussion: Take What You Need by Idra Novey on March 2
Join fellow Sioux City Readers in-person at the Morningside Branch Library for a lively discussion about the 2024 Sioux City Reads book, 'Take What You Need' by Idra Novey on Saturday, March 2 from 11 am to 12 noon. No registration needed.
Stop by the Downtown Library and Visit our Community-Created Mural
A big THANK YOU to all our lovely library friends who helped our Communications & Graphics Specialist, Matti, create the beautiful window mural at the Downtown Library!
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