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
Virtual Author Talk with Idra Novey on February 28
Sioux City Public Library's Reader Services Librarian, Michael, will host a virtual conversation on Zoom with Idra Novey, author of the 2024 Sioux City Reads book - Take What You Need.
Virtual Book Discussion: Take What You Need by Idra Novey on February 20
Join fellow Sioux City readers for a virtual book discussion on February 20th from 12 Noon to 1 pm about the 2024 Sioux City Reads book - Take What You Need by Idra Novey. Register for this session with your email address to receive a Zoom link on the day of the discussion.
Family History Collage Craft on February 18
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, February 18 making family history collages in the Gleeson Room at the Downtown Library.
Sioux City Reads Trivia Night at Buffalo Alice on February 7
Join your friendly Sioux City Public Library staff at Buffalo Alice (1022 4th Street) for a fun night of ‘trivia through the decades’ to kick off the 2024 Sioux City Reads season! You can play alone or as a team for a chance to win some awesome book prizes!
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