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
Mural Painting Drop-In Event on February 6
Stop by the Library on Tuesday, February 6th and help us PAINT our window mural! Visit the Aalfs Downtown Library to help paint the 2024 Sioux City Reads window mural! All ages are welcome to attend, and everyone will have a chance to add their mark to this “paint-by-numbers" style project - all supplies provided.
Readalikes for Take What You Need: the 2024 Sioux City Reads Book
Had a chance to read 2024's Sioux City Reads book, Take What You Need by Idra Novey? If you enjoyed Take What You Need the Library has a list of read-alikes for you to explore next.
The Sioux City Reads 2024 title is Take What You Need by Idra Novey!
The Sioux City Reads program, a community-based reading initiative where a book chosen by Sioux Cityans becomes the basis for a series of programs, discussions, and events; returns with a new title for 2024: Take What You Need by Idra Novey.
Vote for the 2024 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 September 30, cast your vote to help select the next Sioux City Reads title at SiouxCityLibrary.org/siouxcityreads. Copies of each book are available for check
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