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
Trivia Night at Buffalo Alice!
Wednesday, March 15 • Buffalo Alice (1022 4th Street) • 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Join the Sioux City Public Library for pop culture trivia! Win Sioux City Reads themed books for prizes! Bring a buddy and play as a team or join up with some new friends at the event!
AUTHENTICITY and HEALING with Trudy Soole
Monday, February 20 • Aalfs Downtown Library • 6 – 7 pm
Trudy will discuss healing and getting in touch with our authentic selves; what that looks like, what that feels like and the value of such from the Native American perspective. Trudy has spent 25+ years in the psychotherapy/counseling field. Currently in private practice as a licensed mental health clinician
Book Discussion: Calling for a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah
Sunday, February 19 • Aalfs Downtown Library • 2 – 3 pm
Join fellow Sioux City readers as they discuss the 2023 Sioux City Reads title, ‘Calling For a Blanket Dance’ by Oscar Hokeah. This book discussion is free and open to the public.
Free Film Screening
Tuesday, February 14 • Morningside Branch Library • 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
Join the Sioux City Public Library for a free film screening!
Written to raise awareness of murdered and abused indigenous women, this film follows the story of an FBI agent and US Fish and Wildlife tracker trying to solve a murder on a reservation in Wyoming. For more information,
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