Dubuque County Reads

Annual Book Discussion Program

The purpose of the Dubuque County Reads annual program is to facilitate events that encourage productive conversation around a common book. Each year will feature a different book, with the selected title aiming to invigorate community members and inspire dialogue about important issues and topics. The three main goals are: 

1. Promotion of literacy;
2. Fostering of community engagement;
3. Respectful discussion of different ideas and consideration of different points of view.

Participating Libraries by year 

2026: Cascade Public Library, James Kennedy Public Library, University of Dubuque Library, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Divine Word College Library, Loras College Library (Discussion Event Only), Dubuque County Library District, Wartburg Seminary Library, and Clarke University Library

2025: Cascade Public Library, James Kennedy Public Library, University of Dubuque Library, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Divine Word College Library, Loras College Library, Dubuque County Library District, Wartburg Seminary Library, and Clarke University Library.

2024: Cascade Public Library, James Kennedy Public Library, University of Dubuque Library, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Divine Word College Library, Loras College Library, Dubuque County Library District, Wartburg Seminary Library, and Clarke University Library. 

2023: James Kennedy Public Library, University of Dubuque Library, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Loras College Library, Dubuque County Library District, and Clarke University Library. 

Theme & Book Selection by year
Cycle 1	Theme #	Theme	Title	Youth Read
2023	Theme 1	Diversity & Identity	Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig
2024	Theme 2	Local Spotlight	The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
2025	Theme 3	Health & Well-Being	What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo	The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
2026	Theme 4	Sustainability & Environment	The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
2027	Theme 5	Arts & Culture