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:
- Promotion of literacy;
- Fostering of community engagement;
- 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 | ||
