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 November 30, cast your vote to help select the next Sioux City Reads title. Copies of each book are available for check out at any Sioux City Public Library location.
The River We Remember by William Kent Krueger is set in 1958 in a small Minnesota town. 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. Vote for this title, or one of the two other options to become the 2026 Sioux City Reads title! Voting open now through November 30.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore begins in August 1975 when a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. Vote for this title, or one of the two other options to become the 2026 Sioux City Reads title! Voting open now through November 30.
The Briar Club by Kate Quinn is a haunting and powerful story of female friendships and secrets in a Washington, D.C. boardinghouse during the McCarthy era. Vote for this title, or one of the two other options to become the 2026 Sioux City Reads title! Voting open now through November 30.
Starting July 1, the Sioux City Public Library will allow resident card holders to borrow from our new Library of Things! A Library of Things gives residents a chance to try something new without investing in it first and promotes sustainability in allowing residents access to seldomly used household items. The Library of Things collection at the Sioux City Public Library will provide new resources for residents to explore areas of interest, try out new leisure activities, and gain access to items where cost or storage space may be an obstacle.
In this episode of The First Fifty Pages, Kelsey and Jenn talk with rising star Emilia Hart about her latest novel, The Sirens—a story of two sets of sisters separated by time and connected by the power of the sea. We chat about compelling female characters, how the past informs our present, and why meeting readers is such a rewarding experience. Dangerous temptations await!
In this episode, Kelsey and Jenn talk with best-selling author Tim Johnston about his latest novel, Distant Sons—the All Iowa Reads selection for Adult Fiction for 2025. Random acts of misfortune, themes of masculinity and shame, and a small town haunted by great tragedy. It may surprise you or it could devastate you, but at the very least, be prepared to feel all the feels!
In this episode, Jenn and Kelsey talk with bestselling author Nickolas Butler about his latest novel, A Forty-Year Kiss. Listen to hear what in-real-life overheard conversation sparked the inspiration for this life-affirming love story, how he crafts the sublime from the ordinary, and why second chances are so compelling.
In this episode, Jenn and Kelsey talk with blockbuster author Chris Bohjalian about his latest novel, The Jackal's Mistress, a heart-stopping story of two people navigating the boundaries of love and humanity in a landscape of brutal violence. Listen in and discover why Chris Bohjalian is truly one of our greatest storytellers.
In this episode of the First Fifty Pages, Jenn and Kelsey chat with best-selling author Liane Moriarty about her new book, Here One Moment. We talk psychic encounters, free will and the unique experience of readers. We predict this is a book you’re going to want to read!