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.
2025 Sioux City Reads
Sioux City Reads returns with a new title for 2025: Unmask Alice: LSD, Satanic Panic, and the Imposter Behind the World’s Most Notorious Diaries by Rick Emerson.
Unmask Alice is the story of two teens, two diaries, two social panics, and one incredible fraud. Check out our blog for more info.
Sioux City Reads Poetry Contest
We want to know how this book impacted you – through poetry! Write an original poem, no longer than one page, inspired by the 2025 Sioux City Reads title, Unmask Alice.
Submit your poem by Friday, March 14. One submission per participant, please. Poems may be submitted by clicking the link below, or in-person at any Library location.
A selection of finalists will be displayed at the Library in March and the winner will be announced on Reference Roundtable, Live on Facebook, on Thursday, March 27. The winning author will also receive a $25 gift card to Book People.
News and Updates
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,
Sioux City Reads Book Discussion with Helen Rigdon
Wednesday, January 25 • Online via Zoom • 12 noon – 1 pm
Join the Sioux City Public Library Director, Helen Rigdon, and Reader Services Specialist Librarian, Michael Maxwell, as they discuss the 2023 Sioux City Reads book: Calling For a Blanket Dance by Oscar Hokeah. This discussion is FREE and open to the public and will take place over Zoom.
National Willa Cather Center Presents: Author Event with Oscar Hokeah via Zoom
Thursday, January 19 • Online via Zoom • 7 pm
Join in a Virtual Author Talk on January 19 with critically-acclaimed novelist and 2023 Sioux City Reads book author, Oscar Hokeah! This online event is presented in partnership with the National Willa Cather Center. ‘Calling for a Blanket Dance’ has been described as a “stunning” example of “honest storytelling,” and it has
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