The Council Bluffs Public Library has announced the 2023 One Community Reads book discussion program! This year's theme is "The World is Your Garden," which focuses on community gardens and ways to build community and fight food insecurity within our area.
One community Reads, sponsored by the Council Bluffs Public Library Foundation, aims to raise awareness of a community or regional challenge through a book selection that supports community discussion, awareness, and action.
During One Community Reads, the community and its visitors are invited to read one of four titles and participate in events throughout March and April, including much-anticipated author talks!
About the Titles:
Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner is a delightful children's book about the hidden life of the garden throughout the year! Written for ages 4-8, this book looks at what happens "up in the garden" – with leaves, stalks, and fruit – and the busy world "down in the dirt."
Counting by 7's by Holly Goldberg Sloan is a moving, New York Times Bestseller written for ages 10-12. Focusing on a young girl dealing with grief, Counting by 7's is about "being an outsider, coping with loss, and discovering the true meaning of family."
The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson is a novel spanning generations, telling the story of a Dakhóta family struggling to preserve their way of life. It weaves together four women's voices and highlights our relationship to seeds and ancestors.
A Culinary History of Iowa: Sweet Corn, Pork Tenderloins, Maid-Rites & More by Darcy Maulsby. This non-fiction book looks at the history of Iowa food, including its deep ties to area farms, and shares stories of some of Iowa's favorite home-grown foods. In addition, the book includes incredible recipes that we'll all want to try!
Where to Get the Books:
In addition to the copies you can find on the shelf and place a hold on at the Council Bluffs Public Library, the Library has multiple copies of The Seed Keeper, A Culinary History of Iowa, and Counting by 7s available for checkout through the Reference Desk. Throughout our One Community Reads, copies will be available for checkout with a three-week loan period.
If physical copies are unavailable, visit the Library's website for information about e-book and e-audiobook options.
Other Ways to Get Involved:
The Council Bluffs Public Library and other area partners will host events focused on the "The World is Your Garden" theme. We encourage you to attend one of these exciting events to learn more about this important topic that impacts our community!
Wonderful World of Worms
March 22 | 9:45 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
Family Drop In: Dirt Cup Science & Garden BINGO
March 25 | 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
Super Saturday: Mini Zen Garden
March 25 | 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
Spend Smart. Eat Smart.
March 28 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
Gardening Panel Discussion
March 30 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
Open Mic Poetry Afternoon
April 8 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
Author Visit - Diane Wilson
April 11 | 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center
Preserve the Taste of Summer
April 13 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
Super Saturday: Pokeball-Themed Terrarium
April 15 | 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
One Community Reads Book Group Discussion
April 18 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
Poetry, Music & the Environment
April 22 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
Author Visit - Darcy Dougherty Maulsby
April 25 | 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Hoff Family Arts & Culture Center
Author Visit - Kate Messner
April 27 | 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
Documentary Showing: No Impact Man (2009)
April 29 | 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
