The Council Bluffs Public Library has announced the 2025 OUR Community Reads book discussion program! This year's theme, "Found Community," focuses on the cultures within our community and how we can discover what connects us all through traditions and common experiences.
OUR 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 OUR Community Reads, the community and its visitors are invited to read one of the three titles and participate in events throughout March and April, including the much-anticipated Culture Fest!
About the Titles:
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt is a captivating debut about a widow who forms an unlikely friendship with a giant octopus at an aquarium. As they grow closer, the octopus helps uncover the truth behind her son's 30-year-old disappearance.
Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez is a powerful graphic novel about five very different students forced to complete community service. As they work together, they discover unexpected connections and find the courage to help someone in need.
My Kingdom of Darkness by Susan Tan follows Ember, a rescue Chihuahua and the newest pet in the Chin family. The first step in fulfilling his destiny to rule the world is to defeat the evil neighborhood squirrel, Masher.
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 Remarkably Bright Creatures available for checkout through the Reference Desk. Throughout OUR 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 for all three featured titles.
Through a generous grant from the Iowa West Foundation to the Council Bluffs Library Foundation, every second grader from the Council Bluffs Community School District, Lewis Central Community School District, and Saint Albert Catholic Schools will get the book My Kingdom of Darkness, and every sixth grader from the Council Bluffs Community School District and Saint Albert Catholic Schools will get the book Invisible.
Other Ways to Get Involved:
The Council Bluffs Public Library and other area partners will host events focused on the "Found Community" theme. We encourage you to attend one of these exciting events to learn more about this important topic that impacts our community!
OUR Community Reads Kick-Off: Culture Fest
March 8 | 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
Lunch Bunch Book Club
March 18 | 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
OUR Community Reads Book Discussion
March 24 | 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
OUR Community Reads Author Visit: Shelby Van Pelt
April 10 | 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Council Bluffs Public Library
The two youth authors – Christina Diaz Gonzalez and Susan Tan- will speak to students at schools in Council Bluffs during April.
