The Council Bluffs Public Library proudly announces the theme for OUR Community Reads 2026: “Coming Together.” OUR Community Reads, sponsored by the Council Bluffs Public Library Foundation, and in partnership with organizations from around our community, aims to raise awareness of a community or regional challenge through a book selection that supports community discussion, awareness, and action. This year’s theme focuses on the community of Council Bluffs and the organizations, individuals, and stories that make us unique.
OUR Community Reads brings us together as a community through reading. This year, our three books – Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore, Rise of the Balloon Goons by Troy Cummings, and Posted by John David Anderson, focus on connections and communities that are found right here in Council Bluffs. During OUR Community Reads, we invite the Community to read one of three titles and participate in events throughout March and April. The kick-off event will be held on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A visit from Lucy Gilmore, author of the adult book selection, Lonely Hearts Book Club will take place on April 16.
The youth author – Troy Cummings – will speak to students at schools in Council Bluffs during April. Through a generous grant to the Council Bluffs Library Foundation from the Iowa West Foundation, every 2nd grader will get the book Rise of the Balloon Goons. For the young adult readers, John David Anderson, author of Posted will visit 6th grade students in local schools to give three presentations to this target audience. These lucky students will also receive a copy of the book during the author presentations.
There will also be an all-ages reading and participation challenge on our Beanstack platform. The OUR Community Reads challenge includes inspiration for reading, visiting community locations, and attending library programs during the months of March and April. Participants who complete the challenge will have the opportunity to win a prize.
For more information about books, community events, and our partners for this program, visit https://www.councilbluffslibrary.org/ocr/.