The annual Shawano County Library Winter Read is undergoing some changes in 2026.
The program will now by known as the Shawano County Library Community Read, and instead of focusing on one book in the winter months, it will focus on four books throughout the entire year.
“Readers across the county take a month in the winter to read an impactful, socially relevant book,” Claire O’Brien, library assistant, said about the former Winter Read program. “During this month, the librarians run amazing programs related to the book and its themes, such as book clubs, seed giveaways, virtual museum tours, panel discussions and food programs.”
The Winter Read has program has been held the past three years, and because of the success of it, the program will be expanded next year.
“Instead of just gathering and reading in the winter, we’ll be reading four important books over the course of 2026,” O’Brien said. “For 2026, we are focusing on four books with a strong message about the environment and community, and every month we’ll have programs tied to it.”
The four featured books are:
• “Night Magic” by Leigh Ann Henion, an invitation to explore the natural world and its creatures after dark.
• “Better Living Through Birding” by Christian Cooper, a memoir by the gentleman who was arrested for birding while Black and his joys and sorrows in the natural world.
• “The Last Fire Season” by Manjula Martin, a reflection on living in Northern California through the most severe fire season on record.
• “Soil” by Camille Dungy, a story of a Black woman’s life told through her garden.
Helen Rowinski, library assistant, was joined by Cathy Pescinski and Tabitha Pierce in selecting the four books.
“Each of us bought in a handful of books to consider,” Rowinski said. “We wanted books with community appeal and an interesting read. The books are geared to adults, but we also will have other reading materials and activities for all family members, including children and teens.”
Participants can read the books at any time in any order during the year. Once a quarter, readers will be invited to discuss what they’re reading.
“It really gives people a lot more freedom,” Rowinski said.
Community Read will be officially kicked off Jan. 12 with an unveiling of the books that week on Facebook. Copies of the books will soon be at the library in a special section dedicated to the program.
“Like every library across the country, we are having some distribution issues after the biggest book supplier, Baker and Taylor, filed for bankruptcy,” Rowinski said. “We’re working through that, and copies of the books are on order.”
In addition to the books and discussion groups, other reading materials, events and activities will be planned at all six Shawano County Library sites across the county.
Rowinski is excited about the first big event, a Saturday afternoon discussion and meet-and-greet with Dexter Patterson, author of “Birds of the Great Lakes.” Patterson will be at the Shawano branch at 2 p.m. Jan. 24 to talk about his birding adventures.
Also, a special Facebook group page will be created full of information for those participating in the Community Read.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
