Buckle up and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we visit Iowa on our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on March 11th at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT for a PBS Books Facebook Live event, or on the PBS Books YouTube channel, the PBS app, or pbs.org. Visit pbsbooks.org/readingroadtrip to learn more.
Between the mighty Mississippi and Missouri rivers lies Iowa, a state steeped in stories. Before statehood, Chief Black Hawk gave voice to his people through his dictated autobiography, Life of Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak, a rare and powerful firsthand account of the Sauk people’s forced removal during the Black Hawk War. Another long-overlooked voice is Mildred Benson, a novelist and journalist who wrote over 100 books in her lifetime, including 23 of the first 30 Nancy Drew mysteries under the pen name Carolyn Keene.
Another significant Iowan is Forrest Spaulding, who turned his belief in free speech into action, authoring the landmark Library Bill of Rights — a document still used today to affirm that libraries have the right to curate their collections and that readers have the right to choose what they read.
Iowa has also shaped the literary world through the prestigious Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa, which counts among its alumni celebrated and award-winning authors like John Irving (The World According to Garp) as well as multiple U.S. Poets Laureate, including Rita Dove (Thomas and Beulah).
Among the celebrated alumni of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop is Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley, whose time in Iowa inspired novels like A Thousand Acres and The Last Hundred Years saga. Hear how Iowa shaped her stories, alongside New York Times bestselling authors who still call the state home today, including thriller writer Heather Gudenkauf (The Overnight Guest) and romance author Denise Williams (How to Fail at Flirting).
Iowans love their libraries! With 544 public libraries, the state ranks 8th in the nation per capita for registered borrowers, and with local branches that serve their communities all the way up to the grand State Law Library in Des Moines, it’s no wonder. Book lovers can also embark on a statewide tour of independent bookstores featuring over 40 stops, coordinated by the owner of Green Dragon Books in Fort Dodge. And no literary tour of Iowa would be complete without a visit to Iowa City, one of only a handful of UNESCO Cities of Literature in the world, where the celebrated Literature Walk pays tribute to the writers and words that have shaped the state’s rich storytelling tradition.
About American Stories: A Reading Road Trip
Pack your curiosity —PBS Books is hitting the road! In partnership with the Library of Congress Centers for the Book, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip shines a spotlight on individual U.S. states and select territories to uncover their one-of-a-kind literary treasures.
From iconic authors and unforgettable books to hidden-gem bookstores, amazing libraries, and the real-life locations that inspired great works, this cross-country adventure celebrates the stories that have shaped our shared identity. Along the way, we’ll meet bestselling authors, passionate booksellers, and local storytellers —plus share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state’s Center for the Book —revealing how their corner of America has left its mark on the nation’s imagination. Aligned with America’s 250th birthday, each episode invites viewers to explore the heart, history, and creative spirit of the United States —all through the lens of books and storytelling.
New episodes will stream on select Wednesdays at 8pm EST as PBS Books Facebook Live event, and on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
About the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States –and extensive materials from around the world –both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
About PBS Books
PBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners.Visit pbsbooks.org, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more.
