Join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we hit the road on American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Our next stop…the Buckeye State! The episode premieres October 15 at 8 PM ET on the PBS Books Facebook page, YouTube channel, and the PBS app.
This episode shines a spotlight on Ohio’s powerful role in shaping American literature—from Pulitzer Prize-winning poets like Mary Oliver (Devotions), Paul Laurence Dunbar (Sympathy), and Toni Morrison (The Bluest Eye) to the young Cleveland creators who gave the world Superman and changed comics forever. We also revisit barrier-breaking voices such as Virginia Hamilton (M.C. Higgins, the Great) and modernist master Sherwood Anderson (Winesburg, Ohio).
Hear from celebrated contemporary writers with deep ties to Ohio—former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove (Thomas and Beulah), bestselling science fiction author John Scalzi (Old Man’s War series), acclaimed graphic novelist Derf Backderf (Kent State), and poet and essayist Hanif Abdurraqib (There’s Always This Year). Each reflects on how the state’s people, landscapes, and history inspired their work.
Along the way, take a peek inside some of Ohio’s most iconic literary landmarks from authors’ homes to indie bookstores, the Mercantile Library with its 10,000-year lease, and travel the Ohio Literary Trail, discovering a state where stories are deeply rooted and endlessly alive.
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.
