PBS Books

PBS Books Readers Club - "Lessons in Chemistry" by Bonnie Garmus
2025-07-30 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit)
PBS Books Readers Club welcomes international best-selling author Bonnie Garmus to discuss her novel Lessons in Chemistry. The episode premieres on July 30th at 8PM ET on Facebook, YouTube, and the PBS App.
Lessons in Chemistry follows Elizabeth Zott, a brilliant young chemist who struggles to be taken seriously in the male-dominated world of the 1950s. She forms a deep connection with her colleague and renowned chemist, Calvin Evans. But like science, life is unpredictable, and Zott unexpectedly finds herself a single mother, reluctantly hosting a cooking show—Supper at Six. While the show appears to be about cooking, Zott uses it as a platform to teach housewives not just about chemistry, but also to value their time and self-worth, ultimately becoming an unexpected feminist icon.
Lessons in Chemistry is a mix of humor, social commentary, and heart, exploring themes like feminism, scientific passion, and the struggle for respect in the workplace. It’s a unique and thought-provoking story that combines wit with deeper reflections on women’s roles in both science and society.
PBS Watch-Alike: The Great American Recipe
This friendly cooking competition follows home cooks from all around the country. Celebrating America’s rich culture through cuisine, this show emphasizes how food helps to shape our heritage, identity, and community. Season 4 of The Great American Recipe premieres July 11 on PBS.
About the AuthorBonnie Garmus

Bonnie Garmus is a copywriter and creative director who has worked for a wide range of clients, in the US and abroad, focusing primarily on technology, medicine, and education. From Seattle, she currently lives in London with her husband and her dog, 99.

About the Hosts
Princess Weekes
Princess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race, gender, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends she works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat, Lola.

Lauren Smith
Executive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit PBS, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast, streaming, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring, entertaining, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years!

PBS Books Readers Club - "Bridget Jones's Diary" by Helen Fielding
2025-08-27 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books Readers Club welcomes beloved British author Helen Fielding to discuss her iconic novel Bridget Jones’s Diary—a clever, laugh-out-loud reimagining of Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of a hilariously imperfect modern heroine. The episode premieres on August 27th at 8PM ET on Facebook, YouTube, and the PBS App.
As we celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday, there’s no better time to revisit Fielding’s wildly popular twist on the Mr. Darcy love story. First published nearly 30 years ago, Bridget Jones’s Diary remains a satirical yet heartfelt exploration of the pressures women face to improve, adapt, and appear effortlessly put-together. Fielding’s Bridget is not a self-improvement success story—she’s a cultural mirror held up with charm, wit, and emotional honesty.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the book, this is a perfect summer read—funny, familiar, and still shockingly relevant. Join us for a lively conversation about Bridget’s legacy, her Austen roots, and what it means to laugh at life’s messiest moments.
PBS Watch-Alike: Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th
Just like Bridget Jones’s Diary, these PBS Masterpiece adaptations draw inspiration from the wit, romance, and rebellious spirit of Jane Austen—whose legacy we’re celebrating in her 250th birthday year.
Start with Miss Austen, a moving limited series that explores the untold story of Jane’s devoted sister, Cassandra, and the secret behind why she destroyed Jane’s private letters—revealing a tender, complicated bond between the sisters.
Then dive into Death Comes to Pemberley, a gripping whodunit that picks up where Pride and Prejudice left off—just as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy’s happy marriage is upended by an unexpected murder at Pemberley.
And don’t miss Sanditon, the lush, romantic adaptation of Austen’s final, unfinished novel, full of strong heroines, seaside scandal, and sharp social commentary.
About the AuthorHelen Fielding

Helen Fielding is a British author, screenwriter, and producer best known for her works Bridget Jones’s Diary, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, and Bridget Jones’s Baby: The Diaries. She has two children and lives in London and Los Angeles.

About the Hosts
Princess Weekes
Princess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race, gender, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends she works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat, Lola.

Lauren Smith
Executive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit PBS, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast, streaming, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring, entertaining, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years!

Bipartisan Leadership Project | Governors Spencer Cox & Wes Moore on Politics with Respect
2025-09-04 13:00 - 14:00 | Facebook Live
PBS Books is proud to feature a program from the Bipartisan Leadership Project (BLP), highlighting how leaders can engage across deep differences with respect and purpose. As part of the National Press Club’s Headliners series, Governor Spencer Cox (R-UT) and Governor Wes Moore (D-MD) will demonstrate how public servants on opposite sides of the political spectrum can model the civility and collaboration that Americans are yearning for in today’s polarized climate.
Governor Cox and Governor Moore may differ sharply in their policy positions, yet they share a conviction that respectful dialogue is the key to moving forward. Their leadership and the work of the Bipartisan Leadership Project underscores a commitment to elevate civility, listen to each other, and find common ground —proving that disagreement does not have to be disrespectful. In an environment intensified by recent political partisan divides, this conversation will explore how constructive discussion, and cooperation can lead to stronger communities and better governance.
How to participate: Viewers may submit questions in advance to the National Press Club by emailing headliners@press.org with GOVERNORS in the subject line. The deadline for advance questions is 10:00 a.m. ET on Thursday, September 4.
When & where: The program streams live on Thursday, September 4 at 1:00 p.m. ET on PBS Books.
Learn More About Our Partner:
Featured Guests

Mike Balsamo
President, National Press Club
Mike Balsamo is the national law enforcement editor for The Associated Press, helping to lead coverage of criminal justice, breaking news, and strategic initiatives across the U.S. With extensive experience in law enforcement reporting, Balsamo has covered some of the nation’s most significant stories, including the Justice Department under the Trump administration, the special counsel’s Russia investigation, and criminal cases involving Donald Trump.
Balsamo also led a groundbreaking investigation into the federal prison system, which resulted in the resignation of the Bureau of Prisons director and sparked significant legislative reforms.
A two-time winner of the White House Correspondents’ Association Award for Deadline Reporting and a finalist for the Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting, Balsamo has served on the National Press Club’s board for five years. Before moving to Washington, he reported for the AP in Los Angeles and New York City.

Spencer Cox
Governor of Utah
Gov. Spencer J. Cox is a husband, father, farmer, recovering attorney, and Utah’s 18th governor. He also served as the 2023-2024 chairman of the National Governors Association.

Gov. Cox has a long track record of public service, serving as a city councilmember, mayor, county commissioner and state legislator before being appointed as Utah’s lieutenant governor in 2013. He was sworn in as governor on Jan. 4, 2021.
During his first term in office, Gov. Cox cut $1.1 billion in taxes, implemented landmark changes in water law, water conservation and infrastructure planning, locked in record funding for education and teachers, enacted universal school choice and secured funds for affordable housing. A long-time advocate for suicide prevention and mental health resources, he’s become a national voice on protecting youth from the harms of social media. He also signed early education and workforce program funding, launched the One Utah Health Collaborative, and expanded opportunities for women, diverse communities and those living in rural parts of the state.
With a focus on solutions, Gov. Cox promotes respect in politics and innovation in government, works across party lines to find common ground and regularly participates in hands-on service projects. These elements were the foundation of his NGA Chair’s Initiative, “Disagree Better: Healthy Conflict for Better Policy.”
A sixth-generation Utahn, Gov. Cox was born and raised in Fairview, a town of 1,200 in the center of the state. He met First Lady Abby Palmer Cox at age 16 and they married after he returned from serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico. He attended Snow College, Utah State University and the Washington and Lee University School of Law, then clerked for U.S. District Judge Ted Stewart and worked at a Salt Lake City law firm. Several years later, Gov. Cox and First Lady Cox moved back to Fairview to raise their four children – Gavin, Kaleb, Adam, and Emma Kate – on the family farm. The governor, first lady and Emma Kate currently reside in the Kearns Mansion, also known as the Governor’s Mansion, in Salt Lake City.

Wes Moore
Governor of Maryland
Wes Moore is the 63rd Governor of the state of Maryland. He is Maryland’s first Black Governor in the state’s 246-year history, and is just the third African American elected Governor in the history of the United States.
Born in Takoma Park, Maryland, on October 15, 1978, to Joy and Westley Moore, Moore’s life took a tragic turn when his father died of a rare, but treatable virus when he was just three years old. After his father’s death, his family moved to the Bronx to live with Moore’s grandparents before returning to Maryland at age 14.
Moore is a proud graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and College, where he received an Associate’s degree in 1998, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Afterward, he went on to earn his Bachelor’s in international relations and economics at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa.
While at Johns Hopkins, Moore interned in the office of former Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke. Moore was the first Black Rhodes Scholar in the history of Johns Hopkins University. As a Rhodes Scholar, he earned a Master’s in international relations from Wolfson College at Oxford.
In 2005, Moore deployed to Afghanistan as a lieutenant with the 82nd Airborne Division, leading soldiers in combat. Immediately upon returning home, Moore served as a White House Fellow, advising on issues of national security and international relations.
In 2010, Moore wrote “The Other Wes Moore,” a story about the fragile nature of opportunity in America, which became a perennial New York Times bestseller. He went on to write other best-selling books that reflect on issues of race, equity, and opportunity, including his latest book “Five Days,” which tells the story of Baltimore in the days that followed the death of Freddie Gray in 2015.
Moore built and launched a Baltimore-based business called BridgeEdU, which reinvented freshman year of college for underserved students to increase their likelihood of long-term success. BridgeEdu was acquired by the Brooklyn-based student financial success platform, Edquity, in 2018.
It was Moore’s commitment to taking on our toughest challenges that brought him to the Robin Hood Foundation, where he served for four years as CEO. During his tenure, the Robin Hood Foundation distributed over $600 million toward lifting families out of poverty, including here in Maryland.
While the Robin Hood Foundation is headquartered in New York City, Wes and his family never moved from their home in Baltimore.
Moore has also worked in finance with Deutsche Bank in London and with Citigroup in New York.
Moore and his wife, First Lady Dawn Flythe Moore​, have two children – Mia and James –​ and a dog, Tucker Balti.

Rhode Island | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 101
2025-09-10 20:00 | Facebook Live
Join PBS Books, the Library of Congress, and the affiliated Centers for the Book on for the premiere of American Stories: A Reading Road Trip—starting in Rhode Island! Tune-in September 10th at 8pm to the PBS Books Facebook Event, on the PBS Books YouTube Channel or on the PBS app.
Even the smallest state has big stories to tell. This first episode dives into Rhode Island’s rich literary legacy—from the revolutionary writings of Roger Williams and the chilling tales of H.P. Lovecraft to Edgar Allan Poe’s time in Providence and Pulitzer Prize-winner Jhumpa Lahiri’s deeply human storytelling (Interpreter of Maladies, The Namesake).
Featuring interviews with award-winning writers like Anika Aldamuy Denise (Planting Stories), illustrator Christopher Denise (Knight Owl), Caldecott honoree Oge Mora (Thank You, Omu!), David Macaulay (The Way Things Work), and Elizabeth Rush (Rising). This episode explores how Rhode Island’s rugged coastline, historic architecture, and vibrant arts community continue to shape literary and visual storytelling.
We’ll also visit iconic spaces like the Providence Athenaeum, Redwood Library, and John Hay Library, and spotlight how RISD has nurtured generations of imaginative talent. From Gothic tales to contemporary voices, this is a celebration of Rhode Island’s creative spirit and enduring literary legacy.
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.

Georgia | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 102
2025-09-17 20:00 | Facebook Live
Join PBS Books, the Library of Congress, and the affiliated Centers for the Book for a one-of-a-kind literary adventure in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip.Next stop: Georgia! The episode premieres September 17 at 8 PM ET on the PBS Books Facebook page, YouTube channel, and the PBS app.
This episode celebrates Georgia’s powerful influence on American storytelling—from Pulitzer Prize winner Margaret Mitchell (Gone with the Wind) to the Southern Gothic brilliance of Flannery O’Connor (A Good Man is Hard to Find) and Carson McCullers (The Heart is a Lonely Hunter), and the groundbreaking voices of Alice Walker (The Color Purple), John Lewis (March), and Lillian Smith (Strange Fruit).
Hear from acclaimed contemporary authors who have called Georgia home like Sue Monk Kidd (The Secret Life of Bees), Karin Slaughter (Will Trent series), Jericho Brown (The Tradition), Carmen Agra Deedy (The Library Dragon), and Katie Mitchell (Prose to the People), as they share how the people, places, and histories of Georgia continue to inspired their legendary works.
Along the way, visit iconic literary landmarks such as historic author homes, storied cemeteries, beloved indie bookstores, Carnegie libraries, and the statewide PINES network—painting a vivid portrait of a state where stories are as enduring as its red clay and as vibrant as its communities.
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.

"The Bewitching" and "Mexican Gothic" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia | PBS Books Readers Club
2025-09-24 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books Readers Club welcomes award winning author Silvia Moreno-Garcia to discuss her brand-new thriller The Bewitching, and her New York Times Bestseller, Mexican Gothic. The episode premieres on September 24th at 8PM ET as a PBS Books Facebook Live event, on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
The Bewitching spans three generations of haunting. Minerva is a grad student writing her thesis on a little-known macabre author, Beatrice Tremblay, whose most infamous novel may be rooted in a real-life disappearance. As Minerva’s research deepens, she discovers eerie connections between her own life, Tremblay’s dark past, and the frightening stories passed down by her great-grandmother— suggesting a sinister force may be stalking her across time.
Dark, elegant, and deeply atmospheric, The Bewitching blends literary horror with folkloric dread, drawing readers into a web of obsession, memory, and witchcraft. Silvia Moreno-Garcia masterfully crafts a narrative where the supernatural isn’t just a threat—it’s a legacy.
The PBS Books Readers Club will also explore the eerie brilliance of Moreno-Garcia’s Mexican Gothic, a lush and chilling gothic novel set in 1950s Mexico, where ancestral power, colonial history, and biological horror converge in a crumbling mansion and the monstrous secrets hiding behind decaying walls.
Together, these haunting novels explore themes of inherited trauma, the power and peril of storytelling, the weight of history, and the fight for female agency in worlds shaped—and warped—by the past.
PBS Watch-Alike: Finding Your Roots
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Finding Your Roots- a compelling series that explores the ancestral histories of people from all walks of life, using DNA and historical records to uncover powerful family stories. While the show features a wide range of backgrounds and identities, several episodes during Hispanic Heritage Month highlight the rich, diverse roots of Latinx guests—shedding light on migration, resilience, and cultural legacy.
These stories offer a deeper understanding of Hispanic heritage and its enduring impact on American history. Watch past seasons now on PBS Passport.
About the AuthorSilvia Moreno-Garcia

Silvia Moreno-Garcia is the author of Silver Nitrate, The Daughter of Doctor Moreau, Mexican Gothic, and many other books. She has won the Locus and British Fantasy awards for her work as a novelist, and the World Fantasy Award as an editor.

About the Hosts
Princess Weekes
Princess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race, gender, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends she works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat, Lola.

Lauren Smith
Executive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit PBS, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast, streaming, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring, entertaining, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years!

Caregiving Author Talk with Emma Heming Willis
2025-10-08 20:00 - 21:00
Join PBS Books on Wednesday, October 8 at 8 pm ET | 5 pm PT for an inspiring conversation with author Emma Heming Willis about her deeply personal new book, The Unexpected Journey: Finding Strength, Hope, and Yourself on the Caregiving Path.

In this moving work, Heming Willis transforms her own experience of navigating her husband Bruce Willis’s frontotemporal dementia diagnosis into a compassionate guide for caregivers everywhere. Drawing on her story as well as insights from leading experts, The Unexpected Journey provides clarity, courage, and practical wisdom for those facing the challenges of caring for a loved one while caregivers learn to care for themselves.
Heming Willis—an advocate, mother, stepmother, wife, and co-founder of Make Time Wellness—brings honesty, empathy, and hope to this essential conversation, led by Heather-Marie Montilla, PBS Books National Director.
This event is part of the PBS Books Caregiving series, made possible with support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation.
Host

Heather-Marie Montilla
Heather-Marie Montilla, a dynamic integrative leader, is an educator and nonprofit manager. She has worked in the nonprofit sector and libraries for over two decades, making a positive impact in arts, cultural, educational, and community-building arenas.
Having joined the PBS Books team as their Library Bureau Chief in Fall 2018, Montilla is now the National Director of PBS Books and has interviewed more than 150 writers. In addition, she is a faculty member at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University for their Arts and Cultural/Entertainment Management Programs. Having been an Executive Director for 8 years, Heather has a wide range of experience in management, finance, strategic planning, marketing, and fundraising. Heather holds a MPA From Columbia University, a MLIS from Wayne State University, and a bachelor’s from Duke University. She lives in Chicagoland, and is married with four children, a dog, and a bird.

Guest
Emma Heming Willis
Emma Heming Willis is a mother, step-mother, wife, advocate, and co-founder of Make Time Wellness, a brand devoted to women’s brain health. After her husband, Bruce Willis, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, she became a passionate voice for care partners and families navigating neurodegenerative disease. Through her storytelling and advocacy, Emma hopes to help others feel less alone on the caregiving journey. This is her first book.

Ohio | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 103
2025-10-15 20:00 - 21:00 | Facebook Live
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.

Michael McAfee’s Keynote Address to the Detroit Future City Annual Forum
2025-10-20 20:00 - 21:00
Join Dr. Michael McAfee, President & CEO of PolicyLink for a powerful keynote on community, equity, and leadership in a time of deep division. Speaking to Detroit’s unique role in shaping the future, McAfee calls for a renewed commitment to “all”—a vision of justice and inclusion that goes beyond words to action. This is a call to courage, love, and nation-building, urging us to embrace a founder’s stance and create a future where everyone can thrive.

Wyoming | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 104
2025-10-22 20:00 - 21:00 | Facebook Live
Join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we explore Western literature and Wyoming lore and its influence on writers across America. From the rugged landscapes that inspired Ernest Hemingway as he finished Death in the Afternoon, to the birth of the Western genre in Owen Wister’s The Virginian, Wyoming has shaped the imagination of generations— Including Annie Proulx who drew on her years of ranching here to craft unforgettable works like Close Range and Brokeback Mountain.
Hear from celebrated contemporary voices who call Wyoming home and whose stories echo the state’s vast landscapes and cowboy heritage—Craig Johnson, author of the beloved Longmire series, and C.J. Box, creator of game warden Joe Pickett. Wyoming is also home to children’s authors who preserve local history, such as Casey Rislov—whose A Home for Steamboat was named a 2025 National Book Pick—and poets like Matt Daly, who finds inspiration in small towns and family roots.
The only route through Wyoming is the scenic route. Along the way, discover independent bookstores and the treasures of the American Heritage Center, home to the renowned Toppan Rare Books Library. From Yellowstone National Park to working dude ranches, Wyoming’s literary landscape is as expansive and unforgettable as its horizon.
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.

"The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman | PBS Books Readers Club
2025-10-29 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books Readers Club welcomes celebrity writer Richard Osman to discuss his best-selling novel The Thursday Murder Club. The episode premieres on October 29th at 8PM ET as a PBS Books Facebook Live event, on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
The Thursday Murder Club opens in a quiet retirement village, where four unlikely friends meet each week to solve cold cases. But when a brutal murder takes place nearby, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron suddenly find themselves with their very first live investigation. Each brings a unique set of skills to the table, but can this oddball gang catch a killer before it’s too late?
A classic cozy crime with a modern twist, The Thursday Murder Club combines the charm of amateur sleuths piecing together clues with thoughtful reflections on friendship, purpose, and aging. Heartfelt, funny, and clever, it’s a mystery that appeals to adult readers of every age.
PBS Watch-Alike: The Marlow Murder Club on PBS Masterpiece
Can’t get enough of cozy murder mysteries? Don’t miss The Marlow Murder Club on PBS Masterpiece. Follow an unlikely trio of women brought together by murder and intrigue as they balance sleuthing with the ups and downs of their personal lives in a close-knit community.
About the AuthorRichard Osman

Richard Osman is an author and television presenter. His novels, The Thursday Murder Club, The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet That Missed, The Last Devil to Die, and We Solve Murders were number one international bestsellers as well as New York Times bestsellers. He lives in London with his wife, Ingrid, and their cats Liesl and Lottie. The movie adaptation for The Thursday Murder Club will release in 2025, produced by Amblin Entertainment. The Impossible Fortune, the fifth book in the Thursday Murder Club series, is forthcoming.

About the Hosts
Princess Weekes
Princess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race, gender, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends she works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat, Lola.

Lauren Smith
Executive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit PBS, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast, streaming, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring, entertaining, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years!

Can We Talk Across Divides? Nolan Finley & Stephen Henderson on The Civility Book | Author Talk & Town Hall
2025-11-03 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books invites you to a Virtual Town Hall Author Talk with acclaimed journalists Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson to explore their new release, The Civility Book. Once adversarial editorial voices on opposite sides of the political spectrum, these authors have now joined forces to share an inspiring message: civil conversation is not only possible, it’s essential.
In this live, interactive event hosted by Heather-Marie Montilla, Nolan and Stephen will talk about the personal journey that led to this collaboration, the real-world challenges they’ve faced, and the everyday ways their Four Pillars of Civility can help families, friends, and communities stay connected despite differences.
Viewers will have the chance to submit their own questions during the conversation, making this more than just an author talk—it’s a town hall for anyone who’s ever wondered how we can disagree without tearing each other down.
Host

Heather-Marie Montilla
Heather-Marie Montilla, a dynamic integrative leader, is an educator and nonprofit manager. She has worked in the nonprofit sector and libraries for over two decades, making a positive impact in arts, cultural, educational, and community-building arenas.
Having joined the PBS Books team as their Library Bureau Chief in Fall 2018, Montilla is now the National Director of PBS Books and has interviewed more than 150 writers. In addition, she is a faculty member at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University for their Arts and Cultural/Entertainment Management Programs. Having been an Executive Director for 8 years, Heather has a wide range of experience in management, finance, strategic planning, marketing, and fundraising. Heather holds a MPA From Columbia University, a MLIS from Wayne State University, and a bachelor’s from Duke University. She lives in Chicagoland, and is married with four children, a dog, and a bird.

Guests
Stephen Henderson
Journalist
Stephen Henderson is an American journalist and winner of the 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary and the 2014 National Association of Black Journalists Journalist of the Year Award—both received while writing for the Detroit Free Press. A native of Detroit, Henderson is a graduate of the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and the University of Michigan. Since 2015, he has been the host of Detroit Today on WDET, and in 2020, he founded BridgeDetroit, where he serves as executive editor. Henderson is cohost of One Detroit and host of American Black Journal on Detroit Public Television.
Nolan Finley
Author & Journalist
Nolan Finley has held many positions at the Detroit News since the start of his career there as a copy boy, including city editor, business editor, politics editor, and deputy managing editor. In 2000, he was named editorial page editor, where he directs the expression of the newspaper’s editorial position on various national and local issues and writes a column in the Sunday newspaper. He graduated from Schoolcraft College and Wayne State University, and in 2012, he was inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. Finley was also a cohost of One Detroit on Detroit Public Television.

Louisiana | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 105
2025-11-05 20:00 - 21:00 | Facebook Live
Hit the gas and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we roll into Louisiana on American Stories: A Reading Road Trip! Join us on November 5th at 8pm ET/ 7pm CT 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.
Step into a literary heritage as rich and soulful as a bowl of gumbo. From George Washington Cable’s The Grandissimes and Grace King’s Balcony Stories, which sought to capture Creole life, to Ernest J. Gaines’s powerful reflections in A Lesson Before Dying and Shirley Ann Grau’s Pulitzer Prize–winning The Keepers of the House, Louisiana writers have long explored themes of identity, justice, and belonging. Even Anne Rice transformed the mystique of New Orleans into the hauntingly gothic world of Interview with the Vampire.
Hear from celebrated contemporary voices who capture the heart and rhythm of Louisiana today. Farrah Rochon shares how she uses Louisiana as a character in all her stories including the Bayou Dreams Series, while Maurice Carlos Ruffin shines a light on underrepresented voices in The American Daughters. Author-illustrator William Joyce celebrates imagination in The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, and poet Julie Kane, in Rhythm & Booze, distills the wit and musicality of New Orleans into verse. Together, they remind us that in Louisiana, stories don’t just live on the page—they dance, sing, and celebrate the soul of a place like no other.
The trip doesn’t end there- Along the way visit the Milton H. Latter Memorial Library- housed in a beautiful and historic mansion, stop into a handful of celebrated independently owned bookstores, visit the French Quarter where you might hear someone shouting, “Stella!” from the balcony, and peek into the renowned and haunted Hotel Monteleon. These literary landmarks and so many others showcase the vast and influential history of Louisiana.
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.

The Wright Conversations with Keith Knight
2025-11-17 20:00 - 21:00
Join PBS Books and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for a special edition of The Wright Conversations, featuring acclaimed cartoonist and comics creator Keith Knight.
Knight—recognized with honors including the Comic-Con Inkpot Award, CXC Master Cartoonist Award, Glyph Awards, and nominations for both the Eisner and NAACP Image Awards—has been using art and humor to spark meaningful dialogue for decades. He is the creator of the long-running autobiographical strip The K Chronicles, the socio-political cartoon (Th)ink, and the nationally syndicated The Knight Life. His life and work also inspired the Hulu comedy series Woke, where Knight served as co-creator, writer, and executive producer.
The Wright Conversations series invites luminaries from across art, history, and culture to engage in dynamic discussions about the most pressing issues of our time. This ongoing program celebrates creativity, civic engagement, and the power of storytelling to inspire change.
Tune in for a lively and thought-provoking conversation that blends art, activism, and laughter—all through the unique lens of one of today’s most influential cartoonists.
About the AuthorKeith Knight

Keith Knight is the creator of the weekly comic strip The K Chronicles (1993), the weekly single panel comic (Th)ink (2003), and the daily strip The Knight Life (2008). In a style and wit reminiscent of MAD magazine, Knight typically addresses serious social and political issues in his comics while incorporating his signature humor.In 2007 Knight won the Harvey Award for “Best Syndicated Strip or Panel” for his work on The K Chronicles. In celebration of his career in comic strips, Knight was awarded the Inkpot Award at San Diego Comic-Con in 2010. Woke, a television series partially based on Knight’s life, debuted on the Hulu streaming service in 2020; the second season became available in April 2022.

"America's First Daughter" by Stephanie Dray & Laura Kamoie | Readers Club Ep. 211
2025-11-19 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books Readers Club welcomes co-authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie to discuss their New York Times best-selling historical novel America’s First Daughter. The episode premieres on November 19th at 8PM ET as a PBS Books Facebook Live event, on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
America’s First Daughter tells the sweeping story of Martha “Patsy” Jefferson, the eldest daughter of Thomas Jefferson. From the heartbreaking loss of her mother, to traveling with her father in Paris, and standing beside him through the birth of a nation—Patsy becomes his confidante and protector. More than just a witness, she shapes American history through her strength and influence.
Grounded in thousands of Jefferson’s letters, this novel blends meticulous research with powerful, emotional storytelling. The result is a vivid and intimate portrait of a woman whose resilience and influence helped shape both her family’s legacy and the young United States.
Stephanie Dray reveals, “We really did not have to juice up much of Jefferson’s life… it gets pretty soapy, especially in the later periods. We did not invent any of that. The crazier something is an historical fiction novel, the more likely it is to be true.”
The PBS Books Readers Club will also explore Dray and Kamoie’s other bestseller, My Dear Hamilton, which shines a light on the often overlooked story of Elizabeth “Eliza” Hamilton. The novel follows her as she stands steadfastly beside her husband, Alexander Hamilton, through the triumphs and challenges of building a new nation. Together, these two novels beautifully bring the stories of remarkable women out of the shadows, giving them long-overdue recognition for their vital roles in supporting—and shaping—the men who helped found America.
PBS Watch-Alike: The American Revolution
This month’s watch-alike is The American Revolution: A Film by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt. This six-part documentary series explores the country’s founding struggle and its eight-year war for independence. An expansive look at the virtues and contradictions of the war and the birth of the United States of America. This series follows dozens of figures from a variety of backgrounds to paint a captivating picture of America’s founding and the war that turned the world upside down. Premiering November 16th on PBS and the PBS app.
About the AuthorStephanie Dray

Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal & USA Today bestselling author of historical women’s fiction. Her award-winning work has been translated into many languages and tops lists for the most anticipated reads of the year. Now she lives in Maryland with her husband, cats, and history books.

Laura Kamoie

A New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction, Laura Kamoie has always been fascinated by the people, stories, and physical presence of the past, which led her to a lifetime of historical and archaeological study and training. She holds a doctoral degree in early American history from The College of William and Mary, published two non-fiction books on early America, and most recently held the position of Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Naval Academy before transitioning to a full-time career writing genre fiction.

About the Hosts
Princess Weekes
Princess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race, gender, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends she works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat, Lola.

Lauren Smith
Executive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit PBS, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast, streaming, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring, entertaining, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years!

Alaska | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 106
2025-12-03 20:00 - 21:00 | Facebook Live
Pack your parka and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we make the trek to Alaska on American Stories: A Reading Road Trip! Join us on December 3rd at 8pm EST/4pm AKST 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.
Inspired by the shimmering dance of the Northern Lights and the sweeping expanse of its landscape, Alaskans have been weaving stories long before the written word. For centuries, Indigenous peoples have passed these stories down through oral traditions, dance, and artistic expression. With the arrival of adventurers like Jack London (Call of the Wild), conservationists like Margaret Murie (Two in the Far North), anthropologists like Frederica de Laguna (Travels Among the Dena), and even its first Poet Laureate John Haines (The Stars, The Snow, The Fire)–Alaska’s literary tradition has expanded in ways that continue to celebrate what makes this state so unique.
Hear from today’s writers who carry forward this deep connection to the land including Native voices like Velma Wallis, who honors the importance of preserving tribal stories in works like Two Old Women, and children’s author and illustrator Michaela Goade, who celebrates traditional wild food harvests in Berry Song. Dana Stabenow intertwines Alaska’s rich history throughout her novels, including the Kate Shugak series, and Seth Kantner explores the stark differences from life in the Far North to modern American culture in Ordinary Wolves. Nancy Lord continues the conservationist narrative with Early Warming, linking environmental stewardship to Alaska’s literary legacy.
Alaska’s vast and wild landscape lends itself to awe-inspiring places to visit, from literary landmarks like Poems in Place to inspiring guided tours through Southeast Alaska’s nature. Fly into Anchorage and pay a visit to the Alaska Native Heritage Center and be sure to stop at Mosquito books while you wait for your plane to depart for your next location. There are many local libraries and bookstores throughout this expansive state.
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.

Wallace House Presents: A book talk with Jake Tapper & Javed Ali
2025-12-04 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books is proud to stream a special conversation presented by Wallace House Center for Journalists at the University of Michigan and the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy. This insightful book event features CNN anchor and bestselling author Jake Tapper in conversation with national security expert Javed Ali.
Together, they explore Tapper’s gripping nonfiction thriller, Race Against Terror: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever War. With the precision of investigative journalism, the book follows two U.S. attorneys in a race to prosecute an al Qaeda operative following a pivotal 2011 confession. Tapper uncovers the high-stakes intelligence operation behind a dramatic yet little-known case at the outset of the War on Terror.
In this compelling discussion, learn how prosecutors, soldiers, and intelligence agents worked across borders in the pursuit of justice—and what this story reveals about the evolving threats we continue to face today.

Indiana | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 107
2025-12-10 20:00 - 21:00 | Facebook Live
Fasten your seatbelt and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress for our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip: Indiana! Join us on December 10th at 8pm EST 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.
At the crossroads of America lies Indiana—a state with a literary culture as golden as an ear of corn. The Golden Age of Indiana literature gave us treasures like Booth Tarkington’s The Magnificent Ambersons, James Whitcomb Riley’s poetry about Little Orphan Annie, Lew Wallace’s epic Ben-Hur, and Gene Stratton-Porter’s environmentally conscious A Girl of the Limberlost. The 1960s and ’70s ushered in a powerful movement of Black writers, including poets Mari Evans (I Am a Black Woman) and Etheridge Knight (Poems from Prison). The Hoosier state has also brought us beloved cartoon characters like Garfield and Clifford the Big Red Dog. And no conversation about Indiana literature would be complete without Kurt Vonnegut’s dark and poignant novels such as Slaughterhouse-Five.
Today’s Hoosier writers are carrying that torch forward with equal brilliance. Hear from Newbery Award winner Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, who takes on difficult topics for kids delicately in novels like Fighting Words; YA author Leah Johnson, who shines a spotlight on underrepresented voices like You Should See Me in a Crown; and bestselling author Karen Joy Fowler, who drew inspiration from her Bloomington childhood in We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves.
This layered literary past has left landmarks throughout the state—from museums and murals to authors’ homes and locations featured in books like the Funky Bones sculpture in Newfields from John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars. Indiana also boasts remarkable bookstores and libraries, including more Carnegie libraries than any other state.
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.

Our Favorite Books of 2025 | Reader's Club Episode 212
2025-12-17 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books Readers Club celebrates the wrap of its second season with a highlight of our favorite author moments and books from 2025. The episode premieres on December 17th at 8pm EST as a PBS Books Facebook Live event, on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
As the PBS Books Readers Club closes out an incredible year, Fred, Lauren, Princess, and Heather look back on the stories, conversations, and unforgettable moments that defined our reading journey. From inspiring interviews and behind-the-scenes memories to moments that made us laugh, this episode celebrates the books that brought our community together.
From powerful tales of women breaking boundaries and shaping history—like The Women by Kristin Hannah and Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus—to laugh-out-loud favorites including The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman and Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding. We revisited the past through America’s First Daughter by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie, uncovered family secrets in Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson, and found heart in Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt and We All Live Here by Jojo Moyes. We even got our Jane Austen fix with Gill Hornby’s Miss Austen, and were captivated by the spine-tingling mystery of Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s The Bewitching.
After reminiscing on some of our favorite moments with these incredible authors, the hosts—Fred, Lauren, Princess, and Heather—share their own favorite books of the year, reflecting on the stories that inspired, delighted, and stayed with them throughout 2025. If you’re looking for your next read or maybe want to find the perfect gift for your book buddies, then this list is for you!

The American Revolution: PBS Books Filmmaker Talk
2026-01-07 20:00 - 21:00
Join PBS Books for an in-depth Filmmaker Talk featuring filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein and authors Geoffrey C. Ward and Rick Atkinson, who come together to explore the making of THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION — a landmark six-part documentary that examines how America's founding struggle reshaped the world. Hosted by Lauren Smith, this conversation dives deep into the themes, creative process, and personal reflections behind this epic documentary series, highlighting how these storytellers bring to life a wide variety of voices to show how the fight for independence was both personal and global.
The American Revolution, directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, and written by Geoffrey C. Ward, is available on the PBS App. Check local listings for upcoming broadcast dates and times in your area. For more on the film and accompanying resources, please visit pbs.org/americanrevolution.
Explore Our American Revolution Reading List
Expand your understanding of the people, ideas, and events that shaped our nation.
PBS Books invites you to dive deeper into the world of the American Revolution with a curated reading list inspired by the landmark film series.
This collection highlights nonfiction, fiction, and children's titles that bring history to life—from firsthand accounts and scholarly works to stories that explore the Revolution's lasting legacy through different lenses. Each title helps illuminate the human experiences behind America's founding struggle and the evolving meaning of liberty and democracy.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, educator, or lifelong learner, these books will help you reflect on the values that continue to shape our nation today.
Download and print the American Revolution Reading List
Download & PrintCorporate funding for The American Revolution was provided by Bank of America. Major funding was provided by The Better Angels Society and its members Jeannie and Jonathan Lavine with the Crimson Lion Foundation; and the Blavatnik Family Foundation. Major funding was also provided by David M. Rubenstein; The Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Family Foundation; Lilly Endowment Inc.; and the following Better Angels Society members: Eric and Wendy Schmidt; Stephen A. Schwarzman; and Kenneth C. Griffin with Griffin Catalyst. Additional support for The American Revolution was provided by: The Arthur Vining Davis Foundations; The Pew Charitable Trusts; Gilbert S. Omenn and Martha A. Darling; Park Foundation; and the following Better Angels Society members: Gilchrist and Amy Berg; Perry and Donna Golkin; The Michelson Foundation; Jacqueline B. Mars; Kissick Family Foundation; Diane and Hal Brierley; John H. N. Fisher and Jennifer Caldwell; John and Catherine Debs; The Fullerton Family Charitable Fund; Philip I. Kent; Gail Elden; Deborah and Jon Dawson; David and Susan Kreisman; The McCloskey Family Charitable Trust; Becky and Jim Morgan; Carol and Ned Spieker; Mark A. Tracy; and Paul and Shelley Whyte. The American Revolution was made possible, in part, with support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

Detroit Economic Club: Michigan Economic Outlook
2026-01-13 11:00 - 14:00
Prepare to look ahead at the forces that will shape Michigan’s 2026 economy. Our panel of leading experts will examine the state’s most pressing challenges — from trade policy impact, business/talent attraction to the future of manufacturing and more.
Results of the 14th annual Michigan Economic Outlook Survey will be unveiled at this meeting. This highly collaborative effort involves input from businesspeople and associations throughout the state.
Panelists:
Mary Buchzeiger – CEO, Lucerne International
Quentin Messer, Jr. – Chief Executive and Economic Competitiveness Officer, Michigan Economic Development Corp.
Gabriel Ehrlich – Director of Research Seminar in Quantitative Economics, University of Michigan

Author Talk: Catherine Newman
2026-01-14 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books invites audiences to a special Author Talk featuring New York Times bestselling author Catherine Newman, presented as part of the PBS Books Caregiving Initiative. Hosted by Heather-Marie Montilla, National Director of PBS Books, alongside Juliane Morian, Library Director at Rochester Hills Public Library, this live conversation will explore Newman’s novels Sandwich and Wreck—two deeply resonant stories that reflect the humor, tenderness, and emotional complexity of caring for others and navigating family life.
Newman’s work is celebrated for its ability to illuminate the everyday moments that shape our lives, blending warmth, wit, and honesty. During this conversation, she will discuss how Sandwich and Wreck examine the evolving dynamics of family, responsibility, and love, and how storytelling can offer comfort, recognition, and connection for caregivers at every stage of life.
The PBS Books Caregiving Initiative shines a light on the many aspects of caregiving. This program acknowledges that nearly everyone will be, has been, or is currently a caregiver, and aims to foster understanding, empathy, and support through shared stories and meaningful dialogue.
Support for the PBS Books Caregiving Initiative is provided by the generous support of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, and AARP Michigan, with additional support from The Library Network and Rochester Hills Public Library.
About the Books
SANDWICH: A Novel

From the beloved author of We All Want Impossible Things, a moving, hilarious story of a family summer vacation full of secrets, lunch, and learning to let go.
For the past two decades, Rocky has looked forward to her family’s yearly escape to Cape Cod. Their humble beach-town rental has been the site of sweet memories, sunny days, great meals, and messes of all kinds: emotional, marital, and—thanks to the cottage’s ancient plumbing—septic too.
This year’s vacation, with Rocky sandwiched between her half-grown kids and fully aging parents, promises to be just as delightful as summers past—except, perhaps, for Rocky’s hormonal bouts of rage and melancholy. (Hello, menopause!) Her body is changing—her life is, too. And then a chain of events sends Rocky into the past, reliving both the tenderness and sorrow of a handful of long-ago summers.
It’s one precious week: everything is in balance; everything is in flux. And when Rocky comes face to face with her family’s history and future, she is forced to accept that she can no longer hide her secrets from the people she loves.

WRECK: A Novel
Following the success of her New York Times bestseller, Sandwich, Catherine Newman returns with her eagerly anticipated novel, WRECK a story filled with humor, heart, and the complicated truths about family, marriage, and the unexpected twists of life.
WRECK reunites readers with Rocky and her wonderfully quirky family two years after their Cape Cod vacation. Now living in Western Massachusetts, Rocky navigates the chaos of adult children moving back home, the daily complexities of marriage, and her father moving in under her roof. Everything seems ordinary until a local accident and a medical scare turn her world on its side.
With Newman’s signature wit and wisdom, WRECK masterfully portrays the challenges and joys of family while exploring the unspoken rules of relationships and self-discovery. J. Courtney Sullivan describes the novel as “a delight” with prose that’s “laugh-out-loud funny” and “profound.” Alison Espach praises it as “the kind of book that pulls up a chair, pours the wine, and dives deep—equal parts hilarious, sharp, and achingly sincere.” Perfect for fans of warm, witty, and deeply relatable storytelling, WRECK captures the humor and heartbreak of everyday life with unforgettable charm and wisdom.

About the Author
Catherine Newman
Catherine Newman is the New York Times bestselling author of the memoirs Catastrophic Happiness and Waiting for Birdy, the middle-grade novel One Mixed-Up Night, the kids’ craft book Stitch Camp, the best-selling how-to books for kids How to Be a Person and What Can I Say? and the novels We All Want Impossible Things, Sandwich, and Wreck. She has been a regular contributor to the New York Times, Real Simple, O, The Oprah Magazine, Cup of Jo, and many other publications. She writes Crone Sandwich on Substack and lives in Amherst, Massachusetts.

About the HostsHeather-Marie Montilla
Heather-Marie Montilla, a dynamic integrative leader, is an educator and nonprofit manager. She has worked in the nonprofit sector and libraries for over two decades, making a positive impact in arts, cultural, educational, and community-building arenas.
Having joined the PBS Books team as their Library Bureau Chief in Fall 2018, Montilla is now the National Director of PBS Books and has interviewed more than 150 writers. In addition, she is a faculty member at Michigan State University and Eastern Michigan University for their Arts and Cultural/Entertainment Management Programs. Having been an Executive Director for 8 years, Heather has a wide range of experience in management, finance, strategic planning, marketing, and fundraising. Heather holds a MPA From Columbia University, a MLIS from Wayne State University, and a bachelor’s from Duke University. She lives in Chicagoland, and is married with four children, a dog, and a bird.
Juliane Morian
Juliane Morian is the Library Director at Rochester Hills Public Library.

Unbowed and Unbroken: The Enduring Struggle for Justice | MLK Keynote Memorial Lecture
2026-01-19 10:00 - 11:30
The University of Michigan presents 40th Annual Keynote Memorial Lecture featuring Donzaleigh Abernathy and Derrick Johnson: “Unbowed and Unbroken: The Enduring Struggle for Justice”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., taught us that the pursuit of justice is neither linear nor easy. On December 11, 1964, Dr. King accepted the Nobel Peace Prize and gave a speech entitled “The Quest for Peace and Justice.” In it, he said:

“But before we reach the majestic shores of the Promised Land, there is a frustrating and bewildering wilderness ahead. We must still face prodigious hilltops of opposition and gigantic mountains of resistance. But with patient and firm determination, we will press on…”

As we honor Dr. King’s legacy, we center our reflection and action around the theme: Unbowed and Unbroken: The Enduring Struggle for Justice. This theme calls on us to embody both the refusal to yield to injustice and the irrepressible resolve to answer the call to equality, even when the path is steep and the journey long.

To learn more about the MLK Symposium, visit https://oami.umich.edu/mlk-symposium/

About the Speakers

Donzaleigh Abernathy
Donzaleigh Abernathy is the youngest daughter of civil rights leader Rev. Ralph David Abernathy and godchild of Martin Luther King, Jr., grew up at the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, witnessing and participating in pivotal events such as the Freedom Rides, the March on Washington, and the Selma to Montgomery march. She and her siblings helped integrate schools in the South and observed historic decisions shaping American law, including the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act. Abernathy later authored “Partners to History,” contributed to the Smithsonian, and won awards for her dramatic works.
Abernathy has been a prominent speaker on civil rights and implicit bias, addressing audiences at major conferences and universities, including Harvard and Michigan State. She’s had a distinguished acting career in acclaimed films and television, produced educational documentaries, and written and performed plays celebrating African American history. She has also served as a foundation trustee, CDC spokesperson, and volunteers for juvenile justice in Los Angeles.
Derrick Johnson
Derrick Johnson has served as President and CEO of the NAACP since 2017, guiding the organization through a period of revitalization. Under his leadership, the NAACP has launched impactful initiatives such as the Facebook “Log Out” campaign against misinformation, the Jamestown to Jamestown Partnership marking 400 years of African history in America, and the “We Are Done Dying” campaign highlighting healthcare inequities. Johnson also led the successful 2020 Supreme Court case protecting DACA recipients and has taken strong stances on issues like blackface, church burnings, and the impeachment of President Donald Trump.
Born in Detroit and a graduate of Tougaloo College and South Texas College of Law, Johnson has dedicated his career to advancing civil rights and improving communities, especially in Mississippi. As state president of the NAACP in Mississippi, he championed voting rights and education, helping secure millions in local improvements. Johnson is a respected legal and academic contributor, guest-lecturing at institutions such as Harvard Law School and appearing regularly in national media to advocate for justice and equality.

"Once There Were Wolves" by Charlotte McConaghy | Readers Club Episode 301
2026-01-28 20:00 - 21:00
PBS Books Readers Club is excited to kick off its third season with New York Times bestselling author Charlotte McConaghy to discuss her novel Once There Were Wolves and shed light on her brand-new highly acclaimed novel Wild Dark Shore. The episode premieres on January 28th at 8PM ET as a PBS Books Facebook Live event, on the PBS Books YouTube channel, pbsbooks.org, and the PBS app.
Once There Were Wolves follows Inti Flynn as she arrives in the remote Scottish Highlands with a bold mission: to reintroduce gray wolves to a landscape ravaged by overgrazing. Fierce, determined, and carrying her own bruised history, Inti believes restoring the wolves is the key to healing the land—and perhaps herself. But when a man from the community turns up dead, suspicion falls squarely on the pack. To protect the animals she’s worked tirelessly to save, Inti makes a fateful choice that entangles her in a mystery far more human than anyone expects.
Lyrical, haunting, and deeply atmospheric, Once There Were Wolves blends environmental suspense and our unique bond with animals with an intimate portrait of trauma, sisterhood, and resilience. It’s a riveting story that asks how we learn to trust again—in nature, in one another, and in ourselves. It’s perfect for readers who crave emotional depth wrapped in a gripping, propulsive narrative.
PBS Books Readers Club will also glimpse into McConaghy’s newest novel, Wild Dark Shore. This emotional thriller follows Dominic Salt and his three children, lone caretakers of a remote island’s seed vault as climate change closes in. When a mysterious woman named Rowan washes ashore during a brutal storm, their fragile isolation and buried secrets begin to unravel. As the sea rises and the truth about Rowan’s past—and Dominic’s—comes to light, trust is tested, loyalties shift, and the stakes become more than just survival.
About the Hosts
Princess Weekes
Princess Weekes is an award winning writer and video essayist who works at breaking down the intersections between race, gender, and pop culture. Formally an Assistant Editor at The Mary Sue, co-host of Netflix’s The Geeked Podcast, and co-host and co-writer on the PBS Digital Series It’s Lit. On weekends she works as a bookseller at a local bookstore. When not reading or writing she can be found playing TTRPGs of cuddling with her cat, Lola.

Lauren Smith
Executive Producer and host of national PBS programming at Detroit PBS, Lauren develops content for PBS and other distributors of public media for broadcast, streaming, and other digital channels and has executive-produced and/or produced over 60 national broadcast and programs. Her passion is to develop inspiring, entertaining, and educational content alongside the best national and international talent, and to engage important content with communities across the country. Lauren loves to read and has worked to develop and produce PBS Books content for nearly ten years!

Deepa Butoliya | Penny Stamps Speaker Series
2026-01-30 20:00 - 21:00
Design Beyond the Center: Stories of Jugaad, Resilience, and Collective Knowledge
Deepa Butoliya is a designer, researcher, and educator whose work celebrates human ingenuity and creativity in the face of constraint. Born and raised in India and now based in the United States, she explores how design practices from around the world — especially those rooted in improvisation, resilience, and care — can expand how we think about innovation.
Her ongoing research centers on Jugaad, a Hindi term meaning ​“making do with what you have.” More than a practice, Jugaad represents a mindset of resourcefulness and adaptability. Deepa’s work traces this spirit of everyday creativity across cultures and connects it to movements of resistance and repair. In Detroit, she co-curated Jugaad in the D: Ingenuity and Resistance in Detroit and Motown Masala, exhibitions that highlight the city’s vibrant culture of grassroots innovation and collective resilience.
Trained as both an architect and industrial designer, Butoliya holds degrees from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur and the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has taught at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Illinois at Chicago, and has worked with organizations including the Development Lab at MIT and GE Healthcare. Her research and workshops have been presented at international conferences such as IDSA, Making Futures, EPIC, CHI, IASDR, and Speculative Futures.
This project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan.
Series presenting partners: Detroit PBS, ALL ARTS, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public.

Washington | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 108
2026-02-04 20:00 - 21:00 | Facebook Live
Buckle up and join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we visit the state of Washington on our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on February 4th 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.
Join us in the Evergreen State to hear about the legacy of writers shaped by their time in the Pacific Northwest—from sci-fi legends like Frank Herbert’s iconic Dune series and Octavia Butler’s speculative Parable of the Sower to more lighthearted tales like Tom Robbins’ satirical novel Even Cowgirls Get the Blues. Rediscover powerful classics like the short stories and poems of Raymond Carver (Cathedral) and the fictional reckoning with the Asian American experience during WWII in John Okada’s No-No Boy.
Hear from today’s writers living in Washington’s vibrant literary scene who have a knack for blending genres: Jess Walter’s comedy thriller So Far Gone, Donna Barba Higuera’s (The Last Cuentista) fusion of Hispanic heritage with science fiction, and Timothy Egan’s (The Big Burn) riveting narrative nonfictions that retell American history. Alongside them are authors who share stories often left untold, including Coast Salish writer Sasha taqʷšəblu LaPointe and her memoir Red Paint, and Frank Abe’s reflections on mass injustice in the propelling graphic novel We Hereby Refuse.
Amid the mountains and thousands of miles of coastline lies a book lover’s paradise. Washington boasts a thriving independent bookstore scene—with island bookshops and fantastic libraries, including the Seattle Central Library, which houses over one million books and doubles as an architectural landmark. But it’s not just brick-and-mortar institutions that inspire travelers; the landscape itself sparks literary imagination. The lush green Hoh Rainforest serves as the stunning backdrop for novels like the Twilight series, while the rugged peaks and misty shores have long fueled the region’s storytelling tradition.
Episode Book ListAbout 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.

Julia Keefe and the Indigenous Big Band | Penny Stamps Speaker Series
2026-02-06 20:00 - 21:00
Resilience and Brilliance in Indigenous Jazz
For hundreds of years, songs have been the vessels for stories, lessons, and prayers for the Indigenous peoples of the Americas. One of the newest additions to this world is the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band, which presented its very first concert in 2022. The band focuses on reimagined traditional melodies made famous by Indigenous jazz musicians from the past, like singer Mildred Bailey (Coeur d’Alene) and saxophonist Jim Pepper (Kaw/​Mvskoke), as well as new works that push the genre forward.
Led by the celebrated vocalist and luminary Julia Keefe (Nez Percé), the ensemble brings charisma, passion, and purpose to every stage, leaving audiences both inspired and educated. The band has quickly gained a reputation for deepening and challenging our understanding of the ​“uniquely American” art form known as jazz. The goals of the Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band are to celebrate and continue that tradition, to compose and perform new music inspired by traditional backgrounds, and to create a community of like-minded peoples from all backgrounds to uplift the next generation of Indigenous jazz musicians.
Indigenous jazz musicians, ensembles, and big bands have their place in the contemporary jazz world and jazz history. Following 19th-century federal policies to remove Indian children from their homes and indoctrinate them into European culture (Indian Boarding Schools), small ensembles and big bands began to flourish on reservations across the US and Canada in the first half of the Twentieth Century. Indigenous musicians started to ascend to celebrity with jazz as their medium – including Russell ​“Big Chief” Moore, Mildred Bailey, Oscar Pettiford, and Jim Pepper – but were never duly credited as Indigenous visionaries in the genre.
The Julia Keefe Indigenous Big Band reflects a wide range of Indigenous identities, from South America to Canada, Northeast to Southwest. Together, they represent a long-silenced, long-forgotten chapter of jazz history: the participation, contribution, innovation, and legacy of Indigenous jazz musicians. This is a legacy that seasoned composers and arrangers Julia Keefe and co-founder Delbert Anderson (Diné) carry forward through original works inspired by songs and rhythms of their Native heritage, reimagined through the language and stylings of jazz.
Presented in partnership with the University Musical Society, the talk will be followed by the band’s performance presented by UMS, beginning at 8 PM.
This project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan.
Series presenting partners: Detroit PBS, ALL ARTS, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public.

Filmmaker Talk with Kim A. Snyder, "The Librarians"
2026-02-11 20:00 - 21:00
In this timely PBS Books Filmmaker Talk, award-winning director and producer Kim A. Snyder joins host Heather-Marie Montilla for an in-depth conversation about The Librarians, the powerful new documentary that examines the growing national debate over access to information and the freedom to read.
Created in conjunction with the February 9 premiere of The Librarians on PBS, the film follows librarians across the United States who find themselves on the frontlines of an escalating struggle over library collections, intellectual freedom, and democratic values. During this conversation, Snyder reflects on the four-year journey behind the film, from its origins in Texas to its expansion into a national story.
The discussion also explores the human dimension of the film: the integrity and courage of librarians, the communities that stand beside them, and the broader implications for education, public life, and First Amendment rights. Grounded in storytelling rather than partisanship, The Librarians invites viewers into a necessary conversation about who gets to decide what stories are available—and why that question matters to us all.
This PBS Books Filmmaker Talk encourages audiences to reflect, engage, and continue the dialogue in their own communities, libraries, and classrooms.
The Librarians will stream on the PBS App and PBS Stations, check your local listings.

PBS Watch-Alike: Independent Lens | The Librarians
The Librarians traces how library collection standards are impacting communities across the U.S. Librarians find themselves on the frontlines of debates as they navigate the review of library materials that includes books with LGBTQIA+ and race-related themes.

Rick Lowe | Penny Stamps Speaker Series
2026-02-13 20:00 - 21:00
In Spite Of
Rick Lowe is an American artist who pairs paintings, drawings, and installations with collaborative, community-based projects developed in the tradition of Joseph Beuys’ concept of ​“social sculpture.” Working closely with individuals and communities, he has identified many ways to harness creativity to address concerns around equity and justice. Beginning with his co-founding of Project Row Houses (1993 – 2008) in Houston’s Third Ward and continuing through other initiatives across the United States and internationally, Lowe aims to catalyze sustainable change to promote understanding, equity, and justice.
In his studio-based practice, Lowe combines painting and collage to develop works — often at an expansive scale — that take an exploratory approach to geography and abstraction. Inspired in part by patterns of domino games that he plays to engage with community members worldwide, he notes correspondences between the dense, layered arrangements of domino tiles and maps of urban districts. The vibrant paintings that emerge suggest cartographic configurations and transformations of civic structures and relationships over time.
Born in Russell County, Alabama, Lowe lives and works in Houston. Since 2016, he has taught at the University of Houston’s College of the Arts as a professor of interdisciplinary practice. Among his many honors, he received the Heinz Award in the Arts and Humanities in 2002, was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2014, and was the Roy Lichtenstein Artist in Residence at the American Academy in Rome in 2024.
Lowe has been working as part of the U‑M Arts Initiative’s Creators on Campus program as artist in residence with the Institute for Social Research (ISR) over the last two years, collaborating with students and researchers in preparation for his upcoming exhibition at UMMA. The exhibition, featuring his ongoing project, Black Wall Street Journey, will open in August 2026.
Presented in partnership with the Institute for Social Research, Arts Initiative, and the University of Michigan Museum of Art.
This project was made possible by a grant from the Arts Initiative at the University of Michigan.
Series presenting partners: Detroit PBS, ALL ARTS, and PBS Books. Media partner: Michigan Public.

U.S. Virgin Islands | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 109
2026-02-18 20:00 - 21:00 | Facebook Live
Join PBS Books and the Library of Congress as we visit the U.S. Virgin Islands in our next stop in American Stories: A Reading Road Trip. Join us on February 18th at 8pm ET 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.
Journey to the Caribbean paradise of the U.S. Virgin Islands, where history drifts on the ocean breeze and stories ripple far beyond the shores. Rooted in generations of oral and written tradition, these narratives stretch from the formidable youth of Alexander Hamilton, who would help shape a nation, to D. Hamilton Jackson, whose fight for a free press forever changed the islands and founded The Herald. This legacy had endured with voices like Dr. Marilyn Krigger, (Race Relations in the U.S. Virgin Islands), and J. Antonio Jarvis, founder of the Daily News and author of The Virgin Islands and Their People, each carrying forward dialogs that continue to define the islands today.
Hear from the writers shaping the U.S. Virgin Islands’ literary present and future. Cadwell Turnbull’s The Lesson uses speculative storytelling to interrogate colonial legacy, power, and resilience, while Tiphanie Yanique, author of Monster in the Middle, brings a lyrical intimacy to island life and its complexities. Angela Golden Bryan’s James and the Fireburn preserves and elevates Crucian storytelling traditions, connecting past and present through story. Discover The Caribbean Writer, the annual journal that amplifies voices from across the islands and the Caribbean diaspora, and explore a literary heritage rooted in memory, imagination, and the enduring power of the written word. Together, these works reflect a profound engagement with history, identity, and place.
The islands may be small, but their devotion to books, history, and cultural memory is immense. Be inspired by statues honoring the Queens of the Fireburn, whose courage helped ignite a labor revolution that reshaped the islands. Wander streets lined with buildings dating back to the 1500s, and explore historic landmarks like Fort Christian on St. Thomas—once a bulwark against pirates. Along the way, step into local bookstores that do far more than sell books; these spaces serve as vibrant cultural hubs, fostering art, conversation, and community while keeping the islands’ stories alive for generations to come.
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.
