PBS Books

Indiana | American Stories: A Reading Road Trip Episode 107
2025-12-10 20:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | 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.

Basil Twist | Penny Stamps Speaker Series
2026-02-20 20:00 - 21:00
The Alchemy of Puppetry
Basil Twist is a visionary, third-generation puppeteer whose work has reshaped contemporary puppetry worldwide. A San Francisco native and the only American graduate of France’s École Supérieure Nationale des Arts de la Marionnette, he gained national attention with The Araneidae Show and the ground-breaking multiple award-winning Symphonie Fantastique, which revealed him as a singular artist of unlimited imagination. His inventive, genre-defying productions — from Petrushka and Dogugaeshi to Arias with a Twist (co-created with nightlife icon Joey Arias) — have toured internationally.
Deeply musical in nature, Twist’s love of music has led to major opera collaborations at the Opéra Comique, English National Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and Vienna State Opera. Other operatic highlights include Hansel and Gretel and La Bella Dormente Nel Bosco, and De Falla’s Master Peters Pupper Show with Eos Orchestra.
In dance, he has created puppetry for works by Christopher Wheeldon, Pilobolus, the Joffrey Ballet, Dutch National Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Royal Ballet, and Joe Goode Dance Company, and adapted Petrushka for symphony orchestras and City Center’s Fall for Dance.
Twist created the siblings in Paula Vogel’s The Long Christmas Ride Home at Trinity Repertory, The Long Wharf, and The Vineyard Theatre, including directing and designing the West Coast première at The Magic Theatre. He also designed the play-within-a-play for Oskar Eustis’ Hamlet at Shakespeare in the Park and worked on Des McAnuff’s Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots at La Jolla Playhouse. Broadway credits include puppetry design for Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Oh, Hello!, and The Addams Family, as well as puppetry direction for the Pee-Wee Herman Show. A longtime collaborator with the late Lee Breuer and Mabou Mines, Twist also worked on Peter and Wendy, Red Beads, and A Streetcar Named Desire at the Comédie Française.
Twist has received a MacArthur Fellowship, Rome Prize, Guggenheim Fellowship, Doris Duke Performing Artist Award, USA Fellowship, and multiple Obie, Drama Desk, Bessie, UNIMA, and Henry Hewes Awards. He directs the internationally recognized Dream Music Puppetry Program at HERE in New York City.
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.

Book Picks for Black History Month with Princess Weekes and Lauren Smith | Readers Club Episode 302
2026-02-25 20:00 - 21:00
In this special episode of the PBS Books Readers Club, hosts Princess Weekes and Lauren Smith recommend their favorite Black History Month reads. The episode will be available on PBS Books YouTube Chanel on February 1st, and as a Facebook Live Event on February 25th at 8pm EST.
February is Black History Month, and in 2026 we mark a major milestone: 100 years of national Black history commemorations. What began as a weeklong observance has grown into an annual opportunity to reflect, learn, and celebrate Black history, culture, and contributions. In this special episode, PBS Books Readers Club hosts Lauren Smith and Princess Weekes share book recommendations that spotlight and celebrate Black authors.
Princess reflects, “I think so often Black literature is used for educational or sociological purposes. And that’s great, but we have rich narratives outside of that. So, I was looking for stories about Black people being complicated, messy, and trying to find love— because, you know, I love a romance!”
Which books make the list? From a sweeping reimagining of The Great Gatsby to a gritty Southern crime saga, this list spans intimate family histories, cultural touchstones, and stories that wrestle with faith, desire, and belonging. Expect bold voices, moral reflections and unforgettable communities. Join Lauren and Princess as they reveal their picks and share a few on their personal TBR lists.
PBS Watch-Alike: Black and Jewish America: An Interwoven HistoryThis new PBS documentary series hosted by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. explores the deep, complex relationship between Black and Jewish Americans across U.S. history. Tracing moments of solidarity, shared struggle, cultural exchange, and periods of tension, the series examines how these two communities have shaped American life—While also reflecting on the challenges and need for cooperation in the face of ongoing injustices.
Series premiere Tuesday, February 3rd @ 9ET, on PBS, the PBS app and pbs.org
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!
