Book Clubs

The Galesburg Community Arts Center and the Galesburg Public Library are collaborating with Illinois Humanities on an NEA Big Read in 2023-2024. More than 15 libraries, nonprofits, and community groups across Illinois are hosting free book groups for Reconsidering the American Dream.*

The 2023-2024 NEA Big Read program through Illinois Humanities features two titles about the American dream, class, and inequality: Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth by Sarah Smarsh and Infinite Country by Patricia Engel. Galesburg has 10 copies of these two titles to give away, and additional copies will be available for checkout. We will discuss Heartland in December and January and Infinite Country in February and March. Please email reference@galesburglibrary.org for free copies of the books (while supplies last). Copies will be available for checkout on the book club shelves about one month before each discussion.

The first discussion of Heartland will be on December 13 at 6:00 PM at the Galesburg Community Arts Center.

When we read together, we broaden our imaginations and understanding of our world, our neighbors, and ourselves. Visit Illinois Humanities  and Galesburg Community Arts Center for additional information.

*Please note: the Galesburg Public Library will also host a community read in spring 2024 like usual.