2026 Book Theme:
Fire
Light and Warmth,
Danger and Destruction
What we are reading
Something for every age and interest.
Read one or read them all.
Wombat Said Come In
by Carmen Agra Deedy
To share with preK-3rd grade kids, the committee has chosen Wombat Said Come In, a picture book written by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrated by Brian Lies. The action is set in Australia while bush fires are sweeping the country and destroying the homes of many animals. It is not long before friends, a wallaby, a kookaburra, a platypus, a koala, and a sugar glider, are knocking on the door of Wombat's warm underground burrow seeking shelter. He welcomes them all, but not without a few regrets.
Wildfire
by Breena Bard
We've chosen a graphic novel again for 'tween readers, Breena Bard's Wildfire. Rather than focus on the action and excitement of escaping a wildfire like several other books have, Bard explores the aftermath of a family's successful escape from a wildfire that forces it to leave its rural home for Portland. The sudden loss of her home and the animals she loves leaves Julianna, Bard's central character, sad and frustrated but also concerned enough about her world to join a conservation club (CC). The CC's advisor looks to the students to determine the activities they adopt, activities that help Julianna work through the trauma she is experiencing. The book is a gentle guide through, [from?] trauma to agency.
Fahrenheit 451
by Ray Bradbury
We’ll be exploring the text and themes of Ray Bradbury’s well-known 1953 dystopian novel Fahrenheit 451 with adults this year. It contrasts markedly with the fire themes of the books for kids and 'tweens and pushes the theme of fire beyond the destruction of homes. Both protagonist and antagonist are firefighters and, rather than save homes, they destroy them, the books they conceal, and the shared history, wisdom, and speculations of generations of writers, scholars, and artists. The images of flames consuming books and homes are dramatic, but the revolution that Clarisse quietly sparks in Guy Montag's mind is revelatory. The quiet removal of books from library shelves today echoes Bradbury’s concern
Our Events
Enriching Experiences
Community Organizations plan programs to bring residents together to explore our shared interests and basic values by reading and discussing books in common.
Among the community participants are the City of Macomb, the Macomb Fire Department, the Macomb, Blandinsville, Bushnell, and Colchester Public Libraries, the Western Illinois Museum, University of Illinois Extension, YMCA, Macomb schools, the Prairie Land Conservancy, area book clubs, and Bill Maakestad’s Final Friday concert.
Talks
Engaging Discussions
Saturday, April 11
Prairie Burns Explained
11:00 am to noon
Prairie Land Conservancy, 321 W. University Drive, Macomb
Kirsten Boesen and Chris Enroth will introduce this method of caring for native prairie plants and will talk about ways of getting involved in prairie and savanna restoration. There will be a demonstration if conditions allow.
Thursday, April 23
Conversation with Fire Chief Dan Meyers and Western Illinois Museum Director Sue Scott,
5:00 – 6:30 pm
201 S. Lafayette St., Macomb
A look at five significant local fires, including the Chelsea’s Hallmark, Chandler Block, and Macomb Motors fires, and how they shaped safety practices, policy, and community response. Pizza and conversation will follow the screening.
Book Clubs
Fostering Connections
Wednesday, April 8
The Page Turner Book Club
4:30 – 5:30 pm
Macomb Public Library, 235 S. Lafayette St., Macomb
Conversation based on Fahrenheit 451 led by Kim Rice and the Macomb Friends of the Library.
Sunday, April 12
Legends & Lattes Book Club
3-4:30 pm
321 W University Drive, Macomb
Legends & Lattes is a local community Fantasy & Sci-Fi Book Club. Its April selection is Fahrenheit 451. Join the book club e-news by emailing Jaime at spiderwebb957@gmail.com.
Tuesday, May 5
WIU LIFE Program: We Need to Talk Book Club
1:00 -2:00 pm
Connie LaRue will lead a discussion of Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. It will be accessible on Zoom. LIFE registration is expected.
Film
Exploring the idea of Fire
Sunday, April 12
Screening of the documentary Triangle Fire
3:30–5:30 pm
Western Illinois Museum
201 S. Lafayette St., Macomb
The 60-minute film explores the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City and the resulting workplace safety reforms that continue to shape building codes and labor protections today. Includes graphic images. Please review the trailer to determine suitability. Followed by a pizza supper and conversation.
Children's Programs
Inspiring Young Readers
Wednesday, April 15
Preschool Story Time
10:30 -11:00 am
Macomb Public Library, 235 S. Lafayette St., Macomb
Children will meet a friendly Wombat who invites his neighbors into his warm underground burrow when they need help. Each child or family will receive a copy of Carmen Agra Deedy’s Wombat Said Come In.
Friday, April 24
Noticing Nature: A Curious Guide for Sprouts
4:00 – 4:45 pm
Macomb Park District Lakeview Nature Area, 10050 N. 1500th Rd., Macomb
Enjoy a nature-themed story and activity. Each Sprout or family will receive a copy of Carmen Agra Deedy’s Wombat Said Come In during the program.
Saturday, May 30
Kids and Fire Safety
2:00 – 3:00 pm
Macomb Fire Station, 219 W. Jackson St., Macomb
Macomb Firefighters invite children to learn about fire safety and tour the fire station. Guy Huston will read Wombat Said Come In with the kids and give each child or family their own copy.
About Us
Our Mission
One Book One Community Festival aims to create a sense of community through shared book-based experiences. We are committed to fostering a love for reading, promoting literacy, and celebrating the power of storytelling. Our festival provides a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, encouraging dialogue and understanding.
Get in Touch
Have a question or want to learn more about our festival? Reach out to us today!