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
Our community has begun participating by bringing residents together to explore some of our shared interests and basic values by reading and discussing books in common.
The City of Macomb, the Macomb Fire Department, the Macomb, Blandinsville, Bushnell, and Colchester Public Libraries, Western Illinois Museum, University of Illinois Extension, YMCA, Macomb schools, Prairie Land Conservancy, area book clubs, Bill Maakestad’s Final Friday Concert and are among community participants.
More details will be coming soon. Here is just a glimpse of what is being planned.
Talks
Engaging Discussions
Join us for thought-provoking discussions with community members as they share insights into this year's theme, Fire: Light and Warmth, Danger and Destruction, through meaningful conversations..
Book Clubs
Fostering Connections
Our local book clubs are joining in the festival, reading our selected books and getting together to share their insights and even questions.
Films
Exploring the idea of Fire
Change your thinking about Fire with a compelling documentary worthy of staying for a conversation and dinner.
Children's Programs
Inspiring Young Readers
We offer engaging programs for young readers, including storytelling sessions, interactive activities, and author visits, fostering a lifelong love for books and stories.
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!