Rogue Reads

Rogue Reads

Introducing Opal the Octopus

December 1st – February 28th

Rogue Reads is a reading program designed to connect the community through books. This year’s books are Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt & The Octopus Escapes by Maile Meloy!

Themed events will accompany the reading program between December 1 and February 28, along with a Beanstack reading challenge. Additionally, an Author Talk with Shelby Van Pelt will conclude Rogue Reads at the end of February.

Author Talk

Shelby Van Pelt

Join JCLS and Rogue Reads featured author, Shelby Van Pelt in conversation as she discusses her book Remarkably Bright Creatures. After the talk there will be time for a brief Q&A and an opportunity for a book signing. 

When Shelby Van Pelt isn’t writing, she’s herding cats and wrangling children. Her debut novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures was an instant New York Times Bestseller and a Read with Jenna Today Show book club pick. In 2023, she was awarded the Heartland Prize for Fiction and the McLaughlin-Esstman-Stearns First Novel Prize from The Writer’s Center. Remarkably Bright Creatures has sold over two million copies. It has spent, in aggregate, over a year on the NYT Hardcover Bestseller list.

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she’s now missing the mountains in the Chicago area with her family.  

Rogue Reads Events

Join us this winter for Rogue Reads — a county-wide celebration of reading, community, and delight! Dive into curated selections for kids, teens, and adults, attend lively programs at our branches, earn fun bingo-style challenges, and come together for a special author talk with Shelby Van Pelt discussing her book Remarkably Bright Creatures on 2/20/2026. Whether you’re exploring a favorite novel or discovering something new, your library is the place to connect, create, and share in the joy of reading.

Winter Event Guide

Featuring Rogue Reads

Dive into winter with Rogue Reads, Jackson County Library Services’ county-wide celebration of stories, curiosity, and community! This year’s guide is packed with ocean-inspired fun — from hands-on science programs and whale explorations to creative crafts, interactive teen challenges, and a special author talk with bestselling writer Shelby Van Pelt. With events for all ages and our friendly octopus Opal leading the way, there’s something magical waiting at every branch. Come read, explore, and make this season unforgettable with JCLS!