Rogue Reads
Rogue Reads
Opal the Octopus Bids You Adieu
December 1st – February 28th
Join us in December for a brand new Rogue Reads theme, but in the meantime, check out all the fun we had!
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.
This event has ended. Check back next season for another exciting Author Talk!
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.
Rogue Reads Beanstack Challenge
Beanstack is a free online tool that lets you track your reading, earn badges, and join JCLS reading challenges year-round. It’s an easy way to log books for yourself or your family and stay connected with library programs.
Join us for a Remarkably Bright Winter Rogue Reads reading challenge!
Resources from Education Services
Lesson plans and activities developed from our awesome Education Services team. Below you will find the latest for our Remarkably Bright Winter Rogue Reads Challenge!
Lesson Plans and Activities
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!
Rogue Reads is sponsored in part by Donna and Matt Epstein.
Rogue Reads is also brought to you in part by the Jackson County Library Foundation. Learn more at jclf.org.
