Read Brave Saint Paul

OUR CLIMATE CRISIS

Read Brave Saint Paul is a new twist on the traditional city one-book program. Rather than a single book, the program revolves around a common theme relevant to our city. All readers — from our youngest children to our elders — are encouraged to engage in the program through reading, discussion, programming, and action. The 2020 Read Brave theme is “Our Climate Crisis.”

The current state of the environment affects all of us, from Saint Paul to countries across the globe. We have all played a part in how we got here, and we are all a part of the solution. Read Brave aims to unite residents around this topic — to seek understanding of the science, share stories about its impact, and work together toward solutions.

For 2020, The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline is the primary pick, and Climate Justice by Mary Robinson is the nonfiction pick. Learn more about Read Brave Kids below.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Featured Events

Event

Books & Bars featuring "Climate Justice"

Jan 8th | 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Urban Growler

With The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library, moderator Jeff Kamin brings his take on a book club to a public bar.

Event

Sun Ray Book Club featuring "Climate Justice"

Jan 18th | 10:00am - 11:30am

Sun Ray

Join us every third Saturday at Sun Ray Library to discuss the book of the month. All are welcome and no registration is required.

Events Calendar

Get the latest Read Brave news.

BOOK SELECTIONS

The Marrow Thieves, by Canadian Métis author, Cherie Dimaline, is this year’s primary book selection. A 2018 Canada Reads finalist, the young-adult novel imagines a dystopian future where global warming has ravaged the earth and, with it, most people’s ability to dream. Indigenous people, who can still dream, are hunted for their marrow to create a serum for others. The story follows Frenchie, a teenager on the run. After his brother is captured, Frenchie must create an ad hoc family and fight to preserve his people.

Watch a short introductory 'hello' from Cherie Dimaline to readers in Saint Paul.

Access our reading and discussion guide.

Save the date! Dimaline will visit Saint Paul March 11-13, 2020.

Read now

Climate Justice: Hope, Resilience, and the Fight for a Sustainable Future, by Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland, is this year’s nonfiction selection. Robinson gives voice to farmers, activists, and ordinary people worldwide who are facing the effects of the climate crisis with courage and innovation. Her book acknowledges the hardship and uncertainty environmental degradation has had on traditional ways of life and celebrates the resilience of people who have worked for sustainable solutions.

Watch Mary Robinson's TED Talk on "Why Climate Change is a Threat to Human Rights."

Access our reading and discussion guide.

Read now

Read the 2020 Read Brave books with Libby, the library's free, one-tap app for e-books! Watch a quick video tutorial to learn more about the app.

We're excited to announce the 2020 Read Brave Kids book picks. Read Brave Kids empowers young readers and artists by engaging in fun reading activities that celebrate kids' choice, gaining a voice, and engaging in brave conversations with their communities.

How to participate in Read Brave Kids