Willard Library is thrilled to announce the 20th season of Battle Creek Reads, continuing its cherished tradition of uniting the community through the shared joy of reading. Since its inception in 2005, the program has brought residents together around impactful stories, starting with its inaugural selection, Pay it Forward by Catherine Ryan Hyde, inspired by Nancy Pearl’s “One Book, One Community” initiative.
Accessibility and engagement have always been cornerstones of Battle Creek Reads. Willard Library provides free copies of each year’s selected title to as many community members as possible, culminating in a highly anticipated author event. Memorable past highlights include Jeanette Walls’ 2008 presentation on The Glass Castle, which attracted nearly 1,000 attendees to the Lakeview Middle School Auditorium, and notable selections like The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein (2011), The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede (2013), and The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray (2023). Even during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the program adapted with virtual author events in 2020 and 2021.
Library Director Matt Willis, who was part of the original planning team alongside former Library Director Rick Hulsey, community advocate Bill Schroer, Father Chris Yaw, and Michael McCullough, reflects on the program’s enduring impact. “These events create a unique opportunity for book lovers to connect,” said Willis. “It’s wonderful to see people gather to hear an author, ask questions, and share their passion for reading.”
The book selection process has evolved over the years. Initially guided by steering committees including community members, Willard Library’s staff now chooses titles based on community engagement potential, patron feedback, and insights from programs like Book Club in a Bag. “Battle Creek is a fantastic place for book lovers,” added Willis. “Our community values reading and comes together to celebrate it in a way that’s truly unique.”
For its 20th season, Battle Creek Reads proudly presents Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. A New York Times bestseller and a Read With Jenna Today Show Book Club pick, the book has sold over a million copies and spent more than a year on the New York Times Hardcover bestseller list. The novel’s heartwarming and deeply human story has also made it a favorite among Willard Library patrons.
Remarkably Bright Creatures tells the story of Tova, a widow working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, and her unexpected friendship with Marcellus, the aquarium’s resident octopus. As Tova continues to grapple with the decades-old disappearance of her son, Marcellus, with his keen intelligence, begins piecing together the mystery of what happened and sets out to help Tova find closure.
Shelby Van Pelt will speak on Thursday, March 20, at 6:00 p.m. at the Kool Family Community Center. Attendees may purchase books from New Story Community Books at the event, and Van Pelt will be available to sign copies following her talk.
Willard Library has complimentary copies of Remarkably Bright Creatures available at both library locations while supplies last. Guests are welcome to one copy per person. The book is also available digitally as an ebook and audiobook on Libby and Hoopla, free to download with a Willard Library card.
As Battle Creek Reads enters its 20th season, the excitement continues to grow. This year’s selection promises to once again weave a common thread through a diverse community, celebrating the joy of reading and the transformative power of stories.