One Book, One Community is an annual community-wide reading event hosted by Geneva Public Library and dedicated to creating a shared conversation through a range of related events and activities for residents of all ages. This event is made possible by generous sponsorships from Friends of Geneva Public Library and the Geneva Library Foundation.
Visit the Library to pick up your copy of our One Book, One Community book selection! Copies will be available as giveaways starting on Feb. 7, 2026 at our kickoff event. One book per person is available while supplies last. Copies will also be available for checkout.
The Correspondent
by Virginia Evans
Sybil Van Antwerp has throughout her life used letters to make sense of the world and her place in it. Most mornings, around half past ten, Sybil sits down to write letters—to her brother, to her best friend, to the president of the university who will not allow her to audit a class she desperately wants to take, to Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry to tell them what she thinks of their latest books, and to one person to whom she writes often yet never sends the letter.
Sybil expects her world to go on as it always has—a mother, grandmother, wife, divorcee, distinguished lawyer, she has lived a very full life. But when letters from someone in her past force her to examine one of the most painful periods of her life, she realizes that the letter she has been writing over the years needs to be read and that she cannot move forward until she finds it in her heart to offer forgiveness.
Sybil Van Antwerp’s life of letters might be “a very small thing,” but she also might be one of the most memorable characters you will ever read.
One Book, One Community Kickoff
Saturday, Feb 7 • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Join us for our 5th annual One Book, One Community event. Participate in our community art project, pick up your book, and join the reading adventure!
Thursday, March 19 • 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
or
Thursday, March 26 • 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join us as we read and discuss The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Book club copies of the book will be available in the lobby beginning on Feb. 19. Please note, to provide everyone with an equal opportunity to attend, only register for one of these programs.
Register for the March 19 Discussion Register for the March 26 Discussion
Friends of the Library Children's Book Sale
Saturday, March 14 • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Find bargains galore! Scores of gently-used books will be available for purchase at the sale.
Artists' Reception - Dear Geneva: A Community Art Exhibit
Thursday, March 19 • 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join us for a reception to celebrate the artists from Dear Geneva: A Community Art Exhibit. This is your chance to meet and mingle with the artists, and celebrate the creativity in our community. The reception is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday, March 22 • 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Come by to learn about the many different volunteer and part-time/seasonal job opportunities in our community! Most job opportunities will be available to ages 16 and up, with a few accepting 15-year-old applicants and a few requiring applicants to be ages 17 or 18 and up.
Tuesday Evening Fiction Book Club
Tuesday, March 24 • 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening book discussion of The Correspondent! Book club copies of the book will be available for checkout in the lobby in advance.
Thursday, March 26 • 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Your 20s & 30s are perfect for starting new activities and trying new books! Join us at the 20s & 30s book club to discuss the 2026 community read!
Volunteer + Community Connection Fair
Saturday, April 11 • 10 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Stop by the Library to learn about the many different kinds of volunteer opportunities and resources in our community!
Community Blood Drive with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois
Saturday, April 11 • 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Show your community some love by donating blood and helping alleviate the blood shortage!
Community-Wide Book Discussion
Wednesday, April 15 • 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Join us for a community-wide discussion of our One Book, One Community read! Hear what the book means to Geneva residents, and share your thoughts!
A Conversation with Virginia Evans, Author of The Correspondent
Sunday, April 19 • 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Celebrate the finale of Geneva's One Book, One Community event with author Virginia Evans. Learn about her writing process, characters, and more! Join us after the event to get your book signed by the author!
