Hickory Public Library and My Chapter House are teaming up to present Hickory Reads, a city-wide one book, one community initiative that’s about to ignite conversations, spark connections, and bring us together like never before. Imagine thousands of neighbors, students, families, and friends all diving into the same powerful story—sharing ideas, perspectives, and a love for reading that transcends age, background, and experience. Whether you're a lifelong bookworm or just rediscovering the joy of a good read, Hickory Reads is your invitation to be part of something meaningful, unifying, and unforgettable. Let’s turn the page together, Hickory—because when a whole city reads as one, the story becomes legendary. 

2026 Book Selection:

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

This breakout novel is a poignant exploration of memory, connection, and the enduring power of words. At its heart is Sybil Van Antwerp, a woman who has spent her life making sense of the world through letters—written to friends, family, literary icons, and even one person who will never receive them. A mother, grandmother, lawyer, and lifelong seeker of knowledge, Sybil believes her life is settled until unexpected letters from her past force her to confront old wounds and the forgiveness she has long avoided. Through the lens of her correspondence, Evans crafts a moving portrait of a life fully lived—its triumphs, regrets, and acts of grace—reminding us that even the smallest exchanges can shape the story of who we are.

Letters from Stella Pop-Up Shop & Letter Writing Workshop
Saturday, January 31 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | My Chapter House

Open Door Book Club – new members welcome
Wednesday, February 25 | 3:00 p.m. | Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

Sojourner Truth Book Club – new members welcome
Monday, March 16 | 6:30 p.m. | Ridgeview Branch Library

Book Club Meeting
Thursday, March 19 | 6:15 p.m. | My Chapter House

Community Book Discussion – everyone welcome
Monday, April 13 | 6 p.m. | Patrick Beaver Memorial Library

Hickory Literary Festival featuring author Virginia Evans
Saturday, April 25 | 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | SALT Block

Ready to participate in Hickory Reads? Get your digital or physical copy of the book at one of the following locations:

Patrick Beaver Memorial Library
375 3rd Street NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 304-0500
hickorync.gov/library

Ridgeview Branch Library
706 1st Street SW
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 345-6037
hickorync.gov/library

My Chapter House
262 First Avenue NW
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 568-8950
mychapterhouse.com