Meets the 2^nd Wednesday of the Month from 10 - 11:30 a.m. in the Gertrude Scott Room.

Journey through the many and varied worlds of literary fiction and nonfiction with our informal book group, the longest-running at the library. From acclaimed novels to emerging voices, each month we explore thought-provoking stories and engage in lively discussions. Join us to share insights, exchange ideas, and be part of a vibrant community of passionate readers.

For more information, call us at (970) 962-2402 or email reference@cityofloveland.org

2026 Book Picks

January 14: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

The poignant coming-of-age story of Francie Nolan, a resilient young girl growing up in the poverty-stricken Williamsburg neighborhood of early 20th-century Brooklyn. Surrounded by a loving but deeply flawed family, Francie navigates hardship, hope, and heartache with courage and imagination. Rich in detail and emotional depth, Betty Smith’s beloved classic captures both the struggles and small joys of working-class life, offering a timeless portrait of strength, family, and the enduring spirit of a young girl determined to rise.

February 11: The Briar Club by Kate Quinn

Set in a women’s boardinghouse in 1950s Washington, DC, The Briar Club follows a group of unlikely friends—each harboring secrets—whose lives are upended when a mysterious widow, Grace March, moves in. As tensions rise during the McCarthy era, the women find solace in their shared dinners and friendships, until a violent event forces them to confront the hidden truths that bind and divide them.

March 11: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

The story of Ryland Grace, a lone astronaut who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory of his mission, only to realize he's the last hope for humanity. Earth is facing an extinction-level threat from a mysterious alien organism, and Ryland must use his scientific knowledge and ingenuity to solve the puzzle and save the planet.

April 8: Code Name Hélène by Ariel Lawhon

The thrilling true story of Nancy Wake, an Australian socialite turned fearless spy during World War II. Moving between four code names she used throughout the war, the novel follows Nancy from her early days as a journalist in Paris to becoming one of the most powerful leaders in the French Resistance. As she smuggles people and intelligence past the Nazis, earns the Gestapo’s nickname “The White Mouse,” and trains with Britain’s Special Operations Executive, Nancy faces danger, heartbreak, and unimaginable stakes, proving herself as one of the most decorated women of the war.

Loveland Loves to Read brings Ariel Lawhon to Loveland for their annual Author Talk & Book Signing on April 20th, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Thompson Valley High School. Tickets on sale at coloradoboxoffice.com

May 13: Crow Mary by Kathleen Grissom

A sweeping historical novel inspired by the true story of a Crow woman who defies cultural boundaries and injustice. In 1872, sixteen-year-old Goes First marries a white fur trader, takes the name Mary, and begins a new life in Canada. But after witnessing a brutal massacre and her husband’s refusal to intervene, she risks everything to rescue five captive women—an act that ignites a clash of cultures and tests the strength of her marriage. Rich with emotion, history, and moral complexity, this is a powerful portrait of courage, love, and resilience.

June 10: Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

Frances Perkins arrives in New York City at the turn of the 20th century, driven by a deep sense of purpose and a passion for reform. As she moves between the tenements of Hell’s Kitchen and the salons of Greenwich Village, she forms lasting bonds with activists, artists, and political thinkers. A rocky first meeting with a young Franklin D. Roosevelt eventually grows into a powerful partnership that will carry them to the White House. As the first woman to serve in a U.S. Cabinet, Frances must navigate personal sacrifice, political attacks, and the weight of national crisis, all while helping to shape a better future for America.

July 8: North Woods by Daniel Mason

A sweeping, genre-blurring novel tracing the history of a single house in New England and its human and nonhuman inhabitants over centuries. From Puritan lovers and war veterans to spinster twins, con artists, and even a panther, the intertwined lives reveal themes of love, madness, and the cyclical nature of history and the environment. Richly inventive and brimming with mystery and wonder, this novel explores how we connect to the past, to nature, and to each other, ultimately asking: How do we endure beyond our time?

August 12: The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

Follow two Iranian girls, Ellie and Homa, through three decades of transformative events in Iran, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and activism. Ellie and Homa's bond is tested as they navigate childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, facing societal pressures, political turmoil, and personal struggles, particularly the Iranian Revolution of 1979.

September 9: Still Life by Sarah Winman

A sweeping, tender novel that follows Ulysses Temper, a young English soldier whose brief encounter with a spirited art historian in wartime Tuscany alters the course of his life. As he returns to postwar London and the colorful circle at his local pub, memories of Italy and the connection he found there linger. When fate calls him back to the Tuscan hills decades later, Ulysses embarks on a journey that weaves together art, love, friendship, and the enduring beauty of a found family.

October 14: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist driven by ambition, creates a life-like being from body parts, only to be horrified by its monstrous appearance. The creature, abandoned and rejected, seeks revenge, leading to a tragic cycle of violence and destruction. The story, presented as a nested narrative of letters and personal accounts, explores themes of scientific ethics, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God.

November 12: The Time of the Child by Niall Williams

(We will be meeting on Thursday this month because the library is closed for Veteran’s Day on the 11th.)

Set in the quiet Irish village of Faha during Advent 1962, Time of the Child follows Doctor Jack Troy and his daughter Ronnie as their lives are transformed by the unexpected arrival of a baby. Long defined by duty, solitude, and missed chances, both must confront what family and belonging truly mean. As winter unfolds, the child’s presence reshapes their connection to each other and their place in the community in this tender, heartwarming story of change and hope.

December 9: Bring your favorite read of 2026 to share with the group.