DALINC
DCR History
DCR launched its inaugural program in 2023 with volunteer support from six academic and public libraries, alongside partnerships with the Multicultural Family Center and River Lights Bookstore. In 2024, DCR expanded to nine libraries, sustained existing partnerships, and secured financial and organizational support from DALINC. The 2025 program maintained previous partnerships and added new ones to support a mental health programming. DCR continues to create new partnerships and expand the program to reach more people. In 2026, DCR received generous donations and grants from the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, the City of Dubuque Sustainability Grant, the Sisters of St. Francis, the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Friends of the Carnegie-Stout Public Library, and in-kind and volunteer support from Cascade Public Library, James Kennedy Public Library, University of Dubuque Library, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Divine Word College Library, Loras College Library, Dubuque County Library District, Wartburg Seminary Library, and Clarke University Library.
Program overview
Libraries
Participating Libraries
2026
Cascade Public Library, James Kennedy Public Library, University of Dubuque Library, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Divine Word College Library, Loras College Library, Dubuque County Library District, Wartburg Seminary Library, and Clarke University Library
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2025
Cascade Public Library, James Kennedy Public Library, University of Dubuque Library, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Divine Word College Library, Loras College Library, Dubuque County Library District, Wartburg Seminary Library, and Clarke University Library.
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2024
Cascade Public Library, James Kennedy Public Library, University of Dubuque Library, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Divine Word College Library, Loras College Library, Dubuque County Library District, Wartburg Seminary Library, and Clarke University Library.
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2023
James Kennedy Public Library, University of Dubuque Library, Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Loras College Library, Dubuque County Library District, and Clarke University Library.
IMPACT
Dubuque County Reads (DCR) 2025 generated meaningful economic and community benefits by drawing over 250 attendees to 14 events hosted across 9 library institutions (and virtually) in partnership with seven non-library community organizations. The author event alone attracted 110 participants, demonstrating strong public interest and the potential for cultural tourism.
​DCR also supported the local book economy by distributing 328 books, purchasing 144 books from local vendor River Lights Bookstore, and encouraging purchases of the youth title, The Color Monster, through River Lights Bookstore and Barnes & Noble. This investment not only promoted literacy but also supported small business revenue.
Partners
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Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Grant (2026)
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City of Dubuque Sustainability Grant (2026)
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Sisters of St. Francis (2026)
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Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (2026)
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Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (2026)
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Dubuque Museum of Art (2026)
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National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium (2026)
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Milkweed Editions (Publisher) (2026)
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Dubuque County Disability Council (2025)
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NAMI Dubuque (2025)
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River Lights Bookstore (2023-2026)
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Multicultural Family Center (2023-2024)
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DALINC (2024-2025)
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Barnes and Noble (2025)
THemes
Theme & Book Selection by year
Cycle 1
2023
Theme 1: Diversity & Identity
Sitting Pretty by Rebekah Taussig
2024
Theme 2: Local Spotlight
The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
2024 Resource Guide: https://libguides.dbq.edu/dubuquecountyreads/2024
2025
Theme 3: Health & Well-Being
What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo
2025 Resource Guide: https://libguides.dbq.edu/dubuquecountyreads
Youth Title: The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
2026
Theme 4: Sustainability & Environment
The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
Youth Title: Berry Song by Michaela Goade
2027
Theme 5: Arts & Culture
Will be chosen Spring 2026.
Cycle 2: Diversity & Identity, Local Spotlight, Health/Well-Being, Sustainability & Environment, Arts & Culture
