A Celebration of the Nation’s Founding

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, we’re celebrating the stories of our county, one state at a time.

Starting in January 2026, Geauga County Public Library will launch a yearlong reading challenge, Read Across America, that invites readers of all ages and interests to explore the stories, novels, and poems that have shaped our nation since 1776. The goal is simple (and fun!): travel across the United States, from one state to the next, by reading novels set in every corner and state of the nation — from Maine to Hawaii and everything in between.

Whether you’re a casual reader or an adventurous bookworm, this is your chance to explore our nation and celebrate this special milestone! Discover 50 stories that reflect the 50 unique states that form the United States of America, and watch how every state and story adds a new chapter to the American story.

How It Works

To get started, patrons are encouraged to visit their local Geauga County Public Library branch and pick-up a Read Across America travel map. The travel map will be used to track participants’ progress and invites participants to establish their own reading goals and pace via five loose challenges.

Looking for Recommendations?

Don’t know what region or state to begin your journey with? Check out our staff-curated recommendation lists below for inspiration! Each state or territory includes two reading levels—adults and kids—featuring great titles connected to that place. Connections may include an author’s ties to the state (such as where they were born or currently live), the setting of the story, and more. Pick up a book, check a state off your list, and discover how each title is connected to that state.

A Celebration of the Nation’s Founding

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, we’re celebrating the stories of our county, one state at a time.

Starting in January 2026, Geauga County Public Library will launch a yearlong reading challenge, Read Across America, that invites readers of all ages and interests to explore the stories, novels, and poems that have shaped our nation since 1776. The goal is simple (and fun!): travel across the United States, from one state to the next, by reading novels set in every corner and state of the nation — from Maine to Hawaii and everything in between.

Whether you’re a casual reader or an adventurous bookworm, this is your chance to explore our nation and celebrate this special milestone! Discover 50 stories that reflect the 50 unique states that form the United States of America, and watch how every state and story adds a new chapter to the American story.

How It Works

To get started, patrons are encouraged to visit their local Geauga County Public Library branch and pick-up a Read Across America travel map. The travel map will be used to track participants’ progress and invites participants to establish their own reading goals and pace via five loose challenges.

Looking for Recommendations?

Don’t know what region or state to begin your journey with? Check out our staff-curated recommendation lists below for inspiration! Each state or territory includes two reading levels—adults and kids—featuring great titles connected to that place. Connections may include an author’s ties to the state (such as where they were born or currently live), the setting of the story, and more. Pick up a book, check a state off your list, and discover how each title is connected to that state.