Our Community Reads 2026
Just one page... we dare you.
Our Community Reads: Home is a community-wide reading and engagement initiative designed to strengthen social cohesion and cultural understanding across the Coffs Coast. Delivered through Coffs Harbour Libraries, the program uses a shared annual theme to bring people of all ages together through literature, storytelling, and facilitated dialogue.
This reading program taps into the power of books to bring community members together to read and talk bravely about topics important to our community and the surrounding areas.
The theme for the 2026 reading project is “HOME”.
What Does “Home” Mean?
Home can be a simple dwelling but is also defined by lived experiences, memories, relationships, connection to country and cultural contexts that create a sense of identity and connection.
Through this program, we explore the many ways home is experienced, imagined, lost, found, and protected. Stories may reflect:
- A physical space where someone lives – an apartment, house…
- A safe place
- A sense of belonging
- A sense of identity and expression
- A relationship/family
- A deep connection to a place - country, city or region
- A habitat for animal and plants
- A concept of refuge
- A base of operations e.g. sports home stadium
- An institution
How to participate
1. Read the books!
2. Talk, reflect and share.
Community Reads is about reading, and then going deeper.
Discuss the books. Dig into themes, characters, and your own personal story.
- Discuss the books with your friends, colleagues, neighbours, and family.
- Book clubs. Suggest a Community Reads title with your book club or join our book club that is discussing the Community Reads titles.
- Join the larger conversation. Share your thoughts on the story, parts of your own personal story, or Community Reads experiences on social media using the hashtag #ourcommunityreads.
- Share with other library patrons. Review or add comments to the books on the Library’s online catalog.
3. Join events and activities!
The theme of home will run over the 2026 year and include children’s activities, author talks, discussion panels and other activities.
4. Share your reads.
Books and stories have power. They allow us to connect more deeply, confront difficult truths, and learn together. Let’s listen to one another, especially the voices not often listened to or lifted up.
Visit the Community Reads board (coming soon) on Level 2 of Harry Bailey Memorial Library to:
- Add your book review
- Recommend a book for others to read.
Community reviews and recommendations may be posted on the library socials.
What to Read
The recommended reading list below has been carefully selected to spark curiosity, empathy, and conversation across all ages. All the recommended books are available in Coffs Harbour Libraries.
The list is also available in print form and can be collected in the library.
Teens
Weaving us together by Lay Maloney
We encourage you to read broadly and extend beyond the recommended reading list. Share your own reading recommendations on the Our Community Reads board at Harry Bailey Memorial Library.