Scenic Regional Library 2026 Community Reads begins today with themed events related to the book “Speak to Me of Home” by Jeanine Cummins scheduled throughout the month at their Hermann and Owensville locations.

The Community Reads Committee met over the summer to pick potential books for the program. The public voted to determine which book to read.

Scenic Regional Library Director Steve Campbell shared the process of choosing the book.

He said a committee met over the course of three meetings, and each committee member brought in two books to pick during those meetings. The public then voted on which book to read out of four finalists.

“Before We Were Yours” by Lisa Wingate was the original chosen book for Community Reads. The runner-up was chosen because Jeanine Cummins was able to come for an author meet and greet.

“They chose the Jeanine Cummins book because we wouldn’t be able to get Lisa Wingate to come,” said Campbell.

Cummins will be present at 6 p.m. on April 30 at the Scenic Regional Library in Union.

The other finalists for the committee’s chosen books were “The Scent Keeper” by Erica Bauermeister and “The Poet of Tollstory Park” by Sonny Brewer.

Owensville Scenic Regional Adult Programs Director Jamie Breig shared the theme of the Community Reads activities.

“According to our calendar, it’s an exploration of marriage, family and identity,” said Breig.

She said the book summary can also be found on the Scenic Regional Calendar.

“There is registration for all our programs because there is a limit (on participants),” said Breig.

The limit is usually 20 participants for the upcoming programs.

“Most of these (events) will be outside presenters, the exception to that would be the Book Bedazzle,” said Breig.

The Owensville and Hermann branches are going to have three different times and dates for book discussions. At 11 a.m. on Thursday and 6 p.m. and on April 21 there will be a chance to discuss “Before We Were Yours” in Owensville. At 2:30 p.m. on April 15 at the Hermann branch is the other chance for Gasconade County residents to discuss the book.

Readers can bring their copy of Cummins’ book to Hermann at 6 p.m. on April 14 to decorate the cover with gems to create a keepsake. Supplies will be provided at the event.

Justine Eubanks, of Owensville, owner of Ravenscout Creation, will be hosting a “Creative Memory Journal” event at Owensville and Hermann.

Owensville will have the event at 6 p.m. on April 14 and Hermann at 6 p.m. on April 28.

Ravenscout Creations will be at the library locations to help people create a personalized journal to capture memories and thoughts in a helpful and meaningful way.

Other events include Terry Wilson from Four Rivers Genealogical Society, who will be teaching the basics of building a family tree, organizing records and how to uncover people’s ancestors’ stories.

Wilson present at 6 p.m. on April 28 at the Owensville Branch.

“A Taste of Puerto Rico” event will be held at 6 p.m. on April 23 at the Hermann branch.

Jessie Conlin of Little Lost Kitchen in Warrenton will be presenting an interactive culinary event.

Louise Baker, of Owensville will give a “Writing Your Own Story” presentation across locations outside of Gasconade County. At 6 p.m. on April 7, she will be at Washington Public Library; at 6 p.m. on April 14, she will be at the Sullivan Scenic Regional; and at the New Haven location at 6 p.m. on April 23.

Franklin County and Warren County EMA will present a disaster preparedness program covering home readiness, emergency supplies, family plans and staying informed during severe weather. They will be present at 6 p.m. on April 16 at the Owensville branch.

“Fashion Through the Decades” will be presented at 6 p.m. on April 7 at the Hermann branch.

Christine Miller and Louise Hermes will show the recent and distant past influences of fashion.

“It’s a great opportunity to bring in different types of programming,” said Breig. “A lot of our patrons go from one branch to the other for whatever they’re wanting to see.”

Breig is excited for Cummins’ appearance in Union.

In Owensville she is looking forward to the “Creative Memory Journal” event because Eubanks is a local author.