The annual Great Reads books are selected each year by the Center for the Book affiliate or the State Library, and most are for children and young adult readers.
Books may be written by authors from the state, take place in the state, or celebrate the state’s culture and heritage. Full title lists are available for download from the Library of Congress.

Every year the Arkansas Center for the Book at the Arkansas State Library participates in the Library of Congress’ National Book Festival in Washington, DC.The annual literary festival celebrates books and reading and connects bestselling authors and book fans to experience panel discussions, book signings, and other activities.
Formerly known as the Parade of the States, the Roadmap to Reading brings together the Center for the Book affiliates from all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories. Festival visitors can meet their home state representatives and share in family-friendly activities.
A list of books representing the literary landscape of the states and territories is made available for festival goers; and many of the books are available for purchase on site at the festival.
For more information, contact:
- Karen O’Connell
- Coordinator, Arkansas Center for the Book
- karen.oconnell@ade.arkansas.gov or (501) 682-2874