One Book, One Laramie County: A Community Reading Experience
"By sharing a common story, we create space for connection, curiosity, and conversation—across generations, perspectives, and experiences." - Laramie County Library website
This spring, the Laramie County Library System has launched a new community-wide reading initiative designed to bring people together through a shared story: One Book, One Laramie County.
The program invites readers of all ages and backgrounds to read the same book, reflect on its themes, and engage in meaningful conversation—essentially creating a county-wide book club rooted in connection and curiosity. While this is the first time LCLS has led a program of this kind at the county level, the library has previously participated in One Book Wyoming, a similar statewide initiative.
At its core, One Book, One Laramie County is about finding common ground.
Readers are encouraged to finish the book by May 2, when the library will host a special event featuring:
- A writing workshop
- An author reading
- A talk and Q&A
- A book signing
Additional details will be announced through the library, with updates available at lcls.pro/onebook.
2026 One Book, One Laramie County Selection
The inaugural selection for One Book, One Laramie County is The Bear by Andrew Krivak, originally published on February 11, 2020.
Set in an imagined future where humankind has nearly disappeared, The Bear tells the story of a young girl growing up alongside her father in deep connection with the natural world. As they live by the rhythms of the land, the novel explores survival, memory, and the ways knowledge and love are passed from one generation to the next. After the girl finds herself alone, she encounters a bear whose presence seems to guide her forward—both physically and emotionally.
Written in lyrical, restrained prose, The Bear is a quiet yet powerful meditation on what it means to be human. The novel invites readers to reflect on humanity’s relationship with nature, the fragility of civilization, and the shared instincts that connect people across time and place. Its themes of common ground—both literal and symbolic—make it a fitting choice for a community-wide reading experience, particularly in a place where landscape and environment play such a central role in daily life.
How to Participate
To make the program accessible, LCLS released 500 free copies of The Bear across its three library locations. As of last week, about half remained available. Readers are encouraged to return their copy once finished or pass it along to someone else, helping extend the book’s reach throughout the community.
Participants can also pick up a program pamphlet at the library, which includes:
- Background on the initiative and the author
- An overview of the book
- Seven discussion questions designed for personal reflection, families, or book clubs
Still Looking for a Copy?
If you missed the free library copies:
- Reach out to the Laramie County Library System to check availability
- Pick up a copy locally at Barnes & Noble
- Or order through Bookshop.org, which supports local bookstores
At #1 Properties, we love this initiative because strong communities are built on shared stories. If you haven’t yet, consider joining in and becoming part of the conversation.
Sources:
Laramie County Library (n.d.). One Book, One Laramie County. https://lclsonline.org/one-book-one-laramie-county/
Staples, T. (2026, February 5). Library launches new community reading program, seeks to improve civic dialogue and understanding. Wyoming Tribune Eagle. https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/library-launches-new-community-reading-program-seeks-to-improve-civic-dialogue-and-understanding/article_aa5759d7-96ba-474d-967f-b0ab2070df66.html
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