Shelby County Reads

09/30/2026

Our committee members read through this year’s awesome Writing Contest entries. In total, there were 638 submitted 🤯 👏👏👏!!!

Thank you to everyone who participated. The entries were a treat to read! We can’t wait to celebrate the winners later in October.

Tonight, we’ll see you at the Shelby County Public Library at 7pm for the virtual author visit with Amy Harmon!

09/16/2026

Reminder! Entries are due this Friday!

09/12/2026

Shelby County Reads is proud to sponsor Splat the Cat at this event. So many great groups out here sharing art with families!

09/08/2026

Who's excited about Shelby County Arts Fest 'Arts in the Park' this Saturday (Sept. 12)!?!

SPLAT THE CAT is ready to go!

Stop by the FREE Arts Event at Blue River Memorial Park any time between 9am-10:30am to get your picture taken with Splat! 🎨

Shelby County Reads is proud to sponsor these annual book character visits.

More art activities and special guests will be happening until 2pm at the Park including a magic show with Daniel Lusk at 12:15pm.

08/29/2026

Thank you to all of the kiddos who came out for our special storytime and craft with Cathy Brown at the Farmers Market! We had a blast! 🌟

08/25/2026

We can't wait for this storytime!! Cathy Brown, a beloved former kindergarten teacher at Hendricks Elem., will be reading the story and offering a craft for children. Stop by between 9am-10am.

Enjoy storytime and an activity with Shelby County Reads at the market this Saturday! 📚

🌽 Shelby County, IN Farmers Market presented by Duke Energy
⏰ Sat. Aug. 29, 9-10 a.m.
📍 Southwest Pavilion, Shelbyville Public Square

07/14/2026

Looking to dive deeper into this year's Shelby County Reads theme? Take a short trip to neighboring Rushville, Indiana, to experience the Smithsonian traveling exhibition Voices and Votes: Democracy in America at the Love Community Center.

The exhibit is open until Aug. 16.

06/11/2026

As part of our Community-Wide Reading Program, we're excited to announce our annual Writing Contest! We have a writing prompt for all ages inspired by this year's selected books.

Whether you're an experienced writer or just getting started, we want to hear your voice!

🏆 Prizes will be awarded in all age categories.
📅 Submission Deadline: September 18
📍 Entries can be submitted to Shelby County Public Library, Three Sisters Books & Gifts or via email to: [email protected]

06/05/2026

The 23rd season of our community-wide reading program is officially underway! This year, we are hoping that you will read two captivating journeys into the American Revolution with us.

📖 Fiction Selection: A Girl Named Samson by Amy Harmon
Follow the extraordinary story of Deborah Samson, a courageous young woman who disguises herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War. Filled with heart, determination, and unforgettable characters, this novel brings history to life in a powerful way.

📘 Nonfiction Selection: A Revolutionary Summer by Joseph J. Ellis
Explore the pivotal summer of 1776, when a fledgling nation faced uncertainty, danger, and the challenge of defining its future. Ellis offers a compelling look at the leaders, decisions, and events that shaped America's independence.

Both books are available at Three Sisters Books & Gifts and the Shelby County Public Library. Stay tuned for details about our upcoming book discussions, writing contest details, and a special storytime at an August Farmer's Market.

12/05/2025

If there is nothing better to you than a quiet day with a book in hand, we encourage you to get involved with Shelby County Reads !

This community-wide reading program was developed over twenty years ago. Each year, a committee works together to select one book for Shelby County to read. They are planning for the 2026 season. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Connie Eaton, Carolyn Statler, or Barbara Rogers at Three Sisters Books & Gifts.

Contact:
📍DM
📍317-392-2270
📍[email protected]