The St. Croix Valley is preparing for a month-long journey into the heart of our regional landscape through the NEA Big Read. Presented by ArtReach St. Croix in partnership with local libraries and arts organizations, this “one book, one community” program uses the power of literature to connect residents from St. Croix Falls, WI, to Hastings, MN, throughout April.
Through discussions, exhibits, workshops, and talks hosted by partner organizations across the valley, readers are invited to explore connections between story, place, and community. All Big Read programs are free to attend, though some events may require registration.
This year’s selected novel is The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson. A 2022 Minnesota Book Award winner, the story follows Rosalie Iron Wing, a Dakota woman who survives the foster care system to return to her childhood home. There, she confronts the legacy of her ancestors—four generations of Dakota women who struggled to preserve their way of life, their language, and the ancient seeds that represent their survival. Copies of the book are available to borrow from local libraries, and ArtReach is offering a limited number of free copies. Valley Bookseller is also offering the title at a 15% discount.
The novel is deeply rooted in our region. As a resident of Scandia, Wilson considers this Big Read to be “the one with heart,” reflecting the landscapes and community she calls home. To her, the St. Croix River is more than a boundary; it is the “pulse of the people,” flowing through generations.
In conjunction with the Big Read, Stillwater Public Library will host author and essayist Tamara Dean on Saturday, April 11. She will share fascinating stories of citizen scientists who fought to protect freshwater mussels – often called “lungs” of our river, filtering up to 40 gallons of water each day. No registration is required.
Visit artreachstcroix.org/bigread for a full list of events throughout the valley.