By Calliope Wall and Vaughn Thompson, Staff Writers

One Book, One Chicago (OBOC) is a citywide reading program that works to unite all 77 neighborhoods of Chicago through a shared literary experience. It works to foster community and a culture of reading by inviting residents of Chicago to read the same book at the same time. OBOC was launched in the fall of 2001 by the Chicago Public Library. For its first twelve years, the initiative featured two book selections each year along with month-long related programming. In 2013, the program expanded into a full seasonal format focusing not just on a single book, but on a broader theme important to the lives of Chicagoans.

“At its heart, One Book, One Chicago is about bringing Chicagoans together to have a meaningful communal experience by reading the same book at the same time,” said Jennifer Lizak, coordinator of special projects at the Chicago Public Library.

By partnering with organizations, local museums, and universities to host book discussions, films, author keynotes and cultural workshops, OBOC provides a place where readers can meet with one another.  Recent years have also introduced programs for children and teens, including dedicated books for young Chicagoans, middle-grade clubs and family story times.

There is no signup needed for One Book One Chicago; rather, Chicagoans are encouraged to simply read the book and check out the related events on the Chicago Public Library Event Page. This is a great way to get on the same page with many other Chicagoans.

The OBOC selection for 2026 was “Orbital,” a philosophical and meditative novel by Samantha Harvey. In 2024, the book won the Booker Prize, a world-renowned literary award given each year to the authors of the best sustained English fiction that has been published in Ireland or the United Kingdom. “The novel’s themes of connection across boundaries and the humanity that we all share will resonate with Chicagoans throughout the city,” the Chicago Public Library announced when explaining their choice.

Unlike many books, “Orbital” does not have a traditional story arc or dramatic climax. Rather, it captures the simple beauty in everyday activities as six astronauts living in a space station circle slowly above Earth, experiencing 16 sunrises and 16 sunsets for every 24 hours. The crew members live together aboard the International Space Station, representing five different nations: America, Japan, Britain, Italy and Russia. Each of them face their own challenges and contribute their own unique perspectives to the small community, the simplicity highlighting the sometimes-overlooked beautiful and fleeting nature of life.

The synopsis on the Booker Prize’s website sums it up perfectly: “The fragility of human life fills their conversations, their fears, their dreams. So far from earth, they have never felt more part – or protective – of it.”

This choice is meant to highlight the purpose of OBOC on its 25 anniversary: bringing people together from all across the city, no matter their background. “Orbital” focuses on the beauty of the world, but also the impact that each person has on it — something that might not be noticeable until seen from far away, and seen together.

“Olga Dies Dreaming,” Xochitl Gonzalez’s debut novel, was the 2025 selection. The story touches on themes of family, boundaries, forgiveness, culture and belonging while following adult Puerto Rican siblings Olga, a high-end wedding planner, and Pedro, a popular congressman. Despite their outward success, both siblings are scarred from being abandoned by their mother, who left them to be raised by their grandmother. In the months surrounding Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, their mother suddenly re-enters their lives, while Olga meets Matteo, a man who challenges her to confront long-held family secrets and her own emotional armor.

“While it’s about many things, ultimately it’s a book about showing up for the people around you: siblings, family, neighbors, your community,” Gonzalez said to WTTW. The 2025 selection received great response from the Chicago community as many made connections between the book and their daily lives.

The difference between the storylines in “Orbital” and “Olga Dies Dreaming” are clear, but while the plot of OBOC books may vary over the years, the goal of fostering connections between Chicagoans remains. As the CPL states on their website, “the book is just the beginning.” OBOC creates a community that lasts, helping Chicagoans build connections region-wide.