Iowa’s rich literary history is taking center stage in this episode of American Stories: A Reading Road Trip, a celebrated series from PBS Books produced in partnership with the Library of Congress.
Tune In
Watch now!!! Viewers can stream the broadcast via the PBS Books website, YouTube, Facebook Live, or the PBS app. Visit https://www.pbsbooks.org/event/iowa-american-stories-a-reading-road-trip/ for more information.
A Journey Through Iowa’s Stories
This episode explores the diverse voices that have defined Iowa’s cultural landscape. Long before statehood, Chief Black Hawk provided a powerful firsthand account of the Sauk people and the Black Hawk War through his dictated autobiography—a foundational piece of American history.
The program also celebrates the prolific career of Mildred Benson. An accomplished journalist and author of over 100 books, Benson wrote 23 of the original Nancy Drew mysteries under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, shaping the childhoods of millions.
Beyond the authors themselves, the episode highlights Forrest Spaulding, the visionary librarian whose commitment to intellectual freedom led him to draft the Library Bill of Rights. This document remains a cornerstone of democratic access in libraries across the globe.
The Heartland of Writers
No exploration of Iowa’s impact is complete without the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa. As a premier destination for literary talent, the program has cultivated legends such as Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley and U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove.
The episode also highlights Iowa’s vibrant reading culture, featuring:
- A Robust Library System: With 544 public libraries, Iowa ranks eighth in the nation for registered borrowers per capita.
- Independent Gems: A tour of the state’s thriving network of independent bookstores.
- A Global Literary Landmark: A visit to Iowa City, a designated UNESCO City of Literature known for its deep devotion to the written word.
Why It Matters
American Stories: A Reading Road Trip celebrates the unique heritage of every U.S. state and territory. By examining the authors, libraries, and landscapes that inspire great prose, the series invites us to view American history through the lens of its greatest stories.
