A Novel Idea returns in April with a month of dynamic, free programs and events connecting readers across Deschutes County. This year's featured selections—Thomas Kohnstamm's Supersonic and Mitali Perkins's Hope in the Valley (youth edition)—spark conversations that leap off the page and into the community. There's something for all ages with more than 40 free events, including creative workshops, book discussions, and author visits. Join us as we celebrate the 23rd year of A Novel Idea—building community one book at a time.
The 2026 A Novel Idea selections are rooted in the importance of place. At their core, they share the idea that place matters, and the struggle to preserve those places is worth it. Supersonic author Thomas Kohnstamm is a Seattle native and found himself pulled deeper into writing about Pacific Northwest history.
We hope you'll read and discuss this year's selections as well as take part in the thought-provoking events and discussions that will enrich your experience, including in-person visits from the authors. It's your engagement and those discussions that make A Novel Idea the largest community read program in Oregon, and one that continues to inspire the connections that make Central Oregon such a dynamic place to live.
About the Programs
Programming for A Novel Idea begins on April 1. During the weeks leading up to the main author event, readers can attend programs and see literary-inspired quilts that tie into themes found in Supersonic and Hope in the Valley. A Novel Idea culminates with free author events featuring Thomas Kohnstamm on Saturday, May 2, at Summit High School and the youth edition author, Mitali Perkins, on Thursday, April 16 at the Redmond Library.
All programs, including the authors' presentations, are free of charge thanks to the support of the Deschutes Public Library Foundation and generous donors. Tickets are free, but required for Kohnstamm's author event and are available at www.dplfoundation.org starting April 1.