Fisher to Host Writers and Books Rochester Reads 2026 Event
October 30, 2026
The St. John Fisher University School of Arts and Sciences is partnering with Writers and Books to host Rochester Reads 2026 on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. in Cleary Family Auditorium. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Rochester Reads.
Founded in 2001, Rochester Reads began with a simple but powerful idea: What if an entire city read the same book? This year’s selected books were written by authors Omar El Akkad, One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This (2025), and Sonja Livingston, Ghostbread (2009), an impactful pairing that underscores literature’s capacity to bear witness to the lives, places, and issues that are often left in the margins. The authors will serve as the event keynote speakers and will share the stage to talk about the power of reading, writing, and community. In addition, they will take part in a moderated conversation and audience Q&A.
Remaining tickets are limited. Members of the Fisher community who are interested in attending should contact the School of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Suite (cfischer@sjf.edu) to inquire.
The program has brought nationally and internationally acclaimed authors to Rochester since its inception, including Russell Banks, Octavia Butler, N.K. Jemisin, Ann Patchett, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and most recently, Camille Dungy. To learn more about these titles, authors, and the 25-year history of our citywide reading program, visit the Writers and Books website.
Fisher to Host Writers and Books Rochester Reads 2026 Event2026-10-30T14:00:21-04:00The St. John Fisher University School of Arts and Sciences is partnering with Writers and Books to host Rochester Reads 2026 on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. in Cleary Family Auditorium. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Rochester Reads.Founded in 2001, Rochester Reads began with a simple but powerful idea: What if an entire city read the same book? This year’s selected books were written by authors Omar El Akkad, One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This (2025), and Sonja Livingston, Ghostbread (2009), an impactful pairing that underscores literature’s capacity to bear witness to the lives, places, and issues that are often left in the margins. The authors will serve as the event keynote speakers and will share the stage to talk about the power of reading, writing, and community. In addition, they will take part in a moderated conversation and audience Q&A.
Remaining tickets are limited. Members of the Fisher community who are interested in attending should contact the School of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Suite (cfischer@sjf.edu) to inquire.
The program has brought nationally and internationally acclaimed authors to Rochester since its inception, including Russell Banks, Octavia Butler, N.K. Jemisin, Ann Patchett, Robin Wall Kimmerer, and most recently, Camille Dungy. To learn more about these titles, authors, and the 25-year history of our citywide reading program, visit the Writers and Books website./media/news-images/fall-2026/Rochester-Reads-960.png
