July 27, 2026

This message is distributed to All Instructors. (Click here to view description of distribution groups.)

The following is being sent on behalf of Sara Kelly, Exhibitions and Events Manager, UCSB Library, ucsbreads@library.ucsb.edu

Dear Faculty and Instructors,

UCSB Library is pleased to announce the shortlist of titles under consideration for UCSB Reads 2027, the University's award-winning campus- and community-wide common book program. The six titles explore diverse cultural, social, and scientific subjects that can ignite vibrant discourse both inside and outside of the classroom.

Because curricular engagement is a cornerstone of UCSB Reads, we invite you to review the shortlist and let us know whether you would consider teaching one or more of these titles in your Winter or Spring Quarter 2027 courses.

To support course integration, the Library will provide free copies of the selected book to instructors and all enrolled students in participating classes.

UCSB Reads 2027 Shortlist (in alphabetical order)

  • 40 Maps That Will Change How You See the World (2024) by Alastair Bonnett
  • Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse and What to Do About It (2025) by Cory Doctorow
  • Is a River Alive? (2025) by Robert Macfarlane
  • Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma (2023) by Claire Dederer
  • Raising Hare: A Memoir (2024) by Chloe Dalton
  • Wild Dark Shore (2025) by Charlotte McConaghy

Please share your thoughts with the advisory committee by Wednesday, August 26. You can send your feedback directly to ucsbreads@library.ucsb.edu or complete our short feedback form.

The UCSB Reads 2027 book selection will be announced in the fall. The program will kick off in early 2027 with a free book giveaway for UCSB students. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, the Library will sponsor a variety of free learning, experiential, and social events to explore the book’s themes. UCSB Reads 2027 will culminate with a public lecture by the author of the selected book in the spring. UCSB Reads is sponsored by UCSB Library and the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost, and supported by many campus and community partners.

To learn more about how you and your department can get involved with UCSB Reads, visit our new Information for Faculty & Instructors page.

Thank you for your support in making UCSB Reads an enriching experience for our entire campus community!

Warm regards,
Sara Kelly
Exhibitions and Events Manager