January 15, 2026 Library of Congress Video Series ‘American Stories: A Reading Road Trip’ on PBS Books Explores Literary Heritage of United States

The Library of Congress, in partnership with its Affiliate Centers for the Book and PBS Books, has launched the new video series “American Stories: A Reading Road Trip.” The cross-country streaming series uncovers the literary treasures of individual states and territories within the United States and the expansive storied heritage of the country.

Timed with America's 250^th birthday, each installment of “American Stories: A Reading Road Trip” will showcase the profound influence that local writers, poets and raconteurs have had on the cultural identity of their region, inviting viewers to explore the heart, history and creative spirit of the United States through the lens of books and storytelling. Episodes will include iconic authors, unforgettable books, hidden-gem bookstores, amazing libraries and the real-life locations that inspired great works.

In addition, each episode will share highlights from local programs and events hosted by each state's Affiliate Center for the Book, as well as showcase items in a variety of media from the vast online collections of the Library of Congress – maps, photographs, sheet music and more – that help illustrate the stories and reveal surprising connections.

“We are delighted by this partnership and the resulting programs,” said Lee Ann Potter, director of Professional Learning and Outreach Initiatives at the Library. “It embodies ‘E pluribus unum’ (‘Out of many, one’). Each episode is unique, just like the state or territory it focuses on, and together the series will present a full-length literary portrait of our nation at its semiquincentennial.”

Thus far, the series has featured seven states: Rhode Island, Georgia, Ohio, Wyoming, Louisiana, Alaska and Indiana. Episodes launching in early 2026 feature Washington state (scheduled to air Feb. 4), the U.S. Virgin Islands, Arkansas, Iowa and Nevada.

Episodes can be viewed at the Library’s Center for the Book webpage, and the series is streaming from PBS Books.

All future episodes will be added to the Library’s website once they are released.

About PBS Books
PBS Books is a multi-platform initiative celebrating the love of reading. PBS Books is dedicated to connecting books with audiences by engaging them in unique experiences to spark their curiosity and encourage a life-long love of reading and learning. Through social and digital engagement and live coverage of important literary events across the country, PBS Books celebrates books and writers and works to foster a passion for reading among public media viewers and listeners. Visit pbsbooks.org, subscribe to the PBS Books YouTube channel, and follow PBS Books on social media to learn more.

About the Center for the Book
The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress is a community of 56 Affiliate Centers, promoting reading, libraries and literacy through the Library of Congress and its Affiliate Centers across the country. These Centers also elevate and advocate for their state’s unique literary heritage – developed by writers whose works reflect distinctively American places. Their stories, novels, essays, poems and other written works, rooted in the nation’s extraordinary diversity of people and geography, are often featured in the programs supported by the Affiliate Centers for the Book. There is an Affiliate Center for the Book in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and Northern Marianas.

About the Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States – and extensive materials from around the world – both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov; access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov; and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.