One Book, One Community 2026
The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James
One Book, One Community (OBOC) is a month-long celebration in which the entire community is encouraged to read the same book and connect over the power of a shared reading experience.
All month long, the Library will host events, discussions, and programs built around the themes and imagery of the inspiring novel at the heart of One Book, One Community this year. Please join us this October for what’s sure to be an unforgettable month of learning, beauty, and connection.
About the Book
“No man lives free from history.”
A mysterious man makes this claim in Elizabeth Gonzalez James’ The Bullet Swallower. Who he is and his ultimate motivations are slowly revealed over the course of this bold Western. Penned partly in response to her own family folklore, James uses masterful storytelling to shape a tall tale into a thrilling adventure that examines what happens when sins go unatoned.
The tension between the sins of the past and the present looms over the novel like the hot, desert sun that scorches the Texan landscape of the U.S.-Mexico border. It’s in this locale that James has skillfully drawn together bandidos, magical realism, classic Hollywood, and soaring family drama into a grandiose fable. With these ingredients and an electric cast of characters, The Bullet Swallower is a thrilling journey through one family’s reckoning with its past. Set against the backdrop of a young nation that must also start to pay for the crimes of its own mythmaking.
Throughout it all, the novel places a profound emphasis on the power of stories and the importance of choosing which ones to share. In that vein, the St. Charles Public Library is proud to present The Bullet Swallower as a story worth sharing.
OBOC Book Giveaway!
Stop by the lobby on September 9th where we will be giving away free copies of The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James. While supplies last, we will be giving copies way at two different times: 10:00 a.m. & 4:00 p.m.. All copies are given out on a first come, first served basis.
Wednesday, September 9th / 10:00 a.m. (while supplies last) and 4:00 p.m. (while supplies last)
Lobby
An Evening with Elizabeth Gonzalez James
Join us for an illuminating discussion with national bestselling author Elizabeth Gonzalez James about The Bullet Swallower and the history and inspiration behind the novel.
A book signing will follow this special presentation. This event will be held at the Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles.
Monday, October 26 / 7-8:30 p.m.
Arcada Theatre
Writers Workshop with Elizabeth Gonzalez James
From small ideas to completed manuscripts, national bestselling author Elizabeth Gonzalez James (The Bullet Swallower) will guide aspiring writers in honing their craft. Through tips, tricks, and useful practices, this presentation will help hone your writing skills. Audience members will be given a chance to ask general questions about the writing process following the presentation.
Tuesday, October 27
5:30-7 p.m.
Huntley Community Room
Download the One Book, One Community Event Brochure here
Registration begins September 1 for all programs
Adult
This month, the library will be discussing the OBOC title for 2026: The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James. The Library offers two book discussion sessions on the second Tuesday of each month: Mornings at 10:00 a.m. and Evenings at 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 13 / 10-11:30 a.m. or 7-8:30 p.m.
Carnegie Community Room
Join us for a monthly film on the big screen! All films are screened with closed captioning when available. You are encouraged to bring your own seat cushion, but drinks and popcorn will be provided. This month’s film: Border Incident (1949).
Wednesday, October 7 / 6 p.m.
Huntley Community Room
A club for adults to read and discuss popular YA titles. This month’s title: Salvación by Sandra Proudman.
Thursday, October 15 / 7-8 p.m.
Study Room 5
Join film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores a selection of the studio system’s on- and off-screen Latinx talents.
The films of Hollywood’s Golden Age offered depictions of Latinx individuals and often featured top Latinx studio talents. Join Film Historian Dr. Annette Bochenek as she explores a selection of the studio system’s on- and off-screen Latinx talents, discussing their stories, career accomplishments, and challenges during the studio system. The program will include a multimedia presentation consisting of photos, video clips, and captivating stories.
Monday, October 12 / 6-7 p.m.
Huntley Community Room
Come spend an evening with Chef Susan Maddox as she explores the wonderful cuisine of Mexico.
Utilizing the wonderful late summer and fall ingredients available in markets, gardens, and farm stands for delicious recipes celebrating this cultural cuisine. A culinary program surely not to be missed. Samples and recipes will be provided.
Thursday, October 1 / 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Huntley Community Room
Grab your cowboy hat and get ready to learn about the beautiful craft of Sedona Silhouette Edible Art!
In this hands-on class you’ll learn about colorizing fondant in vibrant rustic hues and how to create western silhouettes with edible ink. Class will be held twice, but SCPL patrons aged 18 and over can only register for one session.
Thursday, October 8 / 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturday, October 10 / 2:30-4 p.m.
Huntley Community Room
REGISTER for Thursday’s Session
REGISTER for Saturday’s Session
Come and enjoy an intimate performance which features music of 19th Century composer Giulio Regondi, Spanish composers Isaac Albeniz and Enrique Granados, a few of Brad’s originals, and a premier of a new work dedicated to him by Eduardo Morales-Caso.
Sunday, October 4 / 2-3 p.m.
Carnegie Community Room
Participants are responsible for their own drinks and literary opinions. Our October read will be The Bullet Swallower by Elizabeth Gonzalez James.
This program will be held at Brother Chimp Brewing, 303 N 4th St, Ste A, St. Charles. For adults 21 and older.
Thursday, October 1 / 7-8:15 p.m.
Brother Chimp Brewing (303 N 4th St.)
Learn how to embroider a bandana with fun patterns and simple stitches. Pick up a needle and thread as you learn embroidery and stitch a western-style bandana. Professional embroidery designer Mollie Johanson will show you how to add a monogram or a cute pattern to this fun and versatile accessory!
Saturday, October 3 / 10-11:30 a.m.
Huntley Community Room
Children
Stop by for a snack and a quick “taste” of the featured book as our Librarian reads aloud the first few chapters. If you like it, make sure to take home a copy to continue the reading fun at home!
This month we will be featuring ChupaCarter by George Lopez; a hilarious book about a middle school misfit and legendary cryptid and what happens when you stand up for your friends.
Thursday, October 15 / 6-6:30 p.m.
Miller Haase Community Room
DROP IN
Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and One Book, One Community with activities for all ages! Everyone is welcome to learn, celebrate, and explore together.
Friday, October 2 / 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Helen Gale Room
DROP IN
Come join us for a program full of magic and mystery! El Mago will amaze all who attend his bilingual magic show!
El Mago’s Magic Show is a bilingual family magic show to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
No registration. PICK UP a ticket at the Youth Desk starting at 1:30 p.m. Space is limited!
Saturday, October 3, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Huntley Community Room
Middle School
It’s a salsa tasting! Try different salsas from local Mexican restaurants and rate which one you like the best!
We’ll also be talking about the middle grade tie in book: Xolo by Donna Barba Higuera.
Reading the book is not required to participate but encouraged; no spoilers will be given.
Tuesday, October 20 / 6-7 p.m.
Miller Haase Community Room
Young Adult
Add your own touch to mural art inspired by artist Lourdes Villagómez’s contemporary mural works.
Lourdes Villagómez is a Mexican contemporary artist. She has done various paintings and murals about Mexican culture with colorful characterized works. Villagómez primarily works with acrylics. Her images style is unique, full of different lines, drawings, geometric forms, and colors.
Sunday, October 25 / 2-4:00 p.m.
The Loft
DROP IN
Make pom pom cacti to add some whimsy to your western aesthetic!
Monday, October 19 / 3-5 p.m.
The Loft
DROP IN
Celebrate One Book One Community as you adorn sugar skulls with royal icing and other embellishments.
Thursday, October 15 / 6-7 p.m.
Carnegie Community Room
STC Creative
Add an element of good luck to your home with a decorated horseshoe!
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to use wire to wrap beads, polished rocks, and charms around a horseshoe.
All supplies included.
Class will be offered four times, however, SCPL patrons 18 and older are allowed to register for just one session.
Friday, October 2 / 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Tuesday, October 6 / 6-7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 14 / 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturday, October 24 / 1:30-3 p.m.
STC Creative
REGISTER for Friday’s Session
REGISTER for Tuesday’s Session
REGISTER for Wednesday’s Session
REGISTER for Saturday’s Session