The Independence Public Library is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of One Book Indee (OBI) for 2025, a community-wide reading event designed to connect people through the shared experience of literature, conversation, and discovery.
This year’s featured book is Veiled in Smoke by Cedar Falls author Jocelyn Green, a gripping historical fiction novel set against the backdrop of the Great Chicago Fire. Meg Townsend and her sister, Sylvie, seek a quiet existence managing the family bookshop. Meg feels responsible for caring for their father, Stephen, whose spirit and health are both damaged from his time as a prisoner during the Civil War. Her one escape is the paintings she creates and sells in the bookshop. Then the Great Fire sweeps through Chicago’s business district. The fiery explosions and chaos stir up memories of war for Stephen as he runs from the blaze and becomes separated from his daughters.
For over a decade, One Book Indee has brought our community together page by page, sparking meaningful discussions and fostering a love for reading. Each year’s title is selected by a volunteer committee who is tasked with selecting a book that has wide appeal, local relevance, a tie to the Midwest, and plenty of programming opportunities. Participants are encouraged to read the selected title and attend programs with thought-provoking themes tied to the book. This year’s One Book Indee season promises an exciting lineup of programs for all ages, running from February to March 2025.
We’re thrilled to welcome our OBI author, Jocelyn Green, for an author visit in March. Plus, there’s a good variety of history and hands-on activities like tea parties, paint and sip, intriguing tours such as the Upstairs Downtown Tour, MHI Tours, MHI Carriage Rides, and Rescue & Relics: Exploring the Fire Department to offer unique opportunities for exploration and fun. Plus, you can earn the chance to win prizes for each program you attend!
Where to Get the Book
Veiled in Smoke is available for pickup and return at the Independence Public Library and other convenient locations, including The Brick Kitchen, Em’s Coffee Co., Falcon Civic Center, Gedney Bakery & Coffeehouse, S&K Gifts and Decor, and Little Free Libraries around town. Just grab an available copy, read it, and initial the inside label, then pass it on to someone else or drop it back off to one of the above locations – no library card needed!
Special thanks to our One Book Indee Selection Committee members: Deb DeHaan, Pam Greenley, Mark Hickey, Michelle Nejdl, Chris Smith, Brooke Starling, and staff members Beth Messenger and Erin Zikmund.
We’d also like to thank our One Book Indee Sponsors: City of Independence, Friends of the Independence Public Library, Gary F. McClintock Memorial, Greenley Family Charitable Fund, and the Independence Public Library Foundation.
Stay updated by visiting the library’s website at , following social media pages, reading the Bulletin Journal, or contact us via email at iplprograms@gmail.com or call 319-334-2470.
