Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Public Library (CPL) are proud to announce "Orbital" by Samantha Harvey, opens a new window as the 2026 One Book, One Chicago (OBOC) selection.
Now in its 25th year, OBOC has become a treasured Chicago tradition, inviting residents throughout the city to read, reflect and connect. What began as the nation’s first citywide reading program continues to attract growing participation. Last year, thousands of Chicagoans participated. Attendance at core OBOC programs increased 26% from the previous year, while circulation of the selected book rose 29%.
That growing participation reflects the enduring power of a shared story to bring Chicagoans together across neighborhoods, generations and backgrounds. This year’s selection builds on that tradition with a novel that asks readers to consider the connections that unite us and the shared future we create.
“Harvey’s lyrical writing reveals what Chicagoans know to be true: no matter where you come from, we’re all a part of one powerful community,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “’Orbital’ invites readers to reach across borders, connect with their neighbors and discover the world that we can create together. As my administration works to bring our city together, to build a brighter future where everyone can prosper, this message is especially timely.”
A profound meditation on belonging, responsibility and the ties that hold us together, “Orbital” captures one day in the lives of six astronauts and cosmonauts from around the world embarking on one of the last space station missions of its kind. The novel’s themes of connection across boundaries and the humanity that we all share will resonate with Chicagoans throughout the city. “Orbital” won the 2024 Booker Prize and was included among President Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2024.
“From space, the boundaries that can feel fixed on the ground begin to disappear, and what comes into view is how much we share,” said Library Commissioner Chris Brown. “For 25 years, One Book, One Chicago has brought people across this city together through a shared story. This year, ‘Orbital’ asks us to reflect on the humanity that connects us, while the first One Storytime, One Chicago brings a new generation of Chicago readers into that tradition.”
From September to November, CPL will present book discussions, science talks, films, creative workshops and cultural experiences across Chicago. The season opens with a Silent Reading Soiree on September 23 at Harold Washington Library Center, where the first 100 attendees will receive a free copy of “Orbital.” A Community Conversation on October 8 will include a screening of “Operation Space Station” and a group discussion on space exploration, science and what we imagine for our future. The Book Club Celebration returns October 20, bringing readers together for activities, discussions and a celebration of Chicago’s book club community.
The 2026 season also marks the first time in OBOC’s history that the program will offer a dedicated slate of experiences for children and teens, extending the citywide reading season to Chicagoans of all ages. Children and families can participate in “One Storytime, One Chicago” programs featuring “Here We Are: Notes for Living on Planet Earth” by Oliver Jeffers, a Young Readers Book Club featuring “The Lion of Mars” by Jennifer L. Holm and STEAM-Powered Saturday. Teen programming includes space-inspired creative workshops and Teen Lit Night: Unbound.
View the programming guide here: chi.gov/obocguide2026, opens a new window.
This year’s season finale event will feature a virtual keynote with Samantha Harvey on Thursday, November 19 at 3 p.m. Harvey will be in conversation with Booklist’s Donna Seaman about her career and the book. Chicagoans are encouraged to attend one of 15 watch parties at CPL locations across the city, including Harold Washington Library Center and CPL’s newly opened 82nd location, the Obama Presidential Center Branch. Watch parties will include refreshments and raffles for prizes. The event will also be livestreamed on CPL’s YouTube and Facebook channels.
“What an incredible honor it is to have my novel chosen for One Book, One Chicago,” said Samantha Harvey, author of “Orbital.” “I am just so pleased and touched to know that people all over this amazing city will be spending time with my six astronauts in orbit.”
This year also welcomes new cultural partners including Adler Planetarium, the Chicago Society for Space Studies and Northwestern University’s Center for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics. Returning partners include the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Public Housing Museum, the Jazz Institute of Chicago, CHIRP Radio, Printers Row Lit Fest, DePaul University, Northeastern Illinois University and Harold Washington College.
For complete program information and events, visit onebookonechicago.org, opens a new window. Library patrons can place a hold on “Orbital" here, opens a new window.
The 2026 OBOC program is made possible by United Airlines and other generous donors to the Chicago Public Library Foundation (CPLF). To learn more about how the Foundation supports the Library’s mission and offerings, visit cplfoundation.org, opens a new window.
About Samantha Harvey and “Orbital”
Samantha Harvey is the author of five novels: “Orbital,” “The Western Wind,” “Dear Thief,” “All Is Song” and “The Wilderness;” and one work of nonfiction, “The Shapeless Unease.” “Orbital won the Booker Prize 2024, and her other work has been shortlisted for the Women’s Prize, the Guardian First Book Award, the James Tait Black Prize and the Walter Scott Prize. “The Wilderness” was awarded the Betty Trask Prize. She lives in Bath, U.K. and teaches creative writing at Bath Spa University.
About Chicago Public Library
Since 1873, Chicago Public Library (CPL) has encouraged lifelong learning by welcoming all people and offering equal access to information, entertainment, and knowledge through innovative services, programs, and technology. Through its 82 locations, the Library provides free access to a rich collection of materials, both physical and digital, and presents the highest quality author discussions, exhibits and programs for children, teens and adults. For more information, please call (312) 747-4300 or visit chipublib.org, opens a new window. To follow CPL on social media, visit us on X (@chipublib), Facebook (@chipublib) or Instagram (@chicagopubliclibrary).
About Chicago Public Library Foundation
The Chicago Public Library Foundation is an independent nonprofit that exists to accelerate the potential of our public library by investing in resources that transform lives and communities. Together with its civic-minded partners, the Foundation makes pathways to learning, creativity, and civic engagement accessible to Chicagoans of all ages through investment across three funding priority areas: Closing the Academic Opportunity Gap; Activating Creativity & Connection for All; and Bridging the Digital Divide. Learn more at cplfoundation.org, opens a new window.