One Book Read Events
This year's One Book Read is In the Wild Light, by Jeff Zentner. As the culmination of the One Book Read, Zentner will visit WKCTC on April 14 and 15, 2026.
April 14 events begin at 5:00 pm with an author reception with free hors d'oeuvres in the Student Center, followed by the author presentation at 6:00 pm in the Clemens Fine Arts Center and book signing in the Student Center. On April 15, the author presentation begins at 11:00 am in the Clemens Fine Arts Center followed by a book signing in the Clemens Gallery.
*WKCTC supports free speech and the exchange of ideas. Views expressed by speakers are their own and do not necessarily represent WKCTC's endorsement or an official position. Attendees are advised that presentations may contain different perspectives and language.
On November 20, twenty WKCTC students, faculty, staff, and community members enjoyed "A Cup of Conversation: In the Wild Light." This was a book discussion on WKCTC's One Book Read, sponsored by the McCracken County Public Library and the One Book committee, at Evergreens plant shop, coffee house & wine bar in Paducah. All attendees received a free signature drink inspired by the book.
The One Book Read Committee enjoyed painting pumpkins for the WKCTC Great Pumpkin Walk that took place in October on the college's nature trail! One lucky winner, Joanne Clark won a free copy of In the Wild Light when she scanned the QR code next to the pumpkins!
The WKCTC One Book Read Committee invites students and community members to share their voices, stories, and creativity in our In the Wild Light–inspired writing and photography! Whether you’re moved by the novel’s themes of resilience, friendship, nature, identity, or finding hope in unexpected places, we encourage you to let that inspiration spark your own original work.
Participants may enter work in three categories: essay, poetry, and photography.
On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, join us for a free poetry workshop, "Ask Me Where I'm from," led by WKCTC Dean of Arts & Sciences and creative writing instructor, Britton Shurley. The event will be held at Dry Ground Brewing Company, 3121 Broadway Street in Paducah, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., and free snacks will be provided.
Join us for a Celebration of Poetry on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at 11:00 am in Matheson Library's Read Room at West Kentucky Community & Technical College. You can bring your own poem to read, or share one from a favorite poet, as we kick off National Poetry Month and its connection to this year's One Book Read, In the Wild Light. For planning purposes, all poems should be submitted ahead of time to Dr. Kim Russell via email at kim.russell@kctcs.edu - contact her or Amy Sullivan at (270) 534-3171 for more information.