The UCSB Library has announced its shortlist of titles under consideration for UCSB Reads 2026, the 20th edition of the award-winning campus- and community-wide common book program. The four nonfiction titles and one fiction title explore diverse cultural, social, and scientific subjects that can ignite discourse and thoughtful discussion inside and outside of the classroom.
The shortlist selections are (in alphabetical order):
The shortlisted titles are available for loan in multiple formats at UCSB Library, Santa Barbara Public Library, and Goleta Valley Public Library.
The UCSB Reads 2026 Advisory Committee invites students, faculty, staff, and community members to vote for their top UCSB Reads 2026 pick by July 28. One survey participant will be randomly selected to receive a free copy of the chosen book.
The UCSB Reads 2026 book selection will be announced in the fall. The program will kick off in early 2026 with a free book giveaway for UCSB students. Throughout the winter and spring quarters, the Library will sponsor a variety of free learning, experiential, and social events to explore the book’s themes. UCSB Reads 2026 will culminate with a public lecture by the author(s) of the selected book in the spring.
If you are a UCSB faculty member who is interested in exploring teaching one of these titles in winter or spring 2026, please write the Library at ucsbreads@library.ucsb.edu. Your feedback will be taken into consideration for the final selection.
If you would like to find out more about supporting the UCSB Reads program, please contact Heather Silva, Senior Director of Development, at heathersilva@ucsb.edu.