OCTC Common Reading

Fall 2026 Common Reading Selection  

OYO: An Ohio River Anthology (Vol. 1: Movement and Place)

 OYO (pronounced o-y-o) takes its name from the Iroquois word for the Ohio River, meaning "great water." According to tradition, it also reflects the sound the Iroquois made when speaking the river's name.

This engaging anthology explores the rich history, culture, and enduring influence of the Ohio River through stories, poems, essays, and literary excerpts by writers from across generations. From personal reflections to historical accounts, OYO celebrates the people, places, and experiences that have shaped life along one of America's most significant waterways.

The collection features works by acclaimed authors including Wendell Berry (former Kentucky Common Reading author), Harlan Hubbard, Scott Russell Sanders (former Common Reading author), John James Audubon, Charles Dickens, Herbert Hoover, Langston Hughes, Thomas Jefferson, and many others.

Originally published by Payne Hollow on the Ohio—the historic home of Kentucky writer and artist Harlan Hubbard—OYO offers readers a unique literary journey through the landscapes and stories of the Ohio River.

Campus Events & Engagement

Susan Griffin Ward – from Kentucky Waterways Alliance, and Payne Hollow on the Ohio, will speak about KY waterways and history (title TBA):  Wed. Sept. 23 at 12:30

Colin Duncan – Green River Basin Coordinator, will speak about the importance of KY waterways and hope for the future (title TBA):  Tues. Oct. 27 at 9:30 ad 11.

Coming Soon! Owensboro Museum of Fine Art collaborative event

More event dates and details will be shared throughout the semester.

OCTC’s Common Reading program is designed to spark conversation, encourage critical thinking, and connect our campus through shared learning experiences. This semester, OYO: An Ohio River Anthology reminds us why stories matter, not just as books on a shelf, but as ideas that challenge us, shape us, and help us better understand the world around us.

For more information about the Common Reading program, please contact Tonya Northenor at tonya.northenor@kctcs.edu.

Other Information

FACEBOOK: To get the most recent updates, pictures, and events through Facebook, please like us on Facebook. Everyone is welcome (you don't have to have a Facebook page to view the page): OCTC Common Reading Facebook

Thank you: Special thanks to the many area donors who are helping us make the Common Reading and other campus initiatives more lasting and vital parts of our community through the NEH Grant efforts.

Note: Often the Common Reading's subject matter is quite complex. An attempt will be made to include a variety of perspectives on related themes or topics. The choice of book and supporting activities or materials are not intended to endorse any particular viewpoint. Please let our committee know if you have suggestions for resources or activities. Thanks!

Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this website do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

LIBRARY DISPLAY: Each semester the OCTC main campus Library (now temporarily located in ATC 107) has materials related to the book, writer, and theme of each Common Reading. Check it out!

LEND & LEAVE BOOKSHELF: In the LRC, upstairs near the art gallery, is a display of books that you may take and keep, take and pass on, or take and return. You may also bring some used books to leave for others. *Note: Access to this will be reactivated once the HVAC renovations are completed. 

MISSION STATEMENT: What is the Common Reading?

Each semester a book is selected as OCTC's Common Reading, with the idea that all participants could read the same material and have common ground for new discussions and mutual interests. While the book choices vary in many ways (different genres, time-periods, subject matters), they are chosen to expand the knowledge and perspectives of readers. The background of the selected writers is varied; however, many Kentucky and regional writers are also included to help us appreciate local talent, acknowledge shared concerns, and celebrate our common heritage. All OCTC students, staff, faculty, and interested community members are invited and encouraged to participate by reading the books and attending the related presentations each semester.