2026 Spearfish Mini Read

The Spearfish Mini Read–a community wide literary project, hosted by Henry’s Books Foundation, and focused on the book In the Distance by Hernan Diaz.

This modern western about a Swedish immigrant encompasses a wide variety of topics that include survival on the open prairie, the California gold rush, wagon trains, and fraught relationships for the book’s protagonist, Håkan.

Paperback copies of the book and all of the programming for the Spearfish Mini Read are all completely free of cost thanks to the Henry’s Books Foundation, our generous sponsors, and community volunteers.

The Spearfish Mini Read continues a long-standing community tradition inspired by the NEA Big Read—bringing people together through a shared book and accessible literary programming.

Presented by the Henry’s Books Foundation in partnership with the Matthews Opera House and the Grace Balloch Memorial Library, this project reflects our commitment to removing barriers to book ownership and creating inclusive, book-centered community experiences.

Programming includes book clubs, discussions, workshops, kids’ events, and more, all inspired by In the Distance by Hernan Diaz.

In The Distance

· Community Literary Project

· Completely Free

· In The Distance · Community Literary Project · Completely Free ·

This would not be possible without our sponsors

About the Henry’s Books Foundation

Henry’s Books Foundation supports readers and writers of all ages in the Black Hills through literary education, creative programming, and community events.

We believe everyone deserves access to books and writing resources, so we work to remove the barriers that stand in the way.

Through our programs and events, we invite people to engage with literature and connect in a welcoming space built for dialogue, creativity, and understanding.

We believe stories bring people together, and that reading is a source of knowledge—and knowledge is power.

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