UK Libraries Celebrates the Mighty & Majestic Elm for Tree Week 2026

Tree Week 2026 is just around the corner, and UK Libraries is fanning its canopy to celebrate a North American icon: the mighty and majestic elm tree.

Our Tree Week Virtual Book Club, “Golden Leaves, Deep Roots,” invites the UK community to explore 150 years of literature, poetry, and material art inspired by autumn’s changing landscape. 

Led by STEM Librarian Sarah Drerup, the virtual book clubs will discuss three short readings:

• Henry David Thoreau — Autumnal Tints ("The Elm")
• Helen Hunt Jackson — "October"
• Anna-Karin Arvidsson — "Gold and Green Forests"

The book clubs will be held over Zoom in two separate sessions. Registration is required.

• Tuesday, October 13, 12pm–1pm
• Thursday, October 15, 6pm–7pm

“The arrival of autumn has inspired creators for centuries, and this is an exciting opportunity for our community to share their perspectives on three classic pieces about nature and seasonal change. It promises to be a fantastic conversation about the life stories rooted in our forests,” said Drerup.

Readings, a discussion guide, and additional resources are available on our Tree Week 2026 Book Club page.

Started by the Urban Forest Initiative in 2018, Tree Week is Kentucky's annual celebration of urban and community forestry. 

This October 9–18, communities across the state will come together to honor trees and explore their essential contributions to healthy, vibrant communities through a wide variety of events – from tree plantings, educational workshops, and nature walks, to art events and yoga sessions under the trees.