May 21, 2026
Conversation between author Rick Atkinson, moderator Dr. Jay Barth to encourage reading, book discussions
CONWAY, Ark. (Arkansas TV) — Arkansas TV will livestream the “If All Arkansas Read the Same Book” discussion between Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Rick Atkinson and moderator Dr. Jay Barth Wednesday, May 27, at noon as part of its Arkansas Live initiative at arkansastv.gov/arkansaslive.
The statewide reading program is hosted by the Arkansas Center for the Book and encourages Arkansans to explore history, literature, and civic conversation through a shared reading experience. Residents can access the featured book through Arkansas public libraries statewide and digitally through the Libby app.
“If All Arkansas Read the Same Book” is hosted by the Arkansas Center for the Book and encourages Arkansans to explore history, literature, and civic conversation through a shared reading experience. Residents can access the featured book through Arkansas public libraries statewide and digitally through the Libby app.
This year’s book selection is Atkinson’s “The Fate of the Day,” which is the second of a planned three-volume narrative history of the American Revolution. “The Fate of the Day” chronicles the middle years (1777 to 1780) of the Revolution, where George Washington’s army fought on the edge between victory and defeat. Atkinson’s “The British Are Coming” covers the war from 1775 to 1777.
The “If All Arkansas Read the Same Book” community-read project is designed to encourage the enjoyment of reading and to promote book discussions across the state. The program is made possible in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Arkansas State Library. Copies of “The Fate of the Day” are available at all public library branches in the state as well as in statewide OverDrive consortia via Libby.
For more America250 content, Arkansas stories, event information, and ways to engage leading up to July 4, 2026, visit
arkansastv.gov/america250.
Find more Arkansas Live events at arkansastv.gov/arkansaslive.
Arkansas Live is an initiative from Arkansas TV that brings compelling special events directly to Arkansans via vivid, multi-camera livestreaming. Viewers gain front-row access to some of the most in-demand events across the state, including livestreams from Arkansas Community Foundation, Crystal Bridges, Arkansas Department of Heritage, Winthrop Rockefeller Institute and more.
About The Arkansas Center for the Book
The Arkansas Center for the Book was established in 2000 and is an affiliate of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress is a community of fifty-six Affiliated Centers, all working together to promote books, reading, libraries, and literacy nationwide. Headquartered at the Arkansas State Library, the Arkansas Center for the Book exists to encourage reading, writing, and literacy in Arkansas, and to protect the rich literary history of Arkansas.
About Arkansas TV
Arkansas TV, Arkansas’s only statewide public television network, informs and inspires learners of all ages through local storytelling, educational resources and meaningful community partnerships. Local programs can be livestreamed at arkansastv.gov/live and accessed on demand at youtube.com/@arkansastv, and the distinct channels Arkansas TV and AIRS on SAP. Arkansas TV depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering locally produced, Arkansas-focused programming. Additional information is available at arkansastv.gov. Arkansas TV is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), KETZ (El Dorado), KETS (Russellville), KETS (Forrest City), KETS (Yancy) and KETS (Gaither).
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