Anchorage Public Library has partnered with Science Friday to bring the Sci Fri Book Club to the science and reading enthusiasts in our community. The SciFri Book Club is a program created by Science Friday to bring people together around all things science reading – anything from sci-fi short stories to nonfiction science books to science articles from various publications to science-y poetry!
There’s lots of ways to participate: Read the book, join our community space, attend an event, or send a message on the SciFri VoxPop app.
In July and August 2026, the Science Friday Book Club will read “The Wild Dark: Finding the Night Sky in the Age of Light” by Craig Childs. Part memoir, part field guide, “The Wild Dark” invites us to look to the night sky with curiosity. Childs expertly weaves the story of his bike-riding journey from Las Vegas into the desert with captivating science about light pollution, quirky anecdotes about the natural world, and a loving celebration of the night sky.
Get the ebook or audiobook from the Alaska Digital Library. You can also purchase a copy of the book (and support the author and SciFri).
Join the SciFri Book Club community forum here.
Sign up for our email newsletter.
Book Club Meeting
Want to meet other SciFri Book Club members, talk about the book selection, and find more resources for deeper learning—all without leaving your home? Our community meeting is the place for you!
The Wild Dark
Thursday, August 27
4 PM | Zoom
This discussion meeting will focus on themes and topics featured in The Wild Dark. You’re welcome to join us no matter your reading progress.
Author Live Stream
Join us online for a livestream all about the science topics featured in the SciFri Book Club pick. Come with your queries and wonderings—we’ll be taking your questions in the livestream comments!
The Wild Dark Q&A with Craig Childs
Friday, July 31
Noon | Science Friday's YouTube Livestream
Explorer and author Craig Childs has written over a dozen books about the wonders of the desert. In “The Wild Dark,” he takes us from the bright lights of Las Vegas to one of North America’s darkest spots. Join us for a livestream Q&A where we discuss his journey. Come with your curiosity—we’ll be taking your questions in the livestream comments.
In September and October 2026, the Science Friday Book Club will read “What the Wild Sea Can Be: The Future of the World’s Ocean” by Helen Scales. With a scientist’s attention to detail and a storyteller’s sense of narrative, Scales traces the changing ocean from prehistoric times to today, showcasing a complex and mysterious underwater world teeming with life. But that world is facing unprecedented challenges from climate change, toxic chemicals, and human interaction. Rather than giving in to doomerism, Scales emphasizes ways people are working to conserve our ocean, infusing the text with joy and enthusiasm. The result is a compelling, inspiring, empathetic book that reminds us we have the power to turn the tide.
There are so many ways to dive in and participate! Get the ebook or audiobook from the Alaska Digital Library. You can also purchase a copy of the book (and support the author and SciFri).
Join the SciFri Book Club community forum here.
Sign up for our email newsletter.
This Book Club reading kicks off on Tuesday, September 1, and you can read along with us! Discussion questions are shared in the community group on Monday of each week and via the newsletter on Wednesdays.
We’ll be (loosely) following this schedule, but all our readers are welcome to join us at their own pace:
September 1-6: Prelude
September 7-13: Chapter 1: Ancient Seas, Chapter 2: Remixing Seas
September 14-20: Chapter 3: Ice Walkers
September 21-27: Chapter 4: Missing Angels, Chapter 5: Poisoned Hunters
September 28-October 4: Chapter 6: Restoring Seas, Chapter 7: Rebalancing Seas
October 5-11: Chapter 8: Future Forests
October 12-18: Chapter 9: Future Reefs
October 19-25: Chapter 10: Living in the Future Ocean
October 26-31: Epilogue and Final Thoughts
Book Club Kickoff
Got thoughts about our podcast episode featuring Helen Scales? Let’s talk about it! Join us on Zoom for a free, informal conversation to kick off our reading of What the Wild Sea Can Be. We’ll dig into the interview, share first impressions, and get oriented on what’s ahead. No prior reading is required, and if you haven’t heard the interview yet, we’ll catch you up. Everyone is welcome!
What the Wild Sea Can Be: the Future of the World's Ocean
Thursday, September 8
4 PM | Zoom
Book Club Meeting
Want to meet other SciFri Book Club members, talk about the book selection, and find more resources for deeper learning—all without leaving your home? Our community meeting is the place for you!
What the Wild Sea Can Be: the Future of the World's Ocean
Thursday, October 22
4 PM | Zoom
This discussion meeting will focus on themes and topics featured in What the Wild Sea Can Be. You’re welcome to join us no matter your reading progress.
Author Live Stream
Join us online for a livestream all about the science topics featured in the SciFri Book Club pick. Come with your queries and wonderings—we’ll be taking your questions in the livestream comments!
What the Wild Sea Can Be Q&A with Dr. Helen Scales
Friday, September 25
Noon | Science Friday's YouTube Livestream
Dr. Helen Scales is a marine biologist, bestselling author, and broadcaster dedicated to sharing the ocean’s living wonders with people of all ages. Learn about her work and writing as we discuss What the Wild Sea Can Be and more. Come with your curiosity—we’ll be taking your questions in the YouTube livestream chat. You do not need to have read the book to participate.
Hosting your own book club?
Find dozens of topics and genres in our Book Club Bag Kits. One check out covers all your members!
