Saturday, September 12, 2026 10am to 5pm
What is “ABQ Reads”?
Free classic books for high school students!
ABQ Reads is an event for local high school students and their families at three cherished Albuquerque bookstores, where St. John’s College will be giving away paperback classics FOR FREE to any Albuquerque high school student who wants one.
When: Saturday, September 12 and Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Three Albuquerque Bookstores
What is a Classic?
If a student isn’t sure what a classic is, St. John’s College community members will be on-hand to help a student find a great match. And if there is a question as to whether a preferred book is, or isn’t, a classic, students are invited to share their thoughts—what do they think makes a classic? While there is no clear or easy answers, this is definitely an opportunity for good conversation with people who love to talk about books.
Why is St. John’s College Giving Away Classic Books to High School Students?
ABQ Reads is organized by students and faculty from St. John's College in Santa Fe, whose curriculum is built entirely around the reading and discussion of classics, though the College calls them “great books.” At St. John’s, we believe that reading the classics sets people free. One way they do this is by forming in us a habit of asking enduring questions. For example: What is just? How can I be good? What is the deeper purpose of our lives? In short, the College believes that reading great books makes people’s lives richer and better—and we want Albuquerque’s young people to experience this freedom for themselves.
Have You Seen our Partner Book Influencers?
St. John’s has recently partnered with several young book influencers in a quest to get young people reading again. They include Ari Hosadurga, Chris Fizer, Sam Wall, Cree Myles, and Mason Murphy. Check them out on social media, and follow St. John’s College @sjcsantafe.
Want to Learn More About St. John’s College?
You can schedule a visit, apply for Summer Academy—our weeklong immersion program for high schoolers—or simply talk to a counselor or current student to learn more.
Connect with us on Instagram (@sjcsantafe), by email (santafe.admissions@sjc.edu), or give us a call at 505-984-6000.
