Silicon Valley Reads celebrates 20 years
Activities set for San Jose libraries
Since its inception in 2003, Silicon Valley Reads has grown from a one-book, one-community program into a multifaceted program centered around a specific theme, with three featured books for adults and four selections for children.
In celebration of its 20th anniversary, Silicon Valley Reads is holding more than 150 free events throughout Santa Clara County, both in person and online, relating to the theme “Journey to New Beginnings.” The kickoff is set for Thursday, with an in-person and livestreamed event including featured authors Tommy Orange, Amanda Skenandore and Kai Harris at the Visual and Performing Arts Center Theater at De Anza College in Cupertino.
The Euphrat Museum of Art at De Anza College will be open before and after the kickoff event for visitors to view “Spaces of Belonging,” an exhibit presented in conjunction with Silicon Valley Reads 2023.
Orange's novel “There There” follows 12 characters from Native American communities who are all traveling to the Big Oakland Powwow and are all connected to one another in ways they may not yet realize. In Skenandore's “The Second Life of Mirielle West,” the glamorous world of a silent film star's wife abruptly crumbles when she is detained at the Carville Lepers Home in Louisiana. “What the Fireflies Knew” by Harris follows 11-year-old Kenyatta Bernice, or KB, and her teenage sister Nia as they are sent to live with their estranged grandfather after the death of their father and the loss of their home.
Other events will take place through March in partnership with schools, libraries and community organizations, including author visits, book discussions, classes and workshops around topics like yoga, meditation, dance, finances, photography, tidying up and resources to help people begin their own journey to new beginnings.
Here's a partial list of Silicon Valley Reads events taking place at San Jose Public Library branches:
Almaden Library, 6445 Camden Ave.
“Sugar in Milk” story and activity: “Sugar in Milk” by Thrity Umrigar is the Silicon Valley Reads pick for second- through fourth-graders. The book tells the story of a young girl who immigrates to the United States and is helped to acclimate by her aunt, who tells her a folk tale. Children will listen to the story then make a hyacinth flower, which is used in celebration of Nowruz, the Persian New Year. March 1, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
“There, There” book discussion: Author Tommy Orange will be at the library to discuss his novel. This event is recommended for adults. March 22, 11 a.m.-noon
Cambrian Library, 1780 Hillsdale Ave.
“Coqui in the City” story and activity: “Coqui in the City” by Nomar Perez, available in both Spanish and English, is aimed at preK-1 students. The book tells the story of a boy whose parents help him find new and familiar things to love in his new neighborhood after they leave their homeland, family and friends. Feb. 15, 4-5 p.m.
“Sugar in Milk” story and activity: March 8, 4-5 p.m.
Rose Garden Library, 1580 Naglee Ave.
An Afternoon with Amanda Skenandore: The author will be on hand for a presentation, discussion and Q&A about her novel, “The Second Life of Mirielle West.” Jan. 27, 2-3 p.m.
Grab-and-go craft for “Coqui in the City”: This craft will not only represent Coqui, Miguel's pet frog, but can also show kids ages 5 and younger how everyone can make the same thing a little differently. Materials are available for pickup Feb. 6-11 during regular library hours.
“Sugar in Milk” story and activity: March 28, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Intro to Meditation: This session is for adults who want to learn basic meditation techniques. A lecture will be followed by a question-and-answer session and a meditation sitting. March 30, 5-6 p.m.
Willow Glen, 1157 Minnesota Ave.
“Coqui in the City” story and activity: Feb. 24, 3:304:30 p.m.
“Sugar in Milk” story and activity: March 20, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
All Silicon Valley Reads events are free; some may require advanced registration. For complete event listings and to register, visit www.siliconvalleyreads.org/ events.
Silicon Valley Reads is presented by the Santa Clara County Library District, the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the San Jose Public Library.