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Calendar of Events

We are excited to announce our 2026 theme, Bridges to Belonging. Join us from mid-January through March for a series of engaging author visits and community events designed to bring us together.


REGISTER NOW for the 2026 Kickoff Event

Thursday, January 15, 2026 | 7:00 p.m. De Anza VPAC Theater, Cupertino

Join us for an inspiring evening as Sal Pizarro of the San Jose Mercury News sits down with the authors of our three featured adult selections:

  • John A. Powell: The Power of Bridging

  • Keeonna Harris: Mainline Mama

  • Annie Hartnett: Unlikely Animals

They will discuss how to navigate the complexities of our modern world with empathy, and how to find the common ground that exists even in divided times.


Arrive early or stay late to enjoy the art show “A Sense of Belonging” at the Euphrat Museum, located just off the lobby.


Book Signing: Copies will be available for purchase at the event, with an author signing immediately following the program.


Registration

Register HERE for In-Person Event

Register HERE for Live-Stream Event


Need to update your registration later? Email siliconvalleyreads@gmail.com.


More Events Coming Soon! Following the kickoff, our local libraries, schools, and partners will host a wide array of programs to help us build bridges to belonging. Check back here in early January for the full schedule.

  • Award-Winning Author, Kelly Yang visits to discuss Front Desk
    Award-Winning Author, Kelly Yang visits to discuss Front Desk
    Thu, Jan 01
    Online
    Jan 01, 2026, 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM
    Online
    Zoom-in to meet best-selling author, Kelly Yang!
  • Storytime & Art Activity: Paper Chains of Kindness
    Storytime & Art Activity: Paper Chains of Kindness
    Mon, Jan 05
    San Jose: Seven Trees Branch
    Jan 05, 2026, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
    San Jose: Seven Trees Branch, 3590 Cas Dr, San Jose, CA 95111, USA
    Join Seven Trees for a special storytime featuring Thank You, Neighbor, celebrating kindness and the people who make our community special. After the story, kids can enjoy a creative and heartwarming art activity where every link counts!
  • Neighborhood Naturalists! Beginners Natural History Course for Adults/¡Naturalistas del Barrio! Curso de Historia Natura
    Neighborhood Naturalists! Beginners Natural History Course for Adults/¡Naturalistas del Barrio! Curso de Historia Natura
    Sat, Jan 10
    Gilroy Library
    Jan 10, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    Gilroy Library, 350 W 6th St, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
    Explore the "Bridges" between local natural history and your own neighborhood through this three-session adult program featuring guest scientists. Explore las "conexiones" entre la historia natural local y su propio vecindario a través de este programa para adultos de tres sesiones.
  • Dial-a-Story: Thank You Neighbor
    Dial-a-Story: Thank You Neighbor
    Mon, Jan 12
    PHONE
    Jan 12, 2026, 10:00 AM – Jan 18, 2026, 5:00 PM
    PHONE
    Listen to "Thank You Neighbor" by Ruth Chan in Santa Clara Library's special stories channel! Call (408) 615-2909 and press 3. This story will be available from January 12 - January 18.
  • Teen Bookmark Art Contest
    Teen Bookmark Art Contest
    Thu, Jan 15
    Sunnyvale Library
    Jan 15, 2026, 10:00 AM – Feb 15, 2026, 5:00 PM
    Sunnyvale Library, 665 W Olive Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94086, USA
    Submissions will be on display in the Teen Space from March 1 - March 15 for voting. Multiple winners will be selected. Winning bookmarks will be printed and available throughout the library.
  • Help Us Build a Bridge of Belonging Across Silicon Valley: Chain of Kindness
    Help Us Build a Bridge of Belonging Across Silicon Valley: Chain of Kindness
    Thu, Jan 15
    Libraries Across the County
    Jan 15, 2026, 10:00 AM – Mar 31, 2026, 5:00 PM
    Libraries Across the County, Santa Clara County, CA, USA
    Come to one of our participating local libraries and add your link to the county-wide Silicon Valley Reads Chain of Kindness!
  • Random Acts of Kindness Bingo
    Random Acts of Kindness Bingo
    Thu, Jan 15
    San Jose: Educational Park Branch
    Jan 15, 2026, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
    San Jose: Educational Park Branch, 1772 Educational Park Dr, San Jose, CA 95133, USA
    Are you up for a challenge? Pick up a Kindness bingo card at the library and begin practicing random acts of kindness with your friends, family, fellow students, and all people around you!
  • Paper Chains of Kindness Drop In Afternoon
    Paper Chains of Kindness Drop In Afternoon
    Fri, Jan 16
    San Jose: West Valley Branch
    Jan 16, 2026, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
    San Jose: West Valley Branch , 1243 San Tomas Aquino Rd, San Jose, CA 95117, USA
    Visit the West Valley Branch for an afternoon of kindness fun! Pick up your link, and add to a paper chain of kindness!
  • Exploring the Power of Community: Meet the Author Annie Hartnett
    Exploring the Power of Community: Meet the Author Annie Hartnett
    Fri, Jan 16
    San Jose: Berryessa Branch
    Jan 16, 2026, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
    San Jose: Berryessa Branch, 3355 Noble Ave, San Jose, CA 95132, USA
    Meet Annie Hartnett for an inspiring evening where we will explore the forces that shape community life - history, belonging, mysteries and challenges, and the quiet magic of a small town. 
  • Meet the Author: Keeonna Harris, Mainline Mama
    Meet the Author: Keeonna Harris, Mainline Mama
    Fri, Jan 16
    San Jose: Alum Rock Branch
    Jan 16, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    San Jose: Alum Rock Branch, 3090 Alum Rock Ave, San Jose, CA 95127, USA
    Come meet Keeonna Harris, the author of Mainline Mama. This is an after hours program, snacks will be provided! Come join us and meet Keeonna and learn more about her amazing story!
  • Chuck Cantrell & Keeonna Harris: A Conversation on Systemic Barriers
    Chuck Cantrell & Keeonna Harris: A Conversation on Systemic Barriers
    Sat, Jan 17
    San Jose Clubhouse
    Jan 17, 2026, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
    San Jose Clubhouse, 15480 Union Ave, San Jose, CA 95124, USA
    Local media personality Chuck Cantrell and author Keeonna Harris will discuss her memoir, Mainline Mama, and the systemic barriers facing Black communities in California.
  • Neighborhood Naturalists! Beginners Natural History Course for Adults/¡Naturalistas del Barrio! Curso de Historia...
    Neighborhood Naturalists! Beginners Natural History Course for Adults/¡Naturalistas del Barrio! Curso de Historia...
    Sat, Jan 17
    Gilroy Library
    Jan 17, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    Gilroy Library, 350 W 6th St, Gilroy, CA 95020, USA
    Explore the "Bridges" between local natural history and your own neighborhood through this three-session adult program featuring guest scientists. Explore las "conexiones" entre la historia natural local y su propio vecindario a través de este programa para adultos de tres sesiones.
  • Meet the Author Annie Hartnett, Unlikely Animals
    Meet the Author Annie Hartnett, Unlikely Animals
    Sat, Jan 17
    Cupertino Library
    Jan 17, 2026, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
    Cupertino Library, 10800 Torre Ave, Cupertino, CA 95014, USA
    Meet Annie Hartnett for an inspiring afternoon where we will explore the forces that shape community life, history and belonging.
  • Storytime & Art Activity: Community Collage
    Storytime & Art Activity: Community Collage
    Tue, Jan 20
    San Jose: Hillview Branch
    Jan 20, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    San Jose: Hillview Branch, 1600 Hopkins Dr, San Jose, CA 95122, USA
    Join Hillview Branch for a special storytime featuring Thank You, Neighbor, celebrating kindness and the people who make our community special. After the story, kids can enjoy a hands-on art activity to celebrate their community.
  • Tuesday PM Bookclub: Unlikely Animals
    Tuesday PM Bookclub: Unlikely Animals
    Tue, Jan 20
    Los Gatos Library
    Jan 20, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
    Los Gatos Library, 100 Villa Ave, Los Gatos, CA 95030, USA
    Join Librarian Rachael from Los Gatos Library for a lively discussion of Unlikely Animals. Come in person, or join in on Zoom.
  • Storytime & Art Activity: Paper Chains of Kindness
    Storytime & Art Activity: Paper Chains of Kindness
    Wed, Jan 21
    San Jose: Edenvale Branch
    Jan 21, 2026, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
    San Jose: Edenvale Branch, 101 Branham Ln E, San Jose, CA 95111, USA
  • Award-Winning Author, Kelly Yang visits to discuss Front Desk
    Award-Winning Author, Kelly Yang visits to discuss Front Desk
    Thu, Jan 22
    Online
    Jan 22, 2026, 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
    Online
    Join other local students as you Zoom-in to meet best-selling author, Kelly Yang!
  • ESL Conversation Club: Talking about Community
    ESL Conversation Club: Talking about Community
    Thu, Jan 22
    Santa Clara: Central Park Library
    Jan 22, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Santa Clara: Central Park Library, 2635 Homestead Rd, Santa Clara, CA 95051, USA
    Practice your English skills while discussing the topic of "community" to celebrate this year's Silicon Valley Reads theme: "Bridges to Belonging."
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