What is Silicon Valley Reads 2024?
San José Public Library is excited to participate in Silicon Valley Reads 2024: "A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today". From January 31 to March 31, 2024, we have several ways for you to participate in this program:
- Attend Events: Attend our Silicon Valley Reads events.
- Participate via the App: New this year! You can participate in the Silicon Valley Reads Challenge via our Beanstack app.
- Read: Join your community and read the selected titles.
More About Silicon Valley Reads
Silicon Valley Reads is a community engagement program, which selects an annual theme with accompanying books and events. The program is presented in partnership with Santa Clara County Library District, San José Public Library, and Santa Clara County Office of Education. This year's selection of books and events will explore environmental issues related to sustainability, which will inspire and empower individuals to take action in their own communities.
The selected books emphasize the community's resilience in the face of environmental change:
"California residents, like people in so many other areas, are impacted by extremes: temperature, drought, floods, and air quality issues," said Michelle Ornat, San José Public Library Deputy Director of Public Services and co-chair of Silicon Valley Reads. "The variances in these conditions affect us all, our ecology, with particularly profound impacts on disadvantaged communities, which may not always have access to available and adaptable resources. We eagerly anticipate the enriching conversations and programs that Silicon Valley Reads will offer."
2024 Events
The Kickoff event occurred on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, 7:00–8:30 PM, in-person at the Visual Performing Arts Center (VPAC) at De Anza College and virtually via live stream by the Commonwealth Club of Silicon Valley. We have even more exciting events all the way through March 2024.
Silicon Valley Reads Challenge
We're excited to offer a new addition to Silicon Valley Reads this year. From January 31—March 31, you can participate in the Silicon Valley Reads Challenge via our Beanstack app. With this new challenge, you can earn badges by reading books, attending library programs, and checking out community resources. Here's how to get started:
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Register/Log In:
- New Users: Register in the app if you've never signed up for a challenge via the app.
- Returning Users: If you are a returning Beanstack user, open the app and log in if needed.
- Join the Challenge: Once you complete registration or logging in, you should see a challenge called, "Silicon Valley Reads 2024: A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today". Select that challenge and confirm that you want to "Join the Challenge".
- Earn Badges: When you visit the challenge, your first screen will be an overview that you can read. We recommend selecting the "Activities" tab, choosing an activity you wish to complete, and starting to earning badges. Let's start building a greener tomorrow today!
Featured Books
Adult
All We Can Save (Non-fiction)
Edited by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. Wilkinson
All We Can Save showcases the wisdom and experiences of dozens of women actively contributing to environmental initiatives in the United States. These women are scientists, journalists, farmers, lawyers, teachers, activists, and innovators, who all come from different backgrounds. Their diverse perspectives offer a range of ideas and insights on how we can swiftly and significantly reshape society for a sustainable future.
One Green Thing (Non-Fiction)
by Heather White
Environmentalist Heather White offers an accessible guide to taking action for a more sustainable world. Through heart- warming and humorous anecdotes from her upbringing in East Tennessee to her experiences parenting in Montana, White demonstrates how people can contribute to the environmental movement. She encourages self-discovery, helping readers align their personalities, interests, and strengths with meaningful actions.
The Light Pirate (Fiction)
by Lily Brooks-Dalton
Set in a world where Florida faces the relentless onslaught of extreme weather and rising sea levels, "The Light Pirate" is the story of a small coastal town preparing for a powerful hurricane. Divided into four parts—power, water, light, and time—this novel mirrors the rhythms of the elements and the gradual transformation of the world as we know it. It serves as a contemplation of changes that challenge our comfort zones and a reminder of the untamed beauty and strength of nature.
Companion Books for Children & Teens
Recommended Reading
A curated list of recommended books that explore various facets of the complex topic of sustainability and climate change.
Additional Information
For more information about Silicon Valley Reads, please visit siliconvalleyreads.org.
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