SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. – For more than 22 years, Silicon Valley Reads has served as a vital bridge, connecting our community through the shared experiences of reading and meaningful conversation. For the 2026 season, Silicon Valley Reads is proud to announce the theme: Bridges to Belonging.
At a time when some may feel divisiveness and isolation are pervasive, the 2026 theme is more urgent than ever. Through carefully selected books and more than 100 free events, Silicon Valley Reads hopes to spark connection, empathy, and understanding across Santa Clara County.
"Libraries are cornerstones of democracy – places where all people, regardless of background or belief, are free to connect with ideas and each other,” said Jill Bourne, San José City Librarian and one of three co-chairs of Silicon Valley Reads. “Bridges to Belonging is a powerful theme that reflects the library’s ongoing commitment to creating welcoming spaces, offering meaningful programs, and ensuring everyone in our community feels supported, no matter where they are in life.”
Silicon Valley Reads 2026 will offer a vibrant lineup of free community events in local libraries, schools, and partner organizations, designed to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together. Events will include author talks, engaging classes and workshops, community discussions, kids crafts and events, and other programs centered on themes of bringing people together and understanding and accepting our differences.
Dr. David Toston, Sr., County Superintendent of Schools and co-chair of Silicon Valley Reads, expressed his enthusiasm: "As a newcomer to the community, I've come to appreciate how each person's story can build a bridge to connection. I'm looking forward to working with Silicon Valley Reads to build bridges of belonging for students and their families."
The three powerful books selected for adult readers explore the concept of belonging in a unique way:
The Power of Bridging by John A. Powell (Non-Fiction): A groundbreaking guide for our divided times. Powell provides a crucial framework for moving beyond the fear and separation of "othering" to the radical, transformative work of "bridging." This essential read offers practical strategies to build an inclusive society where everyone feels they belong, challenging readers to recognize shared humanity as the ultimate path to community healing.
Mainline Mama by Keeonna Harris (Memoir): A moving and unflinching memoir of resilience and hope. Harris shares her powerful story of navigating motherhood with an incarcerated partner, shattering the myth of the "perfect family" and redefining what it means to belong. This book is a testament to the enduring bond between a mother and her children and the strength found in building love and stability in the most challenging of circumstances.
Unlikely Animals by Annie Hartnett (Fiction): A tender and humorous novel with a touch of magic. After years away, Emma returns to her quirky New Hampshire hometown to care for her dying father who sees ghosts, including the ghost of natural historian Ernest Harold Baynes. As Emma navigates loss and legacy, she discovers how profound compassion and unexpected connections can mend a broken family, heal a wounded community, and show that belonging can bloom in the most unlikely places.
“We are very excited with this year's book selections,” said Jennifer Weeks, co-chair and County Librarian. “These books offer a glimpse into how people find and build community in different ways. They provide the variety, depth and focus needed to create thoughtful, engaging programming and spark meaningful conversation. We are looking forward to another successful season of Silicon Valley Reads.”
Silicon Valley Reads is also announcing four books for young readers. Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino for high school/young adults, Front Desk by Kelly Yang for middle grades, Together, a Forest by Roz MacLean for elementary students and Thank You, Neighbor by Ruth Chan for our youngest readers. These powerful books will guide our community’s youth to explore diverse perspectives, better understand differences, and work to build bridges with each other.
Silicon Valley Reads will officially kick off on Thursday, January 15, 2026, with a free in-person and live-streamed event at De Anza College in Cupertino. Attendees will hear from the authors of the featured books for adults in a discussion moderated by Sal Pizarro of The Mercury News.
The complete schedule of events will be available on the siliconvalleyreads.org website in the new year.
The Silicon Valley Reads community engagement program is presented annually by the Santa Clara County Library District, Santa Clara County Office of Education, and San José Public Library in conjunction with other public libraries, community colleges and universities, and community organizations.
CONTACT: Reid Myers
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