FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Reid Myers, Director of Silicon Valley Reads
siliconvalleyreads@gmail.com
Silicon Valley Reads Announces 2024 Program:
"A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today"
Silicon Valley, CA – October 18, 2023 – Silicon Valley Reads, a community engagement program that celebrates the power of books to bring people together, has announced the theme for 2024 will be, “A Greener Tomorrow Starts Today.” The program will focus on environmental sustainability, with a selection of books and events that explore the challenges and opportunities of creating a more sustainable future, not only in Santa Clara County but worldwide.
After commemorating 20 years of community programs in 2023, Silicon Valley Reads is back with a renewed commitment to foster collaboration and create awareness around the importance of environmental stewardship.
"The environment is top-of-mind for many young people and I’m looking forward to the information exchange between generations as we address these important topics that affect us all," said Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, Santa Clara County Superintendent of Schools and co-chair of Silicon Valley Reads. "Our youth are called to act to promote sustainability at school, at home and in the community."
Featured Books for 2024
Silicon Valley Reads has carefully selected three books that encapsulate the spirit of our theme and encourage meaningful conversations.
"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)
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)
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.
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."
In addition to these engaging books, Silicon Valley Reads is pleased to provide a curated list of recommended reading, encompassing both fiction and non-fiction titles that explore various facets of the complex topic of sustainability. The recommended titles include "Under a White Sky" by Elizabeth Kolbert, "Working to Restore" by Esha Chhabra, "Burnt" by Clare Frank, and "Damnation Spring" by Ash Davidson.
Silicon Valley Reads is also announcing the selection of four companion books for children and teens: “To Change a Planet” by Christina Soontornvat for Pre K–K, “The Forest Man” by Anne Matheson for Grades 1—4, “Two Degrees” by Alan Gratz for Grades 4—8, and “Don’t Call Me a Hurricane” by Ellen Hagan for teens and young adults.
Silicon Valley Reads 2024 will kick off with an in-person and live-streamed event planned for mid-winter. Featured authors will share their expertise and insights, inviting the community to join the conversation. Throughout February and March 2024, Silicon Valley Reads will offer a diverse range of free virtual and in-person public programs suitable for all ages. These programs include author talks, panel discussions, educational events, demonstrations, outdoor events, activities for students, storytimes, an art exhibit, and more. The complete schedule of events will be published on the Siliconvalleyreads.org, opens a new window website in early 2024.
Recognizing the growing concerns related to environmental challenges, Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian at the Santa Clara County Library District and co-chair of Silicon Valley Reads stated, “Silicon Valley Reads aims to inspire positive action and engagement within the community towards a more sustainable future. It takes a community shift to enact needed change, and we hope that Silicon Valley Reads can help ignite important conversations and inspire actions that will ultimately provide more resources for future generations.”
Silicon Valley Reads is presented annually by the Santa Clara County Library District, Santa Clara County Office of Education, and San José Public Library, in collaboration with public libraries, community colleges, universities, and community organizations.
For more information about Silicon Valley Reads and plans for 2024, please visit Siliconvalleyreads.org, opens a new window.
