Bridges to Belonging
Silicon Valley Reads is a community engagement program that celebrates the power to bring people together through the shared experiences of reading and meaning conversations. In 2026, Silicon Valley Reads hopes to spark connection, empathy and understanding across Santa Clara County with the theme, Bridges to Belonging.
Silicon Valley Reads 2026 will offer an exciting 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. The schedule of events will be released in the new year.
BRIDGES TO BELONGING KICKOFF EVENT:
REGISTER for Silicon Valley Reads official kick off event on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 7pm. This free in-person event at De Anza College in Cupertino will also be simultaneously live-streamed. Attendees will hear from the authors of the featured books in a discussion moderated by Sal Pizarro of The Mercury News. Seats are limited and registration is required for in-person and virtual viewing.
Arrive early or stay late to enjoy the art show “A Sense of Belonging” at the Euphrat Museum, located just off the lobby of the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
Book Signing: Copies will be available for purchase at the event, with an author signing immediately following the program.
Through carefully selected books, adult readers will explore the concept of belonging in unique ways.
Featured Titles
The Power of Bridging by John A. Powell
A groundbreaking guide for our divided times. John A. 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
A moving and unflinching memoir of resilience and hope. Keeonna 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
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.
Children's Companion Books
Thank You, Neighbor by Ruth Chan (PreK - New Readers)
A young narrator and her dog go on a walk through a bustling, colorful urban neighborhood, greeting essential community helpers. In the flurry of a busy day, it’s easy to hurry past the people who keep our world running, but this charming book reminds us that patience and kindness can make your neighborhood truly feel like family.
Together, A Forest by Roz MacLean (Elementary)
Joy and her class explore a forest where every student discovers their unique connection to nature. The book compares the diversity of trees, fungi, and rushing water to the diversity of the class. It reminds readers of all ages that there is no "one right way" for a mind, body, or person to be, and that our unique differences are what create a truly vibrant, flourishing community.
Front Desk
by Kelly Yang (Middle Grades)
Kelly Yang's award-winning novel follows 10-year-old Mia Tang, a recent Chinese immigrant whose family manages a rundown motel. While facing poverty, racism, and the unfairness of the American Dream, Mia takes on the role of front desk manager.
Front Desk illustrates "Bridges to Belonging" as Mia, her parents, and the long-term tenants transform the Calivista Motel into a sanctuary. Through compassion and courage, they stand up against injustice, proving that a sense of belonging is a powerful force created not by wealth or status, but by kindness, solidarity, and finding your voice to fight for those who need a place to call home.
Give Me a Sign by Anna Sortino (High School/Young Adult)
Hard-of-hearing and tired of constantly navigating a world that wasn't built for her, Lilah yearns for a place where she doesn't have to choose or apologize for who she is.
That search for solid ground leads her to a life-changing summer where she worked as a counselor at a camp for Deaf and blind teens. It's here, within this community, that Lilah finds peace and a solid sense of belonging.
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.