‘Dog Man’ is top read
A canine cop who’s “part dog, part man and all hero” was the favorite among patrons of San Jose Public Library branches in 2024.
“Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea,” the fifth graphic novel in a series by Dav Pilkey, was the library’s most checked-out book across all age groups, genres and formats this year, not to mention the top pick among children.
Britney Spears’ memoir “The Woman in Me” took the crown for the most checked-out title among adults. “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” a prequel to “The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins, was the top pick for teen readers.
For the complete list of the library’s Top 10 borrowed books in the adult, teen and children’s age groups, visit sjpl.org/BestOf2024
Food recovery help
Seven San Jose-based nonprofits are among the recipients of grants aimed at expanding food recovery capacity, with a focus on food safety and ensuring proper handling of recovered food.
The Food Recovery Initiative of Joint Venture Silicon Valley distributed $108,000 in Capacity Expansion Grants this year to 12 local nonprofits, including Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen, Martha’s Kitchen, Sacred Heart Community Services, San Jose City College, Most Holy Trinity Food Pantry, Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence and Recovery Cafe San Jose.
The grants, which ranged from $2,427 to $15,231, enabled the purchase of equipment that will increase the volume of surplus food recovered and distributed throughout Santa Clara County, with special emphasis on expanding the recovery of prepared foods.
The initiative came at a critical time, as a new state law mandates that certain businesses and institutions donate surplus food rather than discard it. SB 1383 is part of California’s broader strategy to address food insecurity and combat climate change.