Fostering ‘Belonging’
Through selected books and more than 100 free events, Silicon Valley Reads hopes to spark connection, empathy and understanding across Santa Clara County for its 2026 event under the theme “Bridges to Belonging.”
Silicon Valley Reads will officially kick off on Thursday, Jan. 15, with a free in-person and live-streamed event at De Anza College in Cupertino with the authors of the three featured adult books.
“The Power of Bridging,” a nonfiction work by John A. Powell, “offers practical strategies to build an inclusive society where everyone feels they belong.” “Mainline Mama” is Keeonna Harris’ memoir about navigating motherhood with an incarcerated partner.
Annie Hartnett’s “Unlikely Animals” is a novel about connection and community as seen through the eyes of a woman caring for her dying father, who sees the ghost of natural historian Ernest Harold Baynes, among others.
Events centered on the Silicon Valley Reads theme will include author talks, classes, workshops, community discussions, kids crafts and other programs. The complete schedule of events will be available at siliconvalleyreads.org in the new year.
Library chamber music
a string trio from Chamber Music by the Bay will perform Wednesday, Jan. 7, 4-5 p.m., at the Cupertino Library. Following the performance, young audience members have a chance to visit the Instrument petting zoo to try their hand at the violin and viola.
While audiences of all ages are welcome, this program is especially geared at audience members ages 10 and younger.