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, 2026, with a free in-person and live-streamed event at De Anza College in Cupertino featuring 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, 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.
—
### Neighborhood Notes
**WILLOW GLEN** — The San José Chamber Orchestra presents “An Evening of Persian Delights” on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 1205 Pine Ave.
The program features composer and pianist Faranak Shahroozi performing her original works, including “Persia,” “Behind the Veil,” “Circles of My Mind,” “Lovestruck,” and “Waltz.”
https://www.mercurynews.com/2025/11/02/silicon-valley-reads-builds-bridges-to-belonging-through-books-2/
