Two Noted Authors Kickoff CV Library Events
Castro Valley Reads 2022 will provide free books, events, and discussions on the hot topic of climate change, beginning January 23.
Castro Valley High student Zoe Dorado will help host an online community discussion that day, speaking with Pulitzer Prize-winning author and poet N. Scott Momaday.
Free copies of two books will be distributed at Castro Valley Library following that kickoff discussion, while supplies last. The first book is Momaday’s “Earth Keeper: Reflections of the American Land.” It will be discussed on Jan. 23 via Zoom from 1 to 2:30 p.m. In the book, he reflects on the sacred connection of the American landscape to his Kiowa Native American tribe.
Dorado, Alameda County’s Youth Poet Laureate for 2021, will assist Castro Valley Adult Services Librarian Chris Selig in the discussion with Momaday.
As soon as she heard she’d have an opportunity to converse with Momaday, Dorado was thrilled.
“It's imperative for our community to fight for environmental and climate justice,” says Dorado. “I hope that through engaging with poetry, storytelling, and art, those who take part in this year's CV Reads will find or kindle their love for not only poetry, but for this earth and the communities — both close and far from ours — it holds. I think that this love, which Momaday so beautifully expresses in “Earth Keeper,” is how we can begin the process of healing ourselves and our planet.”
The second book, “Fire in Paradise: An American Tragedy,” hits close to home. It details the 2018 Camp Fire that tore through the town of Paradise, California. The book gives Californians much to consider as we deal with wildfires and drought. It was written by reporters Alastair Gee and Dani Anguiano.
To learn more and register for discussion and free books, visit aclibrary.org/castro-valley-reads. Additional discussion groups will follow book distribution.
Free upcoming events regarding climate change include a talk with Alameda County Fire Department on “Wildfire Defense for your Home” on Feb. 10, and a discussion with scientist Faith Kearns entitled “Water, Drought and Our Future” on Feb. 12.
CV Reads is an ongoing program that brings books and community idea exchange to our area. It is sponsored by the Friends of the Castro Valley Library.
“We’re excited to be celebrating the 5th anniversary of Castro Valley Reads,” says Castro Valley Library branch manager Dawn Balestreri. “What can we learn together? Please join us to find out!”
See the library’s website, aclibrary.org/castro-valley-reads/ for more on these and other events. Castro Valley Library is located at 3600 Norbridge Ave. Phone (510) 667-7900 for additional information.