Castro Valley Library

Castro Valley Reads is back! Join us for the Kick-Off Event on Sunday, January 27 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Castro Valley Reads seeks to get hundreds of community members to read and discuss the same book to celebrate reading and great literature and to build community through a thoughtful exchange of ideas.

“Our first Castro Valley Reads in 2018 was a great success with more than 400 participants,” said Dawn Balestreri, branch manager. “We hope you’ll join us to grow the program in 2019. What can we learn from each other? What can we learn together? Let’s find out!”

This year’s theme is immigration. A loud and fractious debate about immigrants and refugees has gripped the country recently. Against this backdrop, the Library proposes that we have a quiet, thoughtful conversation about the experiences of immigrants and refugees. Let’s also learn about each other’s backgrounds, celebrate the diversity of our community, and build connections.

Our springboard is the intercontinental refugee and immigration story A Backpack, A Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka by Lev Golinkin. In the twilight of the Cold War, nine-year-old Lev Golinkin and his family cross the Soviet border with only ten suitcases, six hundred dollars, and the vague promise of help waiting in Vienna. Years later, Lev, now an American adult, sets out to retrace his family’s long trek to locate and thank the strangers who fought for his freedom.

Golinkin’s memoir is a thrilling tale of escape and survival and a deeply personal look at the life of a Jewish child caught in the last gasp of the Soviet Union. Written with acerbic wit and emotional honesty, Golinkin’s story speaks of overcoming the power of hatred and searching for acceptance and belonging.

At the Kick-Off you’ll hear a dramatic reading from a local actor, meet new people, sign up for a book discussion, and get a free copy of the book. Plus, you’ll learn how you can get a special invitation to meet Lev Golinkin. The celebration continues throughout February and March with many special Castro Valley Reads programs.

Plus we’re excited to announce a kids-only CV Reads book that explores the same themes for grades 4 to 7 called Front Desk by Kelly Yang. Registration for the children’s program will begin March 1.

If you can’t make the Kick-Off, please come to the Library after January 27 to sign up for a discussion. Free copies of A Backpack, A Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka are available while supplies last.

Castro Valley Reads is generously funded by the Friends of the Castro Valley Library.