Libraries in East Contra Costa County will participate in East County Reads, a reading program designed to increase community engagement. This year’s book is the autobiography “The Distance Between Us” by Reyna Grande. The book discusses the author’s life before and after coming from Mexico to the United States as an undocumented immigrant. It is an inspirational, coming-of-age story about the pursuit of a better life.
Readers can pick up a free copy of the book on October 2 at the Antioch and Brentwood libraries and October 3 at the Oakley and Prewett libraries.
East County Reads is the first community-wide read in East Contra Costa County. Brentwood has conducted its CityRead for the past 15 years, providing free copies of a book to the public and encouraging the sharing of ideas with friends, family and neighbors. This year, a grant from California Humanities and an interest from the libraries in Antioch and Oakley, allowed the reading program to grow.
“We are thrilled that the libraries in East County are coming together to expand this community reading program,” said County Librarian Melinda Cervantes. “We hope that the book increases awareness and encourages healthy discussion among neighbors on a variety of topics.”
The author, Ms. Grande, will speak at a benefit luncheon on November 8 from 11:30 – 2 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center. Tickets are $40 through October 1, and $45 thereafter, and can be purchased at http://brentwoodlibrary.brownpapertickets.com. Checks can be sent to the Brentwood Library Foundation, 35 Oak St., Brentwood, CA 94513. Ms. Grande will also speak at a free presentation on November 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center.
For more information on East County Reads programming at the branches, visit http://ccclib.org/programs, and check the calendar listings for the Antioch, Brentwood, and Oakley libraries.
For more information about East County Reads, please contact Liz Fuller, Brentwood and Antioch senior community library manager at [email protected] or (925) 516-5294.
Members of the press with questions, please contact Community and Media Relations Coordinator Brooke Converse at [email protected] or (925) 608-7713.
