THE 2020 SEASON
OF
OUR COMMUNITY READS
from the Friends of the Aptos Library!
Five books (curious? click here) were initial candidates
for this program designed to bring members
of the Santa Cruz County community together around one book.
Over 40 friends of the library voted by secret ballot to select the winner.
On October 11, 2019
we announced the winning book:

Patriot Number One
by Lauren Hilgers
We encourage all readers to get involved!
Events are planned for January thru March 2020

We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, all donations are tax deductible (Tax ID: #94-2612557).
Donate to OCR on line | Donate directly to support Our Community Reads
Donate on line | To donate to our chapter please direct your gift to Aptos Chapter of Friends of SCPL
Become a member | When completing the form select Aptos as your favorite branch/chapter.
Contact us | To participate, ask Q's, and/or volunteer at events. We want to hear from you.
In early Spring 2020 the selected book, and themes in the book, will be highlighted in a series of special events: 
Films • Art Exhibits • Discussion Groups • Trivia Night • Guest Speakers • Happy Hour • Story Times •  and more.
These events will create a shared experience that will increase appreciation for our community libraries and for our local bookstores; foster pride in the varied experiences that our area offers; and the enrichment –– culturally, intellectually, and emotionally –– that comes from the joy of reading!
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“A timely, informative book that offers a truthful account of the immigrant and exile experiences in the Chinese-American context.”
Click the book cover for more information.

To review our 2018 season click here

To review our 2019 season click here

Want to know more?
Link to NPR story about Zhuang Liehong.
Link to PBS Newshour series: China, Power and Prosperity.
Link to PBS series: The Story of China.
For a list of additional resources click here.
Here are just a few comments from participants in our  2018 and 2019 seasons:
  • "There is such a thing as making a difference through community efforts!"
  • “I really enjoyed the speaker’s personal experience and perspective.”
  •  “I attended 5 events and enjoyed every one. Thanks, SO GREAT!”
  • “Fun to be with our community because of such a beautiful story teller.”
  • "Outstanding, knowledgeable, expert presenter!"
Our Community Reads - 2019
"This was a great series of events that really showed how reading is not a static, solitary thing but a rich, engaging, exploration that opens eyes and minds and ears. The dialogue and discussion were the best part."
Stephen Palumbi, Co-author, Death & Life of Monterey Bay.
"I am honored to have been a part of the Our Communities Read program! What a fantastic model, to use books to bring people together and take meaningful action. In the case of our book, action towards the collective goal of protecting the places we love."
Carolyn Sotka, Co-author, Death & Life of Monterey Bay.

  • Deluxe Foods will donate 5% of sale to Friends of Aptos Library. All you have to do is mention the Aptos Friends to the cashier and they will take care of the rest. Click here ~ and ~ here for news article.
  • January through March 2020 – A series of special events related to themes in the book.