A Community United by Reading: Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ “Our Community Reads” Program

By Mary Andersen

In Santa Cruz County, something special happens each year around one book: neighbors gather, ideas buzz, and connections form. That’s the essence of the program known as Our Community Reads, run by the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries (Friends). The premise is simple yet powerful: choose a single book for a community-wide read, then hold a series of events — author talks, panel discussions, field trips, films, art and writing workshops — that connect around themes in that book.

Launched by the Aptos Library Friends in 2017 and now supported by Friends chapters at Felton, Scotts Valley, Aptos, Capitola, La Selva Beach, Garfield Park and Branciforte, the program has become a county-wide tradition.

Felton Library Friends: Front row (l to r): Beth Ahlgren, Christine Armstrong, Marilyn Marzell, Donna Ziel, Chris Estep, Valerie Haff. Back row (l to r): Nancy Gerdt, Michele Mosher, Sabine Westberg. Not pictured: Timothy Lydgate, Moana Whipple.

“What’s so fun is that from the beginning to the end, you see the same people and spark conversations,” says Chair Denise Ward. “The goal of bringing people together around the book is met, and not only are you meeting new people, but you’re getting so much out of that reading experience. We approach our events so that they strike a lot of different interests, from history to scientific research … There’s something there for everyone.” 

With that ethos in mind, the book for the season has been selected — and the related programs are getting ready to roll in early 2026.

Book Selection Party & Winner

In late September, nearly 150 community members gathered at three library branches across the county for the annual book selection party. Participants enjoyed refreshments and lively discussion as they heard presentations on four shortlisted titles before casting their votes. 

The shortlist:

• Spare Parts by Joshua Davis – The true story of four undocumented Latino high-school students who build an underwater robot on a shoestring budget and challenge college engineer teams in a NASA-sponsored robotics competition.
• Orbital by Samantha Harvey – An international team of six astronauts in a space station spend one extraordinary day, passing 16 sunrises and sunsets and grappling with our place in the cosmos.
• All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley – A memoir of art, beauty, and grief from a museum guard at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art.
• Many Things Under a Rock by David Scheel – An exploration of the hidden world of octopuses by a marine biologist.
  

Ultimately, Spare Parts earned nearly half of the votes and will serve as the featured book. 

What’s Next for the 2026 Season

With Spare Parts selected, the Friends and their library-partners are now deep in planning mode. After reading the book this fall and early winter, participants can expect a full calendar of events tied to the book’s themes of innovation, engineering, immigrant success, and teamwork. From panel discussions and films to writing workshops and art projects — there will be something for everyone. 

Copies of Spare Parts are already arriving at each local branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries including at Felton, Boulder Creek, and Scotts Valley as well as at local booksellers like Bookshop Santa Cruz.

Whether you’re a dedicated book club member or someone curious to dip your toe into a community-wide event, this is your invitation. Event volunteers are also welcome. If you’re passionate about community engagement and libraries, it’s a great time to sign up.

Community Connection

At a time when many feel more isolated than ever, our libraries — and programs like Our Community Reads — serve as places of connection. The program is more than just reading a book. It’s about encountering ideas together, having conversations that span generations and backgrounds, and discovering the local library as a warm community hub. As the Friends say, “Our Community Reads brings members of the Santa Cruz County community together exploring one book that sparks connection, conversation, and inspiration.”

The fact that the selection process itself is democratic — with community members voting, gathering, and discussing — means the season doesn’t just start with the book, it starts with the community. When you attend an event, join a discussion, or volunteer, you become part of something larger. You engage your local library and your neighbors in meaningful ways.

Join In

Spare Parts by Joshua Davis is the 2026 book selection for Santa Cruz County’s Our Community Reads. A story of four undocumented teenagers, one ugly robot, and the battle for the American dream.

Next step — read the book now. Community and library events around Spare Parts begin in January 2026. Check your local branch, the Friends website, or sign up for their newsletter for the full schedule. If you’d like to volunteer or simply participate — now is the time to reach out.

A final reminder from the Friends: “Whether you’re a reader, volunteer, or event enthusiast, there’s a place for you!” So pick up a copy, join the conversation, and let the power of one book bring the county together.

Felton Library Friends feltonlibraryfriends@gmail.com
Scotts Valley Library Friends svlibraryfriends@gmail.com
Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries friendsofsantacruzlibraries.org