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Silicon Valley Reads 2010

Presented by the Santa Clara County Office of Education, the Santa Clara County Library and the San Jose Public Library Foundation, Silicon Valley Reads is designed to promote reading and literacy, to foster appreciation of good literature, and to build community.

Announcing Silicon Valley Reads 2010
	In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan The newest selection for the Silicon Valley Reads community program is In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto by Michael Pollan, a best-selling examination of what is wrong with the American diet and what people should do to avoid over-processed, artificially-enhanced foods. Pollan has been writing books and articles about the places where the human and natural worlds intersect: food, agriculture, gardens, drugs, and architecture. His previous book, The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals won the California Book Award, the Northern California Book Award, the James Beard Award for best food writing, and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. Pollan, who was born in 1955, grew up on Long Island, and was educated at Bennington College, Oxford University, and Columbia University, from which he received a Master's in English. He lives in the Bay Area with his wife, the painter Judith Belzer, and their son, Isaac.
Companion Books for Young Readers
Three companion books for children with similar themes have also been selected so that all members of the family can read together and talk about the importance of eating fesh, healthy foods.
	For grades 4-8, Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman, a novel about how a lima bean garden started by nine-year-old Kim as a memorial to her Vietnamese familiy has a positive impact on the lives of 12 neighbors.
	For grades K-3, Tops & Bottoms by Janet Stevens, the humorous story of a partnership between Bear and Hare to grow and share vegetables.
	For pre-K, Carrot Soup by John Segal, the story of Rabbit who grows carrots in his garden for his favorite soup.
Kick-Off of Silicon Valley Reads 2010
Wednesday, Jan. 27 7:30 p.m., Campbell Heritage Theatre, 1 W. Campbell Ave. [at Winchester Blvd.], Campbell Silicon Valley Reads 2010 Kick-off Event with Michael Pollan in person. Pollan will be interviewed on stage by Mercury News columnist Mike Cassidy. You may purchase books at the event. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. - first come, first seated. Arrival music performed by the Prospect High School Jazz Ensemble performing under the direction of Ryan Goodenough. Co-sponsored by Commonwealth Club Silicon Valley. Book signing follows the program.
Silicon Valley Reads 2010 Schedule of Events at Santa Clara County Library
Beginning in early 2010, public events are scheduled to spark discussion of the themes of the selected books. View the SVR Calendar of Events to see a complete list of Silicon Valley Reads programs at venues throughout the County.
Authors
Martin Yan The Master Chef and author of more than 30 cookbooks will demonstrate how to cook fresh, healthy Asian-inspired meals. Book signing follows. Monday, Feb. 1 7:00 p.m., Los Altos Youth Center, 1 S. San Antonio Rd., Los Altos Sunday, Feb. 7 3:00 p.m., Milpitas Library Friday, Feb. 12 7:00 p.m., Saratoga Library Preston Maring M.D. Dr. Maring, Associate Physician-in-chief at Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, founder of the Kaiser Permanente farmers market program, and contributor to Eating Well in Season: The Farmers Market Cookbook, discusses the role of fresh produce in preventive medicine. Book signing follows. Thursday, Feb. 11 7:00 p.m., Milpitas Library Janet Stevens The author of Tops & Bottoms, talks about "Making Picture Books My Way from Top to Bottom," a presentation that explores the creative process, where ideas come from, and how she makes a picture book. Book signing follows . Tuesday, Feb. 2 7:00 p.m., Saratoga Library "Yummy for Your Tummy" with Chef Lala Chef Lala, a Master Chef and nutritionist, will present a bilingual cooking demonstration for young children and their families. She will be assisted by her son, Maddox, age 3. Chef Lala is a frequent guest on the "Today" show, spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association, and the author of Yummy for Your Tummy, a book of fun, easy and healthy recipes for young children published by FIRST 5 California. This event includes other free activities related to healthy eating and lifestyles. Chef Lala's recipe book in English and Spanish will be provided to all families attending. Co-sponsored by FIRST 5 Santa Clara County, South County Collaborative Nutrition and Health Committee, Gilroy Unified School District, Generations Coummunity Wellness and Kaiser Permanente San Jose Medical Center. Saturday, Feb. 6 9:30 a.m. exhibits open, 10:00 a.m. program begins Gilroy High School Multipurpose Center, 750 W. 10th St., Gilroy Jonah Raskin The author of Field Days: A Year of Farming, Eating, and Drinking Wine in California, discusses his year-long journey among organic farmers, farm workers and winemakers. Book signing follows. Wednesday, Feb. 24 7:00 p.m., Campbell Library Novella Carpenter The author of Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer, discusses her experiences in feeding herself with homegrown vegetables, eggs, honey and meat. Book signing follows. Co-sponsored by Friends of the Morgan Hill Library, AAUW-Morgan Hill, BookSmart and the Morgan Hill Times. Saturday, Feb. 27 2:00 p.m., Morgan Hill Library David Mas Masumoto The author of Wisdom of the Last Farmer and Four Seasons in Five Senses, talks about "In Defense of Food: A Farmer's Perspective." Thursday March 18 7:00 p.m., Gilroy Senior Center, 7371 Hanna St., Gilroy Co-sponsored by Friends of the Gilroy Library, Gilroy Library Commission, Gilroy AAUW, Gilroy Writer's Project, Vision Literacy, and Gilroy Library Book Club. Friday, March 19 4:00 p.m., Saratoga Library "Food... or Nutrition? You Decide!" A lively program featuring David Mas Masumoto author of Wisdom of the Last Farmer and Four Seasons in Five Senses, and a panel of food and nutrition experts. Following this program, the afternoon continues with the announcement of the winners of the Cupertino 2010 Silicon Valley Reads Essay Contest for adults and teens (grades 9-12). Co-sponsored by the Cupertino Library Foundation. Saturday, March 20 1:30-3:00 p.m., Cupertino Community Hall, 10350 Torre Ave., Cupertino
Book Discussion Groups
Thursday, Jan. 21 Drop-in book group discusses In Defense of Food. 7:00 p.m., Cupertino Library Wednesday, Feb. 17 Book discussion group for grades 6-8 of Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman. Register in advance beginning Jan. 11. 4:00 p.m., Saratoga Library Tuesday, Feb. 23 Drop-in book group will discuss In Defense of Food. 7:30 p.m., Gilroy Library
Writing Contest
"Families Fables, Family Feasts: Tales Told Around the Table," a writing contest. Good food and good stories are best enjoyed when shared. In a sense, good stories are food for the soul. It is around the family table that we find comfort, learn about ourselves and others, and become connected to the world. Sometimes the tales are tall and sometimes truth can be stranger than fiction but always a delight. Gilroy Library invites the residents of Santa Clara County to regale us with a story from your family lore. Submit entries between Feb. 1 - March 21. A reception for writers will be held during National Library Week in April 2010. Winning entries will be posted on the Santa Clara County Library website. Information: (408) 842-8207 or feast@library.sccgov.org
Film Program
Wednesday, Jan. 20 A showing of the film Two Angry Moms, a 90-minute award-winning documentary about what parents need to know and do to get better food in schools. Discussion follows the film. 7:00 p.m., Los Altos Library
Teen Programs
"Healthy Cooking for Teens" Learn from professional chef Jason Senior how to make delicious (and healthy) snacks. Take home quick and easy recipes that are microwave-friendly. All supplies included. Please register in advance. Wednesday, Feb. 10 4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Cupertino Library Wednesday, Feb 17 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Campbell Library Tuesday, March 2 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Morgan Hill Library Thursday, March 11 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Saratoga Library Wednesday, March 17 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Milpitas Library Thursday, March 25 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Gilroy Library Monday, March 29 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Los Altos Library
Children's Storytimes & Crafts
Wednesday, Jan. 27 Cook-a-Doodle-Doo, a celebration of strawberries and the illustrations of Janet Stevens for grades K-3. Stories, craft and a treat included. 3:45 p.m., Saratoga Library Wednesday, Feb. 3 "Lettuce Read" Family storytimes with food themes. 7:00 p.m., Morgan Hill Library Thursday, Feb. 4 "Lettuce Read" Toddler storytimes with food themes. 10:00 a.m., Morgan Hill Library Thursday, Feb. 4 "Lettuce Read" Preschool storytimes with food themes. 10:45 a.m., Morgan Hill Library Saturday, Feb. 6 "Lettuce Read" Bilingual children's storytimes with food themes. 10:00 a.m., Morgan Hill Library Wednesday, Feb. 24 *"Seedfolks* - Peace And Community," a program for grades 4-8. Create a container garden and participate in a community flower arrangement for the library. Space limited. Register in advance starting Jan. 11. 4:00 p.m., Saratoga Library Wednesday, March 3 Edible crafts** for children grades K and up. Make and eat a craft of edible parts to learn more about food. 3:30 p.m., Los Altos Library
Book Club Kit
	Michael Pollan's book In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto is also available as a Book Club Kit. Copies are available in regular and large print.