Looking for a great read? The next book selection for the citywide
reading program, Huntington Beach Reads, is the kids from nowhere: The
Story Behind the Arctic Educational Miracle, by George Guthridge. read more
Three Cups of Tea Written by Greg
Mortenson
One man's mission to promote peace, one school at a time. The inspiring
account of one man's campaign to build schools in the most dangerous,
remote, and anti-American reaches of Asia read
more
Welcome to
Huntington Beach Reads One Book!
In 2007, the Huntington Beach Human
Relations Task Force and the Huntington Beach Library Board of Trustees
partnered in the community's first Reads One Book project. The idea:
all adult readers, students and families in Huntington Beach would read
the same book at the same time for a community-wide experience.
The Huntington Beach City Council endorsed the program, and Huntington
Beach Reads One Book was joined by seven area high schools, community
organizations and Southern California readers in a variety of inaugural
events. The first author visit by Greg Mortenson, Three Cups of Tea,
was a successful day long event involving more than 2,000 readers.
The next day, the first question asked was "what is your next book?" We
began planning the next reading adventure!
The books selected for Huntington Beach Reads One Book invite readers
to learn about the diversity of people, cultures and discuss new
perspectives. We introduce readers to the authors, and bring you
programs that share the art, music, food and experiences of the story.
Mary Lou Hughes, a longtime Huntington
Beach resident and HB Reads committee member, has entertained and
intrigued young readers as a children’s storyteller. A
retired teacher/counselor from the Huntington Beach Union High School
District, Mary Lou is one of the founding members of the "Grandparents
and Books" program at the HB Library
LeRoy Lucian is a well-known figure at the
Huntington Beach Library and a volunteer with Friends of the
Library. A professional caterer, LeRoy also has expertise in the
art world and brings that perspective to HB Reads. For the 2009
HB Reads featured book, LeRoy—an HB Reads committee
member—collected Yu’pik art and artifacts which were put on
display at the library. LeRoy says, “Viewing art to me has
much in common with reading a book. It can transport you to another
place, another time. It tells a story and offers insights into the mind
and world of its creator. The materials used and the stylistic aspects
reflect on the culture of its origin. On a more humanistic level, the
emotional impact it conveys illustrates just how much alike we all
are.”
Richard Moore, a retired school
librarian—or “Guybrarian”—is a longtime
resident of Huntington Beach and former Library Board of Trustees
member. He also is the original HB Reads blogger, the “Info
Sherpa.” Richard, an HB Reads committee member, is happiest when
schlepping books and information to others. Richard’s
Info Sherpa blog focuses on our featured books and how to make a good
read an even better read, all in an effort to bring you to book
nirvana.
Paul Kareem Tayyar, a Huntington Beach
resident, is the author of three poetry books, "Everyday Magic"
(West-Coast Bias Press), "Scenes From A Good Life" (Tebot Bach), and
"Postmark Atlantis" (Level 4 Press). He received his Ph.D. in
American Literature from U.C. Riverside, and he is a two-time nominee
for the Pushcart Prize. Paul teaches English at Golden West
College, and is the Founder and Editor of World Parade Books, a
literary press located in Huntington Beach.
