The One Book Project is a countywide reading and discussion project that fosters empathy, promotes awareness, and strengthens the fabric of our community by exploring the themes in this year’s One Book selection, We Need To Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter by Celeste Headlee.
About the Fall 2026 Primary Title
We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter
by Celeste Headlee
A self-help book that argues modern technology has eroded our conversational skills, leading to societal division. Based on her research as a public radio journalist, Headlee provides practical strategies, like putting away your phone and checking your biases, to help readers have more meaningful, empathetic, and productive dialogues with others, even those with whom they disagree.
FOR ALL GENRES & AGES
We Need to Talk by Celeste Headlee and One Book companion titles are available for checkout in print, eBook, eAudiobook, and book on CD from the Kern County Library.
More than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We MeanMiddle Grade
Ollivetti 
Tweet Cute: A Cute Novel
RU OK? A Horror Story in Texts
A Sky of Paper StarsOur Partners
The One Book Project is presented by Kern County Library and California State University, Bakersfield, Office of the Provost.
A special thanks to our community partners for participating in our One Book Project effort.
Bakersfield College
Student Activities Office
California State University of Bakersfield
Office of the Provost
Department of English
General Education Program
Sigma Tau Delta
Walter W. Stiern Library
Kegley Institute of Ethics
Art & Spirituality Center at Dignity Health
Bakersfield Toastmasters Club
Dress for Success
Lyles College of Beauty Bakersfield
Nature Center at Hart Memorial Park
North of the River Recreation & Parks District
Sign up for the One Book Project Reading Challenge through Beanstack.
Record reading sessions and manage family accounts to earn digital badges and prizes!
The challenge starts October 1, 2024 and ends November 30, 2024.
One Book Main Events
The One Book Kickoff Event
Phone Down, Connections Up
Thursday, October 8 | 11am – 1pm
Bakersfield College Campus Center 231 | 1801 Panorama Drive Bakersfield | 661.395.4011
The Renegade Community is invited to join the Kern County One Book Project Kickoff! Participants will enjoy guided, low-pressure conversations with people they may not already know. Inspired by Celeste Headlee’s We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter, this event is part of the 2026 Kern County One Book Project. Conversation cards will help participants move beyond small talk and explore listening, connection, communication, and understanding. Participants do not need to read the book in advance.
Partners: Bakersfield College and Bakersfield College Office of Student Life
Poetic Sanctuary with Diana Ramirez
Saturday, October 10 | 1pm-3pm
Beale Memorial Library | 701 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301
Discover your poetic voice through a blend of poetry, writing, and guided mindfulness practices. Each session centers on exploring a poem to reflect on our shared human experiences and the vulnerable emotions that connect us. Guided writing reflections encourage you to express yourself freely in a compassionate space to help you explore your inner depths. Every workshop concludes with an open invitation to share your work, only if you feel moved to do so. Come as you are and ready to listen, reflect, and uncover the sacred narratives within you.
About the Workshop Instructor
Diana Ramirez is a recipient of the 2024 California Arts Council Emerging Artist Fellowship and a 2026 Kern Dance Alliance Individual Artists Fellow. She brings mindfulness, poetry, and writing into justice systems and recovery spaces, helping others reclaim their voices and discover presence.
Breathe with the Trees with Robin Carpenter
Saturday, October 10 | 10am-11am
Saturday, November 17 | 10am-11am
Hart Memorial Park, Nature Center | 8000 River Rd, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Experience how your breath can connect you more deeply with nature, and yourself for more clarity and deeper connections. The Kern River Parkway’s Nature Center (or “Peacock House”) located in Hart Memorial Park offers a wide range of programs to connect visitors with the natural environment of Kern County. The Nature Center is located on the south bank of the lower Kern River among the lush grounds of Hart Memorial Park in Bakersfield, California.
Partner: Kern River Parkway Nature Center
Disagreement and Donuts
Hosted by Intercollegiate Civil Disagreement Partnership Student Fellows
Tuesday, October 13 | 11:30am
CSUB Student Union Patio | 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Apt. 56, Bakersfield, CA 93311
Student fellows from the Kegley Institute of Ethics’ Intercollegiate Civil Disagreement Partnership (ICDP) will host small group conversations on current, hot-button topics outside the CSUB Student Union. Students and members of the public are invited to walk up and join. The ICDP student fellowship focuses on developing students’ skills to facilitate conversations across political difference and creating spaces for civil disagreement to flourish on college campuses.
Partner: CSUB’s Kegley Institute of Ethics
Film Screening: Arrival
Wednesday, October 14 | 1pm-3pm
North of the River Recreation & Park District, Rasmussen Senior Center | 115 E. Roberts Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93308 | 661.392.2030
Language shapes how we perceive reality, and true connection requires us to embrace life’s joy
even when we know it ends in grief. The film stars Amy Adams as Louise Banks, a linguist engaged by the United States Army to discover how to communicate with extraterrestrials who have arrived on Earth, before tensions lead to war.
Partner: North of the River Recreation & Park District
Communicate to Connect – Crafting Unique Stories and Messages
Communicate to Connect: WORKSHOPS
Wednesday, October 21 | 11am-12:30pm
Wednesday, October 28 | 11:30am-12:30pm
Beale Memorial Library, TEJON ROOM | 701 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301
Bring your personal stories of the ways in which communication has played a role in your life and its power to help you connect with yourself, other people, and the world around you. We will help you write your unique story or message into an audience-worthy speech in two scheduled workshops.
Communicate to Connect: PRESENTATIONS
Saturday, November 7 | 1pm-3pm
Beale Memorial Library, AUDITORIUM | 701 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301
For those that are feeling confident, we are providing an opportunity to tell your story or deliver your message in front of a live audience on Saturday, November 7, 2026 on our Auditorium stage at Beale Memorial Library! We would love for you to join us on this journey of discovery and deeper connections.
Partner: Bakersfield Toastmasters Clubs
Author Keynote with Celeste Headlee
Thursday, October 29 | 7pm
CSUB Icardo Center | 9001 Stockdale Hwy. Gym, Bakersfield, CA 93311
Partners: CSUB – Office of the Provost, English Department, Walter Stiern Library, General Education Program, Kegley Institute of Ethics, and Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society. Additionally, Kern Council Teachers of English.
22nd Annual Kegley Institute of Ethics Fall Lecture Series
Calling In: How to Start Making Change with Those You’d Rather Cancel with Professor Loretta J. Ross
Thursday, November 19 | 5:30pm
Walter W. Stiern Library, Dezember Reading Room | 9001 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA 93311
In her lecture, educator, activist and scholar Loretta Ross will introduce the powerful practice of “Calling In” a compassionate alternative to canceling that emphasizes accountability, empathy, and connection. Through engaging storytelling and real-world insights, participants will explore how to navigate difficult conversations, foster deeper understanding across differences, and create more inclusive and resilient communities. Learn how to meet people where they are, while staying rooted in justice and shared humanity.
Threads of Empowerment Fashion Show
Saturday, November 21 | 1pm-3pm
Beale Memorial Library 701 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301. 661.868.0701
Threads of Empowerment is a fashion show that celebrates the power of confidence, self-expression, and dressing for the professional life you want to create. This inspiring showcase will take you through
the many moments when style becomes the thread that connects opportunity with confidence and achievement. Our models will shine with stunning looks styled by Dress for Success boutique, and hair and makeup artistry provided by students from Lyles College of Beauty.
Categories:
- The Interview – Make a confident first impression.
- The First Day – Dress for success in your new role.
- Everyday Confidence – Empowering styles for work and community life.
- Leadership – Boss woman attire.
- Celebrate Your Success – Evening or business networking attire that reflect your personal and professional achievements.
PARTNERS: Dress for Success, Lyles College of Beauty
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Sharing Perspective: Art that Illustrates Conversation
October 12 through December 15, 2026
CSUB Walter Stiern Library | 9001 Stockdale Hwy., Bakersfield, CA 93311 | 661.654.3172
In support of this year’s One Book Project selection, the Walter W. Stiern Library invites students and community members to the 2026 annual art exhibit. The work in the exhibit is all student-submitted and illustrate a difficult conversation in some way—active listening, being vulnerable, sharing important (or exciting or hard) news, responding honestly, advocating for ourselves and others.
Off Site Self-Guided Walking Tours: Programs and Tours at Hart Memorial Park
Friday-Sunday | 10am-4pm
Hart Memorial Park, Nature Center | 8000 River Rd., Bakersfield, CA 93308
Designed to get you off your devices and connecting out in~ and with, nature!
Download the maps here: https://kernnaturecenter.org/hart-memorial-park/
SELF GUIDED TOUR #1 – What’s This Thing? Take a self-guided walking tour of the remaining artifacts of the old “Kern River Park.” Discover unusual artifacts hidden in plain sight around the park and learn about their fascinating history! The trail is 3.25 miles and 7,000 steps.
SELF GUIDED TOUR #2 – Markers & Memorials Take a self-guided walking tour and uncover the rich history behind the park’s 14 remaining tree growth markers. Tour includes a detailed map of the memorials and plaques dedicated to loved ones over the years. This tour is self-paced and steps can vary.
DRIVE FOR SUCCESS: Coats, Shoes, & Purses Drive
To Benefit Dress for Success Bakersfield
Threads of Empowerment celebrates the connection between clothing and confidence. As part of our upcoming One Book event, Kern County Library is partnering with Dress for Success Bakersfield for a clothing drive to help provide professional attire and support individuals as they prepare for new opportunities.
Donate new or gently used dresses, jackets, shoes, and purses throughout October and November at the following locations:
- Southwest Branch Library
- Rathbun Branch Library
- Northeast Branch Library
New clothing is also welcome!
About Dress for Success:
Dress for Success Worldwide is the leading resource for advancing women in the workplace globally. Its purpose is to empower women to achieve economic mobility by providing a network of support, workplace attire, and development tools for success.
GIVE CONFIDENCE: https://bakersfield.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/donate/
Mindfulness and Reflective Messaging for Clearer Communication Programs
For program dates/times visit: CommonSpirit.org/BakersfieldArt
Art & Spirituality Center at Dignity Health | 2215 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301| 661.632.5747
Art for Healing programs provide a variety of creative experiences free of charge. From artmaking to meditation to music and writing, participants will become practiced in the skills of letting go, living in the moment, artful reflection, and relaxation. All programs are led by experienced facilitators and are intended for persons 18 and older who are seeking clarity and connection or respite from life challenges.
Writing and Poetry Programs
Let’s Have a Word Together: Registration required.
Poetic Sanctuary w/Diana Ramirez: Registration required.
Contemplative & Reflective Programs
Meditation & Healing Breath: Registration required.
Music & Meditation: No registration required.
Creative Meditation & Sound Bath: Registration required.
Art Journaling: A Bonding Experience for Family & Friends: Registration required for each person.
SUPPORTING LITERACY AND LEARNING IN KERN COUNTY
Kern County Library’s Beanstack Reading Challenge Online
Visit: https://kerncountylibrary.org/
Library cardholders can sign up through the Beanstack online platform on the Kern County Library website or download the mobile app and track their One Book Project reading challenge to win a prize! Check out this year’s challenge by visiting your local branch!
Kern Learn’s Canvas Learning Module
For more information contact: julie_young@kernhigh.org
A One Book Project Canvas Learning Module has been developed as an engaging resource for KHSD, CSUB, and BC instructors and their students—and it’s open to anyone on Canvas! Built around Celeste Headlee’s We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter, the module gives educators flexible lessons, activities, discussions, and writing opportunities that help students build stronger critical-thinking and communication, as well as reading and writing skills. Over 1,000 students from 14 Kern High School District high schools participate, as well as hundreds of students attending CSUB and BC. This shared resource creates an exciting opportunity to bring classrooms and campuses together through the power of meaningful conversation.
2026-27 International Book Club at CSUB
Spanning continents and cultures, the IBC boasts a vibrant community of members hailing from countries such as Poland, Mexico, Guatemala, Argentina, and the United States. Striving to weave the threads of global understanding, readers are invited on an enriching journey of exploration, connection, and positive impact as they read and discuss Celeste Headlee’s We Need to Talk: How to Have Conversations That Matter, the 2026-2027 One Book Project/International Book Club selection. Cal State Bakersfield’s International Book Club was founded with the vision of fostering intercultural understanding, collaboration, and personal transformation through action-oriented reading.
One Book Project Additional Activities
Storytimes
Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, & fun for the whole family.
Preschool Storytime
Sat. |Oct. 5 | 11am
Tue. | Oct. 8 | 4pm
Family Storytime
Sat. |Nov. 2 | 10:30am
Family Storytime
Fri. |Oct. 4 | 11am
Preschool Storytime
Tues. | Oct. 22 | 3:30pm
Tues. | Nov. 5 | 3:30pm
Thur. | Nov. 16* | 1pm
*storytime includes craft
Preschool Storytime
Tues. | Oct. 7 | 4pm
Thur. | Oct. 17 | 11am
Family Storytime
Fri. | Nov. 15 | 3:30pm
Family Storytime
Sat. | Oct. 5 | 11am
Preschool Storytime
Tues. | Oct. 1 | 4:30pm
Family Storytime
Weds. | Nov. 6 | 2:30pm
Mon. | Oct. 16 | 12pm
Mon. | Nov. 13 | 12pm
Preschool Storytime
Tues. | Oct. 3 | 10:30am
Tues. | Oct. 10 | 10:30am
Tues. | Oct. 17 | 10:30am
Tues. | Oct.24 | 10:30am
Tues. | Oct. 31. | 10:30am
Tues. | Nov. 7 | 10:30am
Tues. | Nov.14 | 10:30am
Tues. | Nov. 15 | 10:30am
Tues. | Nov. 21 | 10:30am
Preschool Storytime
Tues. |Oct. 10 | 10am
Thurs. |Nov. 7 | 10am
Preschool Storytime
Thur. | Oct. 17 | 10:30am
Thur. | Nov. 21 | 10:30am
Preschool Storytime
Thurs. |Oct. 3 | 11am
Fri. | Oct. 4 | 12pm
Thurs. | Oct. 31 | 11am
Fri. | Nov. 1 | 12pm
Family Storytime
Tues. | Oct. 1 | 4pm
Sat. | Oct. 5 | 4pm
Tues. | Oct. 28 | 4pm
Sat. | Nov. 2 | 10:30am
Preschool Storytime
Tues. | Oct. 15 | 11am
Family Storytime
Tues. | Oct. 15 | 4pm
Preschool Storytime
Mon. | Nov. 4| 2pm
Mon. | Nov. 18| 2pm
Mon. | Nov. 25| 2pm
Family Storytime
Fri. | Nov. 5 | 2pm
Tues. | Nov. 19 | 2pm
Coloring Stations
Stop by our coloring station and make new friends while expressing yourself through color. Take a coloring sheet or an activity sheet and have some fun! From October to November, we'll have One Book Project related sheets ready for you, so come on by!
Jamison Center Book Drive
Join us while we learn how to use American Sign Language. We will use stories, games and activities to better understand this amazing language.
Foster Kids Wish List Drive Promotion
Enjoy movie screenings that share themes similar to this year's One Book Project book selection.
Arts & Crafts
Get inspired and crafty at select library branches for One Book Project related craft events.
Ages 6-11 are invited to attend
Arvin Branch Library
Wed. | Oct. 9 | 4pm
Beale Memorial Library
Wed. | Nov. 6 | 4pm
Wed. | Nov. 20 | 4pm
Buttonwillow Branch Library
Fri. | Oct. 4 | 4pm
Fri. | Oct. 11 | 4pm
Tues. |Oct. 15 | 3pm
Thurs. | Nov. 14 | 4pm
Mon. | Nov. 18 | 4pm
Mon. | Nov. 26 | 4pm
California City Branch Library
Tues. | Oct. 22 | 3:30pm
Frazier Park Branch Library
Fri. | Oct. 13 | 3:30pm
Tues. | Nov. 5 | 3:30pm
Lamont Branch Library
Tues. | Oct. 8 | 12:30pm
Mojave Branch Library
Wed. | Oct. 9 | 2:30pm
Thurs. | Nov. 14 | 4:00pm
Northeast Branch Library
Tues. | Nov. 5 | 4:00pm
Ridgecrest Branch Library
Wed. | Nov. 20 | 12:00pm
Taft Branch Library
Tue. | Oct. 22 | 4pm
Tue. |Nov. 5 | 4pm
Wasco Branch Library
Tue. | Nov. 5 | 4:00pm
Tue. | Nov. 12 | 4:00pm
Ages 18+ are invited to attend
Buttonwillow Branch Library
Sat. | Nov. 2 | 1:00pm
California City Branch Library
Thurs. | Nov. 7 | 4:00pm Mojave Branch Library
Thurs. | Oct. 17 | 5:30pm
Ages 12-17 are invited to attend
Baker Branch Library
Wed. | Oct. 16 | 4:00pm Buttonwillow Library
Wed. |Oct. 16 | 4:00pm Frazier Park Branch Library
Tue. |Oct. 8 | 4:00pm Lamont Branch Library
Wed. | Oct. 9 | 4:30pm McFarland Branch Library
Wed. | Nov. 6 | 2:00pm Rosamond Branch Library
Thurs. | Nov. 21 | 3:30pm
All Ages are invited to attend
Arvin Branch Library
Fri. | Nov. 1 | 10am
Baker Branch Library
Sat. | Nov. 16 | 1pm
Buttonwillow Branch Library
Sat. | Oct. 12 | 12pm
Weds. | Nov. 6 | 5pm
Sat. | Nov. 9 | 2pm
Lamont Branch Library
Fri. |Nov. 1 | 10pm
Mojave Branch Library
Fri. | Nov. 1 | 11am
Taft Branch Library
Mon. | Nov. 4 |11am
Wasco Branch Library
Mon. | Nov. 4 | 11am
History of the One Book Project
The program began in 2001 through the grassroots efforts of Jillian Fritch, an elementary school teacher who had read a story in the Los Angeles Times regarding One Book, One Community initiatives; at the time Seattle Reads and One Book Chicago were pioneers, and Los Angeles had decided to do a One Book project. Jillian was inspired to begin a project in Bakersfield. The first book was “To Kill a Mockingbird.” An array of community partners jumped on board, including education, nonprofits, local government, businesses, and media outlets. The Kern County Library became the lead organization in 2003. Now, the One Book Project continues to reach out to our diverse Kern County community both in book choice and related programming. In 2010, the One Book Project began a partnership with California State University, Bakersfield’s “Runner Reader Program” (or First-Year Experience Program), which involves students reading a common book. Through this partnership, the community has benefited extended programming, including author visits and talks at CSUB at the culmination of the read. In November 2011, more than 1,400 people turned out to hear author Wes Moore speak about his book, “The Other Wes Moore.” One Book, One Bakersfield, One Kern remains a grassroots project that relies on community partners and donations to provide related programming and copies of the book throughout the county.
