The Primary Title
The One Book Project is a community-wide reading and discussion project inviting everyone to read and discuss the themes of immigration and assimilation.
About the Primary Title
Checkout
One Book Titles for All Ages
One Book titles available for checkout in print, eBook, eAudiobook, & book on CD from the Kern County Library.
Also available for purchase from Russo’s Books and Barnes & Noble.
Join the Reading Challenge!
Meet the Authors
Panel discussions, book talks, podcast, and interview series.
Listen To Inspiration
Highlights, insights, and series showcases.
One Book Virtual Kick Off Event
The Rose that Grew from Concrete
Wednesday, September 15th 12pm-1:30pm
Featured presenters:
- Edith Mata
- Letty Sanchez
- Karen Ibanez
- Betsy Rodriguez
Join speakers including Dreamers, representatives from the Library, and CSUB’s First Year Experience as they share their success stories. Enjoy hearing from speaker Leo Ayala, Assistant Director of Student Life at Bakersfield College, and LUPE Student representative, Edith Mata, President, and Marcela Gamino, EOPS staff member.
Brought to you by the Kern County Library, California State University First-Year Experience, Bakersfield College Student Affairs, LUPE Club, and EOPS Department.
Join the One Book Project Reading Challenge
Toastmasters Club Speakers Presents
Historias De La Tierra Prometida
Evento En PersonaViernes, Noviembre 19 | 4pm – 6pm
Dirección: Beale Memorial Library, 701 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, Ca 93301
Ven a escuchar las historias en español de migración, asimilación, lucha, familia, cultura, fe, identidad, hogar, resiliencia y esos nuevos caminos como estudiante universitario de primera generación.
¡La admisión es gratis! Personas sin cita son bienvenidas. No se requiere preinscripción.
Brought to you by:
A Virtual Evening with the Author
A Dream Called Home by Reyna Grande
Thursday, November 18 | 7pm
Join us as we enjoy a virtual evening with A Dream Called Home author, Reyna Grande.
Access Activities
Track reading, watch storytimes, pick up crafts, and more.
September 15 – November 7
Download the Beanstack app or access online. Track reading, manage family accounts, win digital badges, and more! Readers who read one of the companion titles can win a brain teaser, glider, pinwheel, or Auntie Anne’s free pretzel (while supplies last) from the Kern County Library.
Sponsored by the Kern County Library
Learn more about Curbside Locations
September 13 – October 31
Pick up One Book Project themed Carryout Crafts from Kern County Library curbside pickup locations. A new craft every week!
Sponsored by the Kern County Library
One Book Calendar
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.
