Library Lines: Author Everett to discuss his Read Contra Costa book
Acclaimed author Percival Everett will discuss his celebrated novel “James” at a community event this fall at Los Medanos College.
The live event promises a deep dive into the book that re-examines Mark Twain’s classic “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Everett will explore the novel’s themes of language, identity and freedom, offering unique insights into his creative process and literary influences.
After the discussion, Everett will be available to sign copies of his book. Everett’s novel won the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award for fiction in 2025 and was chosen for this year’s Read Contra Costa program, an annual event to bring the community together through the shared experience of reading and discussing the same book.
“A Conversation with Percival Everett” will take place at 11 a.m. Nov. 8 in the Los Medanos College Student Union at 2700 E. Leland Road in Pittsburg. The event will also be available live on Zoom and via CCTV on Comcast channel 27, AT&T U-Verse channel 99 or Astound channels 32 and 1027.
To watch via Zoom, register at bit.ly/peverett11082025. Registration is not required to attend in person.
Hallow-Read challenge: Halloween is a time brimming with joy, enchantment and a bit of mischief. Get set to dance like a monster, indulge in some ghoulish fun or cozy up with a spine-tingling book.
Starting Oct. 1, log your reading and earn creepy badges all month long. Finishers can collect a unique jack-o’-lantern pin. The challenge is now open for preregistration on Beanstack, the digital way to participate in the county library system’s reading challenges.
Hispanic Life in America: Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month began Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15.
In addition to special events and book lists, explore Hispanic Life in America, a database rich in discussion and research about Hispanic heritage, history, culture and daily life. Discover and gain a deeper understanding of the Hispanic American experience as recorded by the news media.
PressReader: A modern digital platform, PressReader offers unlimited access to thousands of newspapers and magazines from more than 120 countries in 60 different languages.
Browse popular titles such as The Economist, New York Times, La Opinión, World Journal, Times of India, La Razón, China Daily, Newsweek and the Boston Globe. PressReader now includes crosswords, sudoku and other puzzles along with MIT Technology Review.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to books and resources. For questions about Contra Costa library services and programming or account information, contact the library system via email at ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to 925-344-5524.
Brooke Converse is the Contra Costa County Library system’s public information officer and can be reached at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us.
Library calendar
“Born Equal” — a Conversation with Akhil Amar: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at St. Mary’s College and via Zoom. Yale Constitutional Scholar Akhil Amar will discuss his new book “Born Equal.” This free in-person event will be open to the public in the Soda Center of St. Mary’s College at 1928 St. Mary’s Road in Moraga. Also attend via Zoom by registering online at ccclib.org.
Bats in the Library: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Dougherty Station Library. Meet the bats that live in the Bay Area with NorCal Bats. Come learn all about our Northern California bat neighbors, their importance in our environment and the myths you may have heard about them.
Howl la la Boo!: 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Oakley Library. Come in costume for our annual Howl la la Boo! celebration. Trick-or-treat with community partners; have fun doing spooky arts and crafts; read a Halloween story; and play games. Registration is required.