Palo Alto Reads ~ Distant Land of My Father

Until Next Year

2008-02-27T14:36:00.000-08:00

The 122 people that came on a rainy day to hear author Bo Caldwell speak were treated to a delightful afternoon! This final event for Palo Alto's celebration of Silicon Valley Reads 2008 was the perfect ending to two months of programs, book talks and presentations. Thank you to all who turned out, and to all that read the book The Distant Land of My Father.

Here is a heartfelt letter to Ms. Caldwell from a gentleman who found parallels between his life and her story. The Distant Land of My Father has touched many in our community!

Again, thank you Palo Alto! Also, thank you Deborah Anthonyson and Abby Boyd, the two senior librarians who put together this wonderful series of events, and thank you to all the volunteers and other library staff who assisted them. You brightened our winter months!

What a Great Turn Out!

2008-02-19T14:39:00.000-08:00

There were over 160 people of all ages that came to hear the Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra last Sunday. The music was delightful! What a great afternoon!

Next up, In Conversation with Bo Caldwell.

When: Sunday, February 24

Where: Palo Alto Art Center, 1313 Newell Rd.

Time: 3:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE

This is the last event in this series - you won't want to miss it!

Free Musical Performance

2008-02-15T11:17:00.000-08:00

Plan to spend this Sunday listening to the wonderful music of the Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra. The event is free and is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

When: Sunday, February 17

Time: 3:00 p.m.
Where: Mitchell Park Community Center

This is part of Palo Alto's celebration of Silicon Valley Reads 2008, The Distant Land of My Father by Bo Caldwell. You can hear the author speak on Sunday, February 24. For more information, click here.

Events are sponsored by The Friends of the Palo Alto Library. We thank them for their generosity.

Busy Week Ahead

2008-02-11T14:39:00.000-08:00

This week there are three book discussions of The Distant Land of My Father scattered through out the City of Palo Alto. Our hope is that there is one near you so you can join us!

Monday, February 11, 7:00 p.m. Mitchell Park Library
Tuesday, February 12, Noon Downtown Library
Wednesday, February 13, 7:00 p.m. College Terrace Library

AND next weekend is the Firebird Youth Chinese Orchestra:

When: Sunday, February 17
Where: Mitchell Park Community Center, 3800 Middlefield Rd.
Time: Begins at 3:00 p.m.

Let's Discuss ONLINE!

2008-02-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

Do you want to share your thoughts on The Distant Land of My Father online in this space? Or do you want to start an online discussion about the book?
It's easy to do!

Click on the TITLE of this post (or any other post you wish to comment on)
Click on Post a Comment at the end of the entry
Type in your comments, reviews or other reactions to the book
Select how your posting will be identified - either with your email or anonymously
Post your comment!

Comments will show up here in the order they were posted. All posts will be reviewed before they go live to keep the postings on target.

Discuss amongst yourselves!

Library Hosted Book Discussions

2008-02-05T14:39:00.000-08:00

Did you enjoy the Red Panda Acrobats? There were people of all ages enjoying the incredible skill and strength of these acrobats from China.

What is up next? The Library is sponsoring three book discussions of The Distant Land of My Father at three locations beginning next week. The schedule is:

Monday, February 11, 7:00 p.m.
Mitchell Park Library
Tuesday, February 12, Noon
Downtown Library
Wednesday, February 13, 7:00 p.m.
College Terrace Library

Join any or all of these discussion, and enjoy free refreshments and good talk.

Red Panda Troupe Performs Friday Night

2008-01-31T15:34:00.000-08:00

The Red Panda Acrobats are performing FREE at the Mitchell Park Community Center. A program for the whole family, come and see how amazing the human body can be!

When: Friday, February 1, 7:00pm

Where: Mitchell Park Community Center, 3800 Middlefield Rd

This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Palo Alto Library, and is part of Palo Alto City Library's participation in Silicon Valley Reads, 2008 "The Distant Land of My Father" by Bo Caldwell.

What a Wonderful Program!

2008-01-28T12:31:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all that came out on a dark and stormy night to take part in the wonderful program "Memories of Wartime Shanghai". There were over 160 in the audience, and the presenters were charming. Kudos to the staff for all their work on this.

Next up, The Red Panda Acrobats this Friday, February 1, at 7:00pm at the Mitchell Park Community Center.

See you there!

Tonight!

2008-01-25T15:59:00.000-08:00

Hello subscribers!
Tonight is the kick off event "Memories of Wartime Shanghai" at the Main Library beginning at 7pm. If you brave the weather you will be treated to a wonderful presentation as well as hot tea and refreshments. See you there!

Kick Off Event This Friday!

2008-01-23T10:23:00.001-08:00

Amazing Women Tell Amazing Stories of Shanghai, China!

Join us on Friday, January 25 for the Palo Alto kick off event for Silicon Valley Reads 2008 - "Memories of Wartime Shanghai". Historian Connie Young Yu is the author of Chinatown, San Jose, USA, and has written extensively on Asian American history. Meimei Pan will share stories and memorabilia of her parents’ experiences in, and eventual escape from Shanghai.

When: Friday, January 25 at 7:00pm
Where: Main Library, 1213 Newell Rd.
Cost: FREE
Refreshments will be served.
Questions? Call 650.329-2436

Also, there is an exhibit of items provided by Ms. Pan and Ms. Yu from the 1940's on display at the Main Library.

"Superheroes" Visit Main Library

2008-01-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

The celebration of The Distant Land of My Father has begun at the Main Library with a display from the group "Growing Up Asian in America".

"The Asian Pacific Fund selects a new theme for the Growing Up Asian in America contest every year, and in 2007 we asked youth to address “Superheroes.” We wanted to learn what characteristics young people value and how their heroes make homes, neighborhoods, communities and the world a better place. We received artwork and essays that show how students understand courage and heroism, danger and suffering, risks and challenges."

The local winner's drawings and essays are part of this display that has enchanted all that have seen it. Come on in and be part of this celebration!

Drawing by Martina Lo, Age 17 La Honda (San Mateo County) Summit Preparatory Charter High School - second place in the 9-12 grade category. See all the winnners.

And So It Begins!

2008-01-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

The two month celebration of "The Distant Land of My Father" has begun! Join us as we participate in Silicon Valley Reads, 2008.

A complete list of events.
A reading list of related titles.
Hot Off the Shelf Newsletter with details on all.

Check back here for details and updates.

See you at the Library!

Pick Up Your Book Bags

2007-12-05T16:34:00.000-08:00

For those book groups or clubs that signed up to receive a book bag full of books and reading aids for Silicon Valley Reads: The Distant Land of My Father, they are in and they are fabulous! Contact us at libraryreference@cityofpaloalto.org if you have any questions.

For the rest of us, you still have time to read the book before all the events begin! As of today, there is only one hold on Library copies.

If You Enjoyed The Distant Land of My Father...

2007-11-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

Here is a great list of fiction (pdf), non-fiction and DVDs that our librarians put together that complement the book The Distant Land of My Father. Enjoy the list and spread the word!

Book Groups - Check it Out!

2007-10-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

Your book group may request a "book group kit" with multiple copies of the book and supporting literature by emailing to libraryreference@cityofpaloalto.org. Supplies are limited, so send an inquiry today!

And remember, sign up for updates, comment and keep current on upcoming events by entering your email address in the box on the right. Any time there is an update to this page, it will be sent to your email. No gimmicks, and we don't share your email address.

Get connected!

Distant Land of My Father

2007-10-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

I think this book is a great selection for SiliconValleyReads. And I am looking forward to the events planned in Palo Alto.

My book group is reading this book and using one of Palo Alto's book group kits.

Abby

Welcome!

2007-10-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

This year, Palo Alto City Library joins Silicon Valley Reads so that our community can share the same book with our neighbors. The book for 2008 is The Distant Land of My Father, by Bo Caldwell.

Beginning in January, we will offer a variety of programs and events around this fascinating book.

Reserve your copy now!

You can subscribe to this blog to keep up with news by filling in your email address. It will only be used to announce library programs and will not be shared.