Read Contra Costa
Read Contra Costa is an annual event that encourages all county residents and library users to share in the experience of reading and discussing the same book. The program runs from October 1 through November 15, 2022.
This year patrons had the opportunity to vote for book they wanted to read, and the winner is Portrait of a Thief, by Grace D. Li. The book is a heist novel inspired by the true story of Chinese art vanishing from Western museums. This thoughtful and thrilling novel tells the story of an inexperienced group of thieves who agree to try and recover the stolen art in exchange for $50 million.
Virtual programs planned around the novel include, a discussion about the left of cultural treasures and the efforts to reclaim them, a mystery writers panel discussion, a recorded interview with the author and a presentation from two FBI Special Agents discussing their work with the FBI Art Crime Team.
The book is available in hardback, eBook and eAudiobook formats.
One City, One Book was a “citywide book club” and a precursor to Read Contra Costa that encouraged the community to read the selection and participate in a series of events that celebrate a particular book. The annual choice is announced in the summer and community events are planned for the fall giving the community time to read and enjoy the book. One City, One Book was presented by the Walnut Creek Library Foundation and Contra Costa County Library. View previous book selections are HERE.