May 31, 2024
Media Contact:
pio@library.lacounty.gov
LA County Library Launches the Largest Book Club in L.A.: One Book, One County Promotes Connection and Conversation Across Communities
Launching June 1 in Partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library
Los Angeles, CA – LA County Library, in collaboration with the Los Angeles Public Library and 16 other library systems, announces the launch of One Book, One County, a community reading program running from June 1 – July 27, 2024. The program encourages all 9.8 million residents in Los Angeles County to read and discuss the same book, fostering community connection and education. This year’s selected book is L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón.
“One Book, One County is a testament to the power that books have to unite communities. By reading and discussing L.A. Weather together, we hope to foster a sense of shared experience and understanding across our diverse county,” said Skye Patrick, LA County Library Director. “We are proud to partner with the Los Angeles Public Library in this unique initiative that connects communities through the joy of reading.”
“Powerful storytelling has the ability to connect Angelenos,” said City Librarian John F. Szabo, Los Angeles Public Library. “This groundbreaking collaboration with 18 library systems across Southern California brings together the diverse communities we serve to highlight L.A. stories and experiences.”
About L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón
L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón, is a New York Times bestseller. Published in 2022, the novel follows the Alvarado family as they navigate a challenging year in Los Angeles, dealing with issues of family loyalty, secrets, and survival. Escandón is a celebrated bilingual author known for her insightful storytelling and has received multiple honors, including a Reese’s Book Club pick and the Fiction Award at the 2022 International Latino Book Awards.
“I wrote L.A. Weather as a tribute to my home city hoping to share this story of familial love with my fellow Angelenos. So, when my novel was selected for the One Book, One County community reading program, I felt so honored,” said author María Amparo Escandón. “What better way to pay homage to our public libraries, to books, and to the stories that we can relate to than to come together as a community and read with one another?”
Key Dates and Events
- June 1: The program kicks off with unlimited eBook and audiobook copies of L.A. Weather accessible through the Libby app by OverDrive at participating libraries. Hard copies are also available.
- July 27: A special celebration will be held at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles from 5 – 7 pm. The celebration will feature an author talk with María Amparo Escandón, musical performances by Banda Las Angelinas, community resources and activities.
Participating Library Systems
The following 18 library systems are participating in One Book, One County:
Alhambra Civic Center Library |
Commerce Public Library |
LA County Library |
Altadena Public Library |
Covina Public Library |
Long Beach Public Library |
Arcadia Public Library |
El Segundo Public Library |
Los Angeles Public Library |
Beverly Hills Public Library |
Glendale Library |
Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library |
Burbank Public Library |
Glendora Public Library |
Santa Clarita Public Library |
Calabasas Library |
Irwindale Public Library |
Santa Monica Public Library |
Sponsors
One Book, One County is supported by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, LA County Library Foundation, and Library Foundation of Los Angeles.
For additional information visit LACountyLibrary.org/onebook or lapl.org/one-book.
About Los Angeles Public Library
A recipient of the nation’s highest honor for library service—the National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest and most diverse urban population of any library in the nation. Its Central Library, 72 branch libraries, physical collection of more than six million items, digital content and state-of-the-art technology accessible at lapl.org and thousands of public programs provide everyone with free and easy access to information and the opportunity for lifelong learning.
About LA County Library
LA County Library belongs to our communities and serves as a portal to learn, grow, and succeed. Founded in 1912, it is one of the largest and most innovative library systems in the US, and was awarded the nation’s highest honor—the National Medal for Museum and Library Service—in 2023. Dedicated to reducing barriers and increasing equitable access for all through culturally responsive and dynamic collections, programs, and services, LA County Library serves 3.4 million residents across 3,000 square miles through its 86 libraries and 15-vehicle mobile fleet, including Bookmobiles, MākMō maker mobiles, Reading Machines, and outreach vehicles. To learn more, visit LACountyLibrary.org and follow @LACountyLibrary on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube.