ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (April 30, 2026) – OC Public Libraries is pleased to announce One County, One Book, a community reading program centered around the book James by Percival Everett. This critically acclaimed bestselling novel won the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction as well as the 2024 National Book Award.
Percival Everett is a Distinguished Professor of English at the University of Southern California and one of the most acclaimed contemporary American writers. His latest novel James, is the 2025 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction award winner. The novel is a reimagining of Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, told from the perspective of the enslaved character Jim. It is lauded as an action-packed, insightful look at agency, literacy, and racial supremacy.
This community reading program unites our Orange County communities through a shared reading experience. Together, we will explore and discuss one book’s themes, fostering dialogue, building community, and promoting a love of reading. From April through June 2026, book clubs throughout Orange County are reading and discussing James. We invite the community to continue the conversation at this event.
WHO: | Percival Everett, author of James, the 2025 Pulitzer Prize winner for Fiction. |
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WHEN: | Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
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WHERE: | Laguna Hills Community Center 25555 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, CA 92653
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WHY: | OC Public Libraries’ mission is to provide access to information and promote literacy at all ages. Access to world-class authors inspires reading communities to connect with diverse and powerful role models in the literary world. |
LINKS: | One County, One Book 2026 |
REGISTRATION: | No registration required. Early arrival is suggested. Complimentary books available, while supplies last.
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Music Appreciation Series OC Public Libraries is presenting a companion music appreciation series to deepen engagement with this year’s One County, One Book selection. These performances connect storytelling, history, and music, offering audiences new ways to experience the themes of James and extend the conversation beyond the page.
Jericho Law, Pianist - Celebrate literature through music at a special live performance by acclaimed pianist Jericho Law, inspired by this year’s One County, One Book selection, James by Percival Everett. Through a dynamic and expressive program, Law explores themes of identity, resilience, and voice - echoing the novel’s powerful reimagining of a classic American story.
Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Aliso Viejo Library 1 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Brea Library 1 Civic Center Circle Brea, CA 92821
Rigo Moreno Quintet - Join us for a cultural presentation of Pre-Civil War-era music by the Rigo Moreno Quintet. Complementing the library's reading of James by Percival Everett, the performance will focus on the musical culture and experience of Black Americans during that time period. The performance will feature a variety of spirituals, slave songs, work songs, and blues. The presentation will also include several short excerpts explaining the historical relevance and importance of each musical piece.
Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Westminster Library 8180 13th St Westminster, CA 92683
Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library 1855 Park Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Aliso Viejo Library 1 Journey Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
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OC Public Libraries (OCPL)
OC Public Libraries is a vibrant network of 29 branches, and a satellite location at the Orangewood Children and Family Center, delivering vital library services across the county. With a strong commitment to early literacy, OCPL nurtures a passion for reading in young learners, while also providing robust programs and resources for teens, seniors, and everyone in between. Offering access to over 1.7 million materials, as well as a vast range of online resources and streaming services, OCPL empowers individuals at every stage of life. Our mission is rooted in promoting lifelong learning, fostering community connections, and ensuring free, open access to knowledge and tools that enrich lives. Through innovative programming, we support diverse needs, encourage personal growth, and strengthen the fabric of our community. Our services help people of all ages thrive. At OC Public Libraries, books are just the beginning.
More information at https://ocpl.org/