Our Community Reads
The winning book for Our Community Reads 2026 is Spare Parts by Joshua Davis. Four undocumented Latino high-school students build an underwater robot on a shoestring budget, challenging college engineer teams in a NASA-sponsored robotics competition. [True story]
BOOK DISCUSSION
Thursday, January 22
Kick off the 2026 Our Community Reads season by joining fellow readers to share ideas about this year’s selection and discuss major themes in depth. Casey Coonerty Protti, owner of Bookshop Santa Cruz, facilitates the conversation. Sandwiches provided by Aegis Living Aptos.
The Loft Coffee Shop — 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos
11 am -1 pm (Doors open at 10:30am)
Register here.
FILM: Underwater Dreams
Tuesday, January 27
Watch this inspiring documentary chronicling the epic story of how four teenage boys, all sons of undocumented immigrants, built an underwater robot from spare parts and chewing gum and defeated engineering powerhouse MIT in the process. Run time 1 hour 25 minutes. Popcorn will be served!
Capitola Branch Library, Ow Community Room, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola
6:30 pm (Doors open at 6 pm)
Register here.
TALK/DEMO: BENEATH THE WAVES: Meet the Robotics Makers Exploring Our Coast
Saturday, January 31
Join Knute Brekke, ROV/MARS manager at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), to learn how scientists, engineers, and students create and build remotely-operated vehicles (ROVs). Following his talk, enjoy a demonstration by students from the San Lorenzo Valley underwater robotics team, led by their instructor Eric Brown. Q&A session follows.
Felton Branch Library, 6121 Gushee Street, Felton
1 to 2:30 pm (Doors open at 12:30 pm)
Register here.
PANEL: FRESH START: Empowering Immigrants with Skills and Knowledge for a Successful Life in the U.S.
Thursday, February 5
A thought-provoking discussion of the immigration process, legal services for immigrants, and current challenges under the Trump Administration. Panelists Maria Elena de la Garza, C.E.O Community Action Board, Isai Pazos, E.D., Senderos, and Angela Di Novella, E.D., Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey will share their views and take questions from the audience.
Aptos Branch Library, Betty Leonard Community Room, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos
6:30 pm (Doors open 6pm)
Hybrid event. Register here.
SPARE PARTS ARTS: A Visit to a Lighting Designer/Robot Sculptor’s Studio
Saturday, February 7
Visit Mario Guizar’s whimsical Lighting and Art studio in Soquel Village, where all his creations, including robot sculptures, are built from spare lamp and clock parts. Mario will share his story and describe how he developed his artistic process. If you’re inspired, there’s a robot sculpture coloring page to take home.
Mario’s Lighting, 3025 Porter St, Soquel
10 am to noon
Rain or shine
No registration required
Just drop by.
WRITING WORKSHOP: Underdog Stories
Tuesday, February 10
In this interactive workshop, we’ll explore a major theme from Spare Parts, the underdog story. Stories like Spare Parts remind us that we can overcome the odds and uproot expectations by showing up with courage and creativity. We’ll look at the key elements of an underdog story, then apply them to our own story ideas. Local author Anne Janzer will facilitate the workshop and provide multiple writing prompts to work from. Whether you write fiction or nonfiction, memoir or poems, come prepared to be inspired.
Scotts Valley Branch Library, Fireside Room, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley
6:30 pm (Doors open at 6pm)
Hybrid event. Register here.
CROSSING BORDERS, FACING HURDLES: The International Student Experience in the U.S.
Tuesday, February 17
Join us for a lively conversation between Nicholas Rowell, Professor of Political Science, at Cabrillo College, and Anna Zagorska, Cabrillo College International Student Counselor. They’ll explore contemporary challenges facing international students and put them into a historical context. They’ll examine how global geopolitical tensions, immigration policies, and campus-level constraints shape the academic and personal lives of students studying in the U.S. today. Come early to view art displays from Aptos High School students based on the book Spare Parts. At 6 pm attend awards ceremony judged by Two Birds Books and join us as we support our local students and teachers!
Aptos Branch Library, Betty Leonard Community Room, 7695 Soquel Drive, Aptos
6:30 pm (Doors open at 6pm)
Hybrid event. Register here.
AUTHOR TALK: An Evening with Joshua Davis
Tuesday, February 24
Joshua Davis, the author of Spare Parts, will talk about how he discovered the four students from Carl Hayden School, and how his interaction with them changed his understanding of leadership, opportunity and perseverance. He soon realized that their story was about much more than robotics, it was about redefining the American Dream.
Please consider making a donation at the door!
Colligan Theater, 1010 River St, Santa Cruz
6:30 pm (Doors open at 6 pm)
Register here.
DANCE MASH-UP
Sunday, March 1
Enjoy experiencing the colorful and expressive movements and costumes of traditional Latin dance as performed by the Senderos Dancers. We’ll learn about dance history as we move forward to hip-hop and ultimately watch in awe of Luis Sanchez as he performs modern jaw-dropping moves. And he’ll do the Robot, of course! Bring your dancing shoes!
La Selva Beach Club House, 314 Estrella Ave, La Selva Beach
11 am – noon (Doors open at 10:30 am)
Register here.
Partners and Sponsors
Our Community Reads brings members of the Santa Cruz County community together exploring one book that sparks connection, conversation, and inspiration. Over the course of 3 months, participants come together for a series of events related to themes in the book – field trips, book discussions, author talks, films, photography, writing workshops, storytimes for kids, art workshops, and trivia nights!
The community votes on a book from a shortlist. Once the book is chosen, events are organized. The program aims to bring people together, enhance appreciation for local libraries, and encourage a sense of community pride.
Originally launched by the Aptos Library Friends, the program is now a collaborative effort, involving the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries chapters in Aptos, Capitola, Felton, Scotts Valley, La Selva Beach, Garfield Park, and Branciforte, as well as Cabrillo College and Aptos High School.
Featured Books
The Shortlist:
Spare Parts by Joshua Davis
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
All the Beauty in the World by Patrick Bringley
Many Things Under a Rock by David Scheel
View book selections from past years on the Our Community Reads history page.
Participate
Get involved in Our Community Reads through exciting events like author talks, book discussions, and community activities. Whether you’re a reader, volunteer, or event enthusiast, there’s a place for you! Check out our upcoming events or sign up to volunteer and help make Our Community Reads a success.
Support
Our Community Reads thrives thanks to the generosity of supporters like you. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries rely on donations to fund this vibrant program. Your contribution helps us bring books, events, and community connection to Santa Cruz County. Donate today to keep Our Community Reads growing!
Calendar of Events
The Our Community Reads program series starts in January and NOW is the time to read the book that everyone will be talking about!
The winning book is Spare Parts by Joshua Davis. Four undocumented Latino high-school students build an underwater robot on a shoestring budget, challenging college engineer teams in a NASA-sponsored robotics competition. [True story]
Copies of Spare Parts by Joshua Davis can be found at your local branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries and partnering booksellers like BookShop Santa Cruz and Two Birds Books.
To view past book selection runners up, please visit the Our Community Reads history page.