A community reading program centered around the Pulitzer Prize winning novel, James, by Percival Everett. From April through June, readers of all ages are invited to celebrate James through an exciting lineup of author talks, engaging cultural presentations, and lively book club discussions – all designed to bring the story, and our community, together!
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Author Percival Everett
Thursday, May 7, 2026 at 6:30pm
Percival Everett is a Distinguished Professor of English at USC. His most recent books include Dr. No (finalist for the NBCC Award for Fiction and winner of the PEN/Jean Stein Book Award), The Trees (finalist for the Booker Prize and the PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction), Telephone (finalist for the Pulitzer Prize), So Much Blue, Erasure, and I Am Not Sidney Poitier. He has received the NBCC Ivan Sandrof Life Achievement Award, The Windham Campbell Prize from Yale University, and the Stowe Prize for Literary Activism.
Complimentary books available, while supplies last. No registration required, all ages welcome. Early arrival suggested.
Laguna Hills Community Center 25555 Alicia Pkwy Laguna Hills, CA 92653
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Cookbook Author Adrienne Cheatham
Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 11:00am
Adrienne Cheatham is a Michelin Starred Chef, James Beard Finalist and Top Chef finalist turned TV Personality. She's worked in high level restaurants including Le Bernadin working her way up to become the Executive Sous Chef. She also worked with Eric Ripert on his show – Avec Eric and became Executive Chef at Red Rooster under Marcus Samuelsson. She has serious cred in the kitchen and in the media, she's regularly featured on The New York Times, Munchies, Epicurious, Food & Wine, Buzzfeed, Refinery 29, Good Morning America, amongst many others. Adrienne is the author of Sunday Best, which was nominated for a James Beard Award.
Limited complimentary books available, while supplies last. No registration required, all ages welcome. Early arrival suggested.
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, April 22, 2026 at 5:00pm Tustin Library 345 East Main Street Tustin, CA 92780
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Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 5:00pm Foothill Ranch Library 27002 Cabriole Foothill Ranch, CA 92610
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Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 5:00pm Aliso Viejo Library 1 Journey Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
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Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 5:00pm Brea Library 1 Civic Center Circle Brea, CA 92821
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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.
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Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 1:00 pm Westminster Library 8180 13th St Westminster, CA 92683
Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 1:00 pm Aliso Viejo Library 1 Journey Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Film Screenings
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American Fiction
Join us for special One County, One Book film screenings. Based on One County, One Book author Percival Everett’s 2001 novel Erasure, American Fiction (2023) is an Oscar-winning comedy-drama directed by Cord Jefferson.
Rated: R | Runtime: 1 hour, 57 minutes | No registration required
Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 4:00pm Fountain Valley Library 17635 Los Alamos Fountain Valley, CA 92708
BOOK CLUBS
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As part of One County, One Book readers are invited to join OCPL’s book club discussions to explore intergenerational themes, including identity, belonging, and the sacrifices we make to protect the ones we love as reflected in Percival Everett’s James. Copies of the book are available at each participating branch prior to discussions. Borrow eBooks and eAudiobooks using the Libby app by OverDrive. Contact your library for more information.
