Kern County One Book Project

Kern County One Book Project Jillian was inspired to begin such a project in Bakersfield. Kern County Library became the lead organization in 2003.

The One Book Project is a countywide effort that fosters community connections to facilitate reading and discussions through meaningful programming centered on the themes in a book title selected by Kern County Library's co-partner CSUB each year. The program began in 2001 through the grassroots efforts of Jillian Fritch, an elementary school teacher who had read a story in the Los Angeles Times r

egarding One Book, One Community initiatives; at the time Seattle Reads and One Book Chicago were pioneers, and Los Angeles had decided to do a One Book project. The first book was “To Kill a Mockingbird.” An array of community partners jumped on board, including education, nonprofits, local government, businesses and media outlets. Now in its the 22nd year, One Book continues to reach out to our diverse Kern County community both in book choice and related programming. In 2010, the project began a partnership with California State University, Bakersfield’s First Year Experience program which involves students reading a common book. Through this partnership, the community can benefit from the extended programming, including a visit and talk by the author at CSUB at the culmination in October 2022.

08/08/2026
Read to Lead Podcast with Jeff Brown Episode 291: How to Have Conversations That Matter with Celeste Headlee:
08/01/2026

Read to Lead Podcast with Jeff Brown Episode 291: How to Have Conversations That Matter with Celeste Headlee:

Over the years, I have been asked numerous times to recommend books on helping to improve communication skills. My go-to list is a short one but includes my favorite and most effective books on the topic. There is now a new book and a new author topping that list for me. Her name is Celeste […]

📚✨ Find your next great read at the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale! Browse hundreds of gently used books, discove...
08/01/2026

📚✨ Find your next great read at the Friends of the Library Used Book Sale! Browse hundreds of gently used books, discover hidden treasures, and support your local library.

📅 Friday, August 7 | 11:00 AM–5:30 PM Memorial Library
⭐ FOL Members receive early entry (memberships available at the door)
📅 Saturday, August 8 | 10:00 AM–3:30 PM
📍 Beale Memorial Library

Address

701 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA
93301

Telephone

+16618680701

Website

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