09/25/2025
NEWS RELEASE - Kern County Library
Fall 2025 One Book Project Book Programs
October through November 2025
Kern County, CA -The One Book Project encourages our Kern County community members to share experiences related to a single book's themes through discussions, educational programming, and entertainment. The countywide read is meant to draw our community members together across cultural divides and to enrich understanding of our diversity all while supporting literacy and learning. This year's primary book title, Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa, and the supporting Companion Titles, focus on themes related to Native American life and culture.
We encourage you to join the discussion or enjoy the activities at one or all of our events scheduled on-site in all Kern County libraries - or off-site at partner locations! For more information about library branch activities and/or premier programming on and off-site throughout Kern County, please visit kclonebook.org. Please also "Like" the Kern County One Book Project page to see premier events, updates, related information, and more! We also welcome you to read the main title selection or a Companion Title to win a prize in our Beanstack One Book Reading Challenge!
Accessing One Book Titles: All One Book titles are available for checkout in Print, eBook, eAudiobook, or Book on CD from Kern County Libraries. Titles are also available for purchase from Russo's Books and Barnes & Noble.
2025 ONE BOOK PROJECT PROGRAMS
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 11 am to 1 pm-One Book Project Kickoff Event: Resilience Through Storytelling: Identity, Memory & Native Presence, Center, Bakersfield College Campus, 1801 Panorama Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93305 PH 661.395.4011
Partners: Bakersfield College, Native American Student Support Services Program (NASSSP), and The First Renegades Student Organization.
Join us as we kick off the 2025 One Book Project ! Enjoy lunch (first come, first served), experience the drumming of the Two-Crows BAIHP Singers, learn more about the book, take part in our “What’s Your Story?” writing activity and craft session, and explore resources featuring Native organizations and community partners.
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 7pm-Author Keynote w/Deborah Jackson Taffa, CSUB's Icardo Center, 9001 Stockdale Hwy Gym, Bakersfield, CA 93311 PH 661.654-2583. Visit CSUB's One Book Project web page for more information.
Partners: CSUB - Office of the Provost, English Department, Walter Stiern Library, General Education Program, Kegley Institute of Ethics, and Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society. Additionally, Kern Council Teachers of English, and Kern High School District’s Kern Learn.
Book Discussion - Q&A - Book Signing. Free and Open to the Public
Saturday, October 25, 2025 from 11 am to 2 pm-Native Cultural Showcase with the Arts Council of Kern’s Common Ground Memorial Library Auditorium, 701 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 PH 661.868.0701
Partners: Arts Council of Kern and their Common Ground Program
Join us from 11 am to 2 pm and experience the work of a wide variety of native artisans, as well as tribal representatives from many cultural and service organizations in Kern County! Meet Artist Lori Myers, teacher of the Tlingit Indian from Sitka, Alaska and a jewelry and bead artist and many more! At Noon, Guest Speaker, Gene Albitre, whose tribal affiliation is Diegueno, will present on the significant role animals played in the survival of Native American culture. He will share his rawhide, leather tooling materials, and handmade drums and demonstrate how he creates the items. His emphasis on the importance of preserving the legacy of Native American peoples and educating others on the history and significance of Native American culture in modern times.
Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 11am to 1pm-Bridging Traditional Healing & Modern Medicine Panel Discussion Memorial Library Auditorium, 701 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 PH 661.868.0701
Partners: Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP) and Kern County Library
Join us for an educational panel discussion exploring how cultural wisdom and modern healthcare can work together to support your Emotional, Spiritual, Physical, and Mental well-being in all aspects of your life.
NATIVE LITERARY MENTORSHIP PROGRAM – October/November
Kern County Library, CSU Bakersfield and Bakersfield College are excited to launch the first Native Literary Mentorship Program in conjunction with the 2025 One Book Project. Currently enrolled CSUB and BC student writers, poets, graphic novelists, and illustrators with a tribal affiliation are encouraged to apply to be paired with a published Native American author for (2) 1-Hour Zoom mentorship. Interested students must submit an application form by clicking the NATIVE LITERARY MENTORSHIP APPLICATION FORM. Visit CSUB's One Book Project web page for more information.
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