Library Given Grant to Showcase Book About Japanese/American Internment

"Farewell to Manzanar", a moving book by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston that explores the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II through the eyes of a young girl, will be a focus of the during the next few months.

A variety of activities open to the public are being planned around the book, thanks to a California Reads Grant the library was awarded from the California Council for the Humanities.

You'll want to grab your calendars now and save these dates.

On June 30 at 2 p.m. the author herself will pay a visit to the San Leandro Main Library and discuss the book and her experiences. The lecture is free. (A limited number of free copies of the book will be distributed to those attending this event.)

You will get two chances to see the film based upon the book. It will be shown July 12 at 7 p.m. at the and on August 16 at 7 p.m. at the y. There is no charge to see the film screened.

Beginning Monday, June 4 after 12 p.m. you can purchase tickets to attend a field trip to the Japanese/American Museum in San Jose that will take place August 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person.  You can purchase tickets at the main library at 300 Estudillo Avenue.  

There will also be discussion groups formed at the library about the book throughout the summer, including one on July 14 from 2 to 3:15 p.m.  Those who have participated in one of the discussion groups will be invited to a September 8 celebration of Japanese culture that will include a luncheon and entertainment. Find out more about these discussion groups at your local library.

To learn more about any of these events visit your local library or its website here.