Each year Silicon Valley Reads hosts dozens of free public events at libraries, schools and community locations. This year, the program engaged more than 8,000 residents who collectively participated in nearly 104 public events and 12 additional events held at local schools.

The video highlighting the kickoff event for 2012 is available above. This year’s theme was “Muslim and American – Two Perspectives.” The featured books were Butterfly Mosque, by G. Willow Wilson and The Muslim Next Door by Sumbul Ali-Karamali.Knight Program Director in San Jose/Silicon Valley Judith Kleinberg with author G. Willow Wilson at the Silicon Valley Reads kick-off event

The events are intended to spark conversations that lead to exchanging perspectives. They also help build a sense of community through open dialogue, support educational goals and promote lifelong learning. Silicon Valley Reads is sponsored by Knight Foundation and other community organizations. It is presented by The Santa Clara County Office of Education, the Santa Clara County Library and the San Jose Public Library Foundation. The Mercury News recently cited the success of the three month-long series noting its major supporters “must be pleased with their investment.” Earlier this year, it also wrote an editorial, noting how this year’s theme was helping to tackle prejudices against Muslims. This year’s event marks the program’s 10th anniversary.