LA County Library Launches the Largest Book Club in L.A.: One Book, One County Promotes Connection and Conversation Across Communities

Launching June 1 in Partnership with the Los Angeles Public Library 

Los Angeles, CA – LA County Library, in collaboration with the Los Angeles Public Library and 16 other library systems, announces the launch of One Book, One County, a community reading program running from June 1 – July 27, 2024. The program encourages all 9.8 million residents in Los Angeles County to read and discuss the same book, fostering community connection and education. This year’s selected book is L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón.

“One Book, One County is a testament to the power that books have to unite communities. By reading and discussing L.A. Weather together, we hope to foster a sense of shared experience and understanding across our diverse county,” said Skye Patrick, LA County Library Director. “We are proud to partner with the Los Angeles Public Library in this unique initiative that connects communities through the joy of reading.”

“Powerful storytelling has the ability to connect Angelenos,” said City Librarian John F. Szabo, Los Angeles Public Library. “This groundbreaking collaboration with 18 library systems across Southern California brings together the diverse communities we serve to highlight L.A. stories and experiences.”

About L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón

L.A. Weather by María Amparo Escandón, is a New York Times bestseller. Published in 2022, the novel follows the Alvarado family as they navigate a challenging year in Los Angeles, dealing with issues of family loyalty, secrets, and survival. Escandón is a celebrated bilingual author known for her insightful storytelling and has received multiple honors, including a Reese’s Book Club pick and the Fiction Award at the 2022 International Latino Book Awards.

“I wrote L.A. Weather as a tribute to my home city hoping to share this story of familial love with my fellow Angelenos. So, when my novel was selected for the One Book, One County community reading program, I felt so honored,” said author María Amparo Escandón. “What better way to pay homage to our public libraries, to books, and to the stories that we can relate to than to come together as a community and read with one another?”

Key Dates and Events

• June 1: The program kicks off with unlimited eBook and audiobook copies of L.A. Weather accessible through the Libby app by OverDrive at participating libraries. Hard copies are also available.
• July 27: A special celebration will be held at Gloria Molina Grand Park in Downtown Los Angeles from 5 – 7 pm. The celebration will feature an author talk with María Amparo Escandón, musical performances by Banda Las Angelinas, community resources and activities.

Participating Library Systems

The following 18 library systems are participating in One Book, One County:

Alhambra Civic Center Library	Commerce Public Library	LA County Library
Altadena Public Library	Covina Public Library	Long Beach Public Library
Arcadia Public Library	El Segundo Public Library	Los Angeles Public Library
Beverly Hills Public Library	Glendale Library	Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library
Burbank Public Library	Glendora Public Library	Santa Clarita Public Library
Calabasas Library	Irwindale Public Library	Santa Monica Public Library

Sponsors

One Book, One County is supported by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, LA County Library Foundation, and Library Foundation of Los Angeles.

For additional information visit LACountyLibrary.org/onebook or lapl.org/one-book.