By Denise Ward
Our Community Reads, a program of the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, will kick-off the 2024 season on Jan. 24 with a book discussion facilitated by Book Shop Santa Cruz owner Casey Coonerty-Protti.
This fast-paced true story weaves together the history of coffee, the ongoing Yemeni civil war, and the courageous journey of a young man — a Muslim and US citizen — following the American dream.
Our events will delve into the many themes of the book through a variety of types of events including an author talk with both Dave Eggers and the protagonist of the story, Mokhtar Alkhanshali presenting in person.
There will be art, music, films, lectures, and our ever-popular Trivia Night on the calendar plus so much more. You won’t want to miss this season!
All events will require registration on the SCPL website calendar. For more information about Our Community Reads and a description of events visit: www.friendsofaptoslibrary.org.
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Upcoming Events
Wednesday, Jan. 24
Book Discussion | 11 a.m.
Join your fellow readers to talk about our 2024 selection and discuss major themes in depth. Casey Coonerty Protti, owner of Bookshop Santa Cruz, will facilitate the conversation. Sandwiches provided by Aegis Living Aptos.
The Loft coffee shop — 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos
Tuesday, Jan. 30
An Evening with Dave Eggers and Mokhtar Alkhanshali | 7p.m.
Dave Eggers and Mokhtar Alkhanshali • Photo Credit: Jeremy Stern
Monk of Mokha author Dave Eggers and the monk himself, Mokhtar Alkhanshali, talk about the multiyear collaboration that became the story of Mokhtar’s quest, traveling from San Francisco to the remote coffee farms of Yemen in search of the world’s most dangerous cup of coffee. Questions from the audience are encouraged.
Radius Gallery at the Tannery Arts Center — 1050 River St #127, Santa Cruz
Friday, Feb. 2
Sacred Brew? The Religious, Political, and Cultural Role of Coffee in Yemen | 6 p.m.
Dr. Flagg Miller, UC Davis Professor of Religious Studies, talks about the role coffee plays in Yemeni culture and about his current coffee-growing research project in Yemen. Dr. Miller’s academic focus is on cultures of modern Muslim reform in the Middle East, especially Yemen. Dessert and coffee will be provided.
Fireside Room, Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley.
Tuesday, Feb. 6
Yemeni Stories: The Yemeni Immigrant Experience | 7 p.m.
Jehan Hakim, a 2nd-generation Yemeni-American Muslim, founder of the Yemeni Alliance Committee and board member of Just Foreign Policy, will join us for a virtual talk from Texas. Her experience spans interfaith coalition building, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training, and consulting. Geneffa Jahan, professor of English at Cabrillo College, will moderate further discussion, and there will be a bag of Harazi Blend Yemeni Style coffee for a lucky audience member!
Ow Family Community Room, 2005 Wharf Road, Capitola Library
Wednesday, Feb. 7
Coffee Warms the Heart (art workshop) | 1 p.m.
Hearts and flowers are familiar symbols of love. With Valentine’s Day just a week away, you’ll create a bouquet or a greeting card using coffee paint as your medium. Artist Lise Bixler leads this art workshop. No experience needed. All materials supplied.
Felton Library Community Room
Saturday, Feb. 10
Writing Under the Influence of Coffee! (workshop) | 11 a.m.
Starting with a few coffee-flavored writing prompts to get you motivated, facilitators June Langhoff and members of the Santa Cruz chapter of Shut Up & Write follow up with silent writing, and end with optional sharing. Loads of encouragement and coffee will be provided.
Fireside Room, Scotts Valley Library
Tuesday, Feb. 13
“Baristas” (film) | 6:30 p.m.
Follow four passionate National Barista Champions — from Japan, Ireland, the USA, and Germany — as they represent their countries at the 2017 World Barista Championship in Seoul, South Korea. You’ll get a terrific behind-the-scenes peek into the preparations required for this tense competition. (Popcorn will be available!) [This film contains some profanity.]
Ow Family Community Room, Capitola Library
High School Art Competition Winners
View designs from the High School Art Competition, where students redesign The Monk of Mokha book jacket.
Judged by staff members from Bookshop Santa Cruz.
Thursday, Feb. 15
Brewing Revolution: Coffee and Class Struggle in 20th-Century Central America | 6:30 p.m.
Back by popular demand, Nick Rowell, professor of political science at Cabrillo College, discusses how coffee is a factor in contributing to peace and prosperity in some instances, and civil war and revolution in others.
Rio Sands Hotel Community Room — 116 Aptos Beach Drive, Aptos
Saturday, Feb. 17
Coffee Botanical Illustration (art workshop) | 1 p.m.
Facilitated by art educators Sharon Ferguson and Jo-Neal Graves, participants will learn to look closely at each part of the coffee plant and create a botanical illustration. You’ll be guided every step of the way. No experience needed. Materials, Instruction, support, and encouragement will be provided.
Ow Family Community Room, Capitola Library
Sunday, Feb. 18
Johann Sebastian Bach’s Coffee Cantata (live music) | 3 p.m.
Bach’s aria will be sung by lyric coloratura-soprano Lori Schumann, co-founder of the Santa Cruz Opera Project. She will be accompanied by piano and flute. Come enjoy the music and learn about Bach’s relationship to coffee. (Hint: He drank 30 cups a day!) Learn a bit more from Dinah Phillips about the intertwined history of coffee and music over the years.
Downtown Library Meeting Room, 2nd floor — 224 Church Street, Santa Cruz
Wednesday, Feb. 21
“A Small Section of the World” (film) & Coffee Tasting | 1 p.m.
A moving documentary about a group of women in a small, remote farming community in Costa Rica as they spark a revolution in the coffee growing world. Stay to taste some Costa Rican coffee after the film. (Program ends at 2:30 p.m.)
Felton Library Community Room
Saturday, Feb. 24
Verve Coffee Tour and Tasting (field trip) | 1 p.m.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the coffee roasting process and learn about the secret sauce behind third-wave coffee. Our tour leaders, Hannah Meade and Laney Drury, represent this world-famous coffee company headquartered in our own backyard.
104 Bronson St. Suite 19, Santa Cruz
Sunday, Feb. 25
Dror Sinai Musical Adventures | 4 p.m.
“Rhythm is all around us, in everything we see, we touch, we breathe.”
Experience this true force of nature as Dror Sinai shares his musical gifts and tells stories about his Yemeni roots.
La Selva Beach Community Church — 26 Florido Ave., La Selva Beach
Tuesday, Feb. 27
Trivia Night | 6 p.m.
The ever-popular 2nd District Supervisor Zach Friend poses challenging questions from The Monk of Mokha. Join us for a fun-filled evening. Bring your book club members, friends, or come solo to show off your knowledge of The Monk of Mokha and all things coffee-related. Dinner & Drinks available for purchase at this new venue. n
41st Ocean Breakfast & Grill — 2623 41st Ave, Soquel (behind Café Cruz)