Blog

Gulf Coast Reads is delighted to announce that The Library Book, Susan Orlean’s bestseller about the mysterious 1986 Los Angeles Public Library fire, is the 2019 selection for our annual regional read-along.  Gulf Coast Reads may best be described as a friendly neighborhood book club on steroids. This October, public and academic libraries along with private and public community partners will encourage everyone across southeast Texas to read and discuss The Library Book, attend special events and generally engage with the region's vast community of readers.

In The Library Book, Orlean chronicles the Los Angeles Public Library fire and its aftermath to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives. The author delves into the evolution of libraries across the country and around the world, from their humble beginnings as a metropolitan charitable initiative to their current status as a cornerstone of national identity. Orlean brings each department of the library to vivid life through on-the-ground reporting, studies arson, and reexamines the case of Harry Peak, the blond-haired actor long suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago. 

This October, along with book discussions, libraries and partner organizations will host a wide variety of special programs and events drawing on The Library Book’s subject and themes. Stay tuned here for more details about Gulf Coast Reads events in your neck of the woods and across southeast Texas.

Lots of readers have told us that reading Bluebird, Bluebird really builds up an appetite--not because it's hard work, but because Attica Locke does such a good job of evoking East Texas culture through its food. This week, several libraries are hosting events that let you learn more about--and taste!--the cuisine that you've read about in the book. 

Gulf Coast Reads churns into week two and here are a few of the events in story. 

East Texas Memories - Jean Gordon and Freddye Kelly talk about growing up in East Texas
LSC - CyFair Branch Library - HCPL 
Wednesday Oct. 10, 10 - 11 AM

Coffee with Cops
R.F. Meador - MCMLS
Thursday Oct 11, 10 - 11:30 AM

I am Annie Mae: The Story of a Black Texas Woman - Based on the award winning musical detailing the life of Washington County-born Annie Mae Hunt and 120 years of her family’s history. Presented by Young Audiences of Houston and Texas Center for African American Living History
Maud Marks Branch Library
Saturday Oct 13, 1 PM

Houston Blues Museum Presentation and Music Performance - Sandy Hickey, co-founder and Director of Museum Collections of the Houston Blues Museum will talk about the history of blues in Houston and references to blues in Bluebird, Bluebird. She will also bring artifacts from the museum. She will be followed by a live blues performance by a local musician.
La Porte Branch Library - HCPL
Saturday Oct 13, 2 - 3 PM

Be It Ever So Humble: A History of Humble Texas - learn about the beginnings and early settlers of Humble
Octavia Fields Branch Library - HCPL
Saturday, Oct 13, 2 - 4 PM

And, of course, Book Diuscussions galore! Check Events for full listings

It's finally here! Gulf Coast Reads 2018 is off and running--or off and reading, if you prefer, and there is a lot going on at libraries across Southeast Texas. Here are just a few highlights: 

Coffee with your Cops
Milam St. Coffee Shop in Wharton TX - WCL
Wednesday, Oct 3, 7:30 - 9 AM

Bluebird, Bluebird Pie Tasting
Stratford Branch Library - HCPL
Wednesday, Oct 3. 5 - 5:30 PM

Meet the Texas Rangers
R.F. Meador Branch Library - MCMLS
Thursday, 6 - 7 PM

Here's a little Texas blues from Lightnin' Hopkins to get you in the spirit.