Special Events

Mark your calendars for these upcoming special events. We have a great lineup this year, with six events you won’t want to miss! It all begins on February 20, when the author will join us for a book discussion & signing.

The Voices of Little Bee
Saturday, February 20 at 1:30 pm — Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium
As a special prelude to author Chris Cleave’s appearance, we present this special reading of passages from Little Bee, in which the voices of Sarah and Little Bee are brought to life by gifted local actresses, Rosalyn Landor and Petal d’Avril Walker.

An Afternoon with Chris Cleave
Saturday, February 20 at 2:00 pm — Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium
The award-winning author of Little Bee presents a reading and discussion, followed by a book signing.

City TV Call-In Show
Wednesday, February 24 at 7:00 pm — Tune in to Channel 16
Can’t make it to one of our book discussions, or just looking for more perspective into Little Bee? Tune in to Channel 16 for a live, moderated discussion of this year’s featured novel, and feel free to call in with questions of your own.

Incendiary Book Discussion
Monday, March 1 at 7:00 pm — Main Library, Community Room
Published to controversy and acclaim in 2005, Chris Cleave’s first novel traces the tumultuous fallout for a London woman when her husband and young son are killed in a terrorist attack.

Movie Screening: The Visitor
Tuesday, March 2 at 7:00 pm — Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium
The story of Walter Vale (Oscar nominee Richard Jenkins), who returns home after a conference to find two illegal immigrants living in his apartment. These disparate characters come to know each other and affect each other’s lives in a story that is very similar to the themes of Little Bee.

The Art of Storytelling with Michael D. McCarty
Saturday, March 6 at 2:00 pm — Main Library, MLK Jr. Auditorium
Storytelling lies at the heart of Little Bee. As Little Bee states, even a sad story offers proof that “this storyteller is alive.” Michael D. McCarty has been entertaining audiences through the art of storytelling for a long time now. Drawing on international folk tales and other storytelling techniques, Michael taps into stories that inform, educate, inspire and amuse.

Little Bee Book Discussions

This year we will be hosting seven book discussions, led by trained volunteers, at locations around the city. Please join us for one (or more!) of these free public sessions. No registration is required; just bring yourself and your observations, thoughts, and comments about Little Bee.


Saturday, February 13 at 11:00 am — Café Bolivar, 1741 Ocean Park Blvd. (no permit required for Saturday parking)

Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00 pm — Montana Branch Library, 1704 Montana Ave.

Monday, February 22 at 2:00 pm — Tudor House, 1403 Second St.

Saturday, February 27 at 11:00 am — Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd.

Saturday, March 6 at 11:00 am — Ocean Park Branch Library, 2601 Main St.

Monday, March 8 at 7:00 pm — Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

Thursday, March 11 at 1:30 pm — Senior Recreation Center, 1450 Ocean Ave.


We hope to see you there!

Little Bee is our 2010 Title

Little Bee, by Chris Cleave, is the 2010 Santa Monica Citywide Reads featured title.

The second novel by emerging literary talent Chris Cleave, Little Bee is the harrowing and beautiful story of a teenage Nigerian refugee and a married pair of disaffected British journalists, whose lives and destinies collide in unexpected and shocking ways.

Touching on themes of immigration, family, infidelity and loyalty, the book deftly examines the intricacies of human connection and the sacrifices we all make to get by in life. The New York Times calls the book “immensely readable and moving…an affecting story of human triumph,” and The Chicago Sun-Times raves “Little Bee is a loud shout of talent.” Little Bee was shortlisted in 2008 for the Costa Book Award for Best Novel and in 2009 for Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best Book.