Banned Books Week: Teen Read-a-thon @ Oakland Public Library Main Branch | Oct. 6-9
The second annual read-a-thon event invites teens to drop in and join with other visitors in the TeenZone to read and share banned books. It’s doubtful anyone can conquer in three days the 4,235 unique titles challenged in 2025 (tracked by American Library Association’s — ALA — Office for Intellectual Freedom), but that won’t stop the ambitious folks at the central library from trying. Geared for teens 12-18, activities in addition to reading include decorating favorite banned books brought from home, crafting pins, making keychains, and more — with all craft materials provided. Never underestimate the power of a book to change a life, boost a kid’s confidence, and power the movement that ensures tweens, teens and people of all ages can read books of choice. With support from readers and advocates, libraries like Oakland’s will continue to offer the best literature available.
Oct. 6-9, open during library hours | Free | oaklandlibrary.org
Litquake @ Multiple Locations | Oct. 8-24
The annual festival bursts into action this year with all hands on deck. From the opening night party to the climactic, all-day Lit Crawl, the schedule this year includes dozens of authors and keynote speakers, such as Randy Ribay, Ayad Akhtar, Dr. Robyn Rodriguez, Mia Alvar, R. F. Kuang, Marivi Soliven, Mia Manansala, Yvette Tan, Dorothy Lazard, Natalie Baszile, and others. Featuring the best literature from the Bay Area and beyond; a small press fair; Kidquake; special programs (e.g. how to write punchlines, express desires, launch a new book, tell stories about food or identity in words or images); and vendor booths, this is an all-out live affair with reading and writing. Pop-up celebrations happen in pubs, galleries, bookshops, back alleys, and street corners in a festival that manages to be both grand and intimate. Check out the schedule and more at the website. Most events are free; some carry low-cost tickets.
Oct. 8-26 | Ticketed and Free events | litquake.org
Michael Pollan and Christof Koch: A Journey into Consciousness @ Cal Performances | Oct. 13
If the primary difference between humans and bats is that we are aware we are aware, what about plants? If plants develop kinships and will deliver toxins to outsiders, are they conscious of doing the dirty deed? An evening with New York Times bestselling writer Pollan and neuroscientist Koch might bring us closer to the answers. More likely, the lively discussion between them will captivate, confuse and confound every person’s ideas about consciousness. Pollan’s latest book, A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness, dares to explore hunger, thirst, itchiness, along with thought, the concept of a self — even AI and “conscious” robots. Koch arrives with decades of research and knowledge about consciousness and the effects of psychedelics on the brain. Bring curiosity, prepare to peel back the layers of our theory of mind, and join others as they peer into the galaxy of consciousness and journey into the unknown.
Oct. 13 @ 7:30 pm | $25-up | calperformances.org
Maggie Tokuda-Hall and illustrator Yas Imamura @ Mrs. Dalloway’s | Oct. 15
Oakland-based author Tokuda-Hall has come up with another winner in her newest picture book, Bathtime for Snow Monkeys. Written in haiku form, a baby macaque plays and snuggles in the mountainous landscape of the Jigokudani monkey park in Nagano. Imamura’s gentle, expressive artwork establishes every scene and captures the personality of the young monkey—from happy and boisterous to cozy and comforted. The two artists collaborated on a previous book, Love In the Library, and return with a second outing of equal value. A book signing follows the late-afternoon presentation. Perfect for families with young children.
Oct. 15 @ 5 pm | Free | mrsdalloways.com
Rising Road Show @ Multiple Locations | Oct. 26-Nov. 1
The New Literary Project founded in 2015 as the Simpson Literary Project has since its inception awarded eleven $50,000 prizes to mid-career authors, worked collaboratively with the UC Berkeley, Saint Mary’s College, The Lafayette Library and Learning Center, and others to sponsor workshops, author reading series, fellowships, and other programs. In 2026, the venerable team hits the road with 2026 Joyce Carol Oates Prize Winner Erika Krouse for a week of events across the East Bay. The opening night is a special benefit dinner, followed by two free events‚ a conversation with Krouse and author Fiona McFarlane on the CAL campus (Berkeley), and an author talk and book signing with Krouse at Orinda Books. A ticketed homecoming event closes the journey Nov. 1 at Saint Mary’s College. Visit the website for more information and to purchase tickets.
Oct. 26-Nov. 1 | Ticketed and free events @ multiple locations | newliteraryproject.org