Virginia Read Day Brings Kindred to Life
The 2026 Virginia Yerxa Community Read invites Colusa County residents to step into the powerful world of Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, a novel that weaves together history, identity, and resilience through an unforgettable narrative. While this year’s program includes several engaging events, the centerpiece is Virginia Read Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Hosted at the Sacramento Valley Museum in Williams, Virginia Read Day is designed as a welcoming, family-friendly celebration of storytelling, history, and community. The day features a variety of activities that invite participants of all ages to experience Kindred beyond the page.
A highlight of the day is the keynote presentation by Dr. Jasmine H. Wade, offering insight into the novel’s historical and cultural significance. Following the keynote are hands-on opportunities that make the event especially engaging for families.
The Garden Club of Colusa County will host an herb planting activity, inspired by the importance of food, tradition, and survival woven throughout Kindred. Participants will be able to plant and take home a small kitchen herb garden. In addition, families can take part in a simple, drop-in art project, designed to reflect themes of duality and connection. These creative activities ensure that younger participants can engage with the story in meaningful and age-appropriate ways.
One of the most unique features of this year’s Virginia Read Day is the creation of a Community Time Capsule, inviting attendees to contribute small items that represent their lives, families, and this moment in time. Community members are encouraged to bring items such as: Letters to the future or reflections inspired by Kindred, Photographs (copies, not originals), Small drawings or artwork, Notes about daily life in Colusa County, and Printed recipes, traditions, or family stories
Items should be flat or small, non-perishable, and clearly labeled with a name (optional) and date. The time capsule will serve as a collective snapshot of the community, echoing Kindred’s themes of memory, legacy, and the ties between past and future. The time capsule will be sealed on Read Day and stored at the Sacramento Valley Museum to be opened in 50 years!
Leading into this signature event is “Kindred Spirits: Book Club with a Twist,” on April 24 at the Sacramento Valley Museum. This 21 and older gathering offers a more intimate discussion experience for adult readers ahead of the larger celebration and requires registration (see the QR code here).
On April 25, Virginia Read Day transforms reading into something shared and lived. It is a place where stories grow, quite literally, where creativity takes root, and where a community comes together to honor the past while leaving something meaningful for the future.