Oceanside Public Library is proud to bring its seventh Big Read program to Oceanside, in partnership with Buena Vista Audubon Society, KOCT, Oceanside Historical Society, Oceanside Museum of Art, Plants, People, Community, San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians and Studio ACE, March 21 to May 1, 2026, centered on the novel The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson.

The Big Read is an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) that seeks to broaden our understanding of ourselves and our neighbors through the power of a shared reading experience. The goals of the NEA Big Read are to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in each community.

The Big Read novel The Seed Keeperspans several generations and follows a Dakota family's struggle to preserve their way of life, and their sacrifices to protect what matters most. The Big Read includes a component for kids and families, called the Little Read, featuring the book Where We Come Fromby John Coy, Shannon Gibeny, Sun Yung, and Diane Wilson, exploring where we come from, connecting the past and present in this accessible and visually striking look at history, family and identity.

The Library and its partners will host an exciting array of special programs, all free and open to the public, inspired by the Big Read and Little Read books. The Big Read will kick off with Seeds & Song on Saturday, March 21 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., in the Civic Center Library Courtyard.Celebrate with music from Captain Mel Vernon and members of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, hands-on art with Studio ACE, and a seed swap with Plants, People, Community. Participants are encouraged to bring seeds to share with others. Attendees will receive a free copy of the book while supplies last.

For more information on the Big Read in Oceanside, additional Big Read events, or other Library programs, please visit the Library's website at oceansidepubliclibrary.org, call 760-435-5600, or follow the Library on Instagram @oceansidelibrary.

The Big Read in Oceanside is funded through a grant from the NEA, with support from the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library and the Oceanside Public Library Foundation, and Oceanside CA Cultural District, in partnership with Buena Vista Audubon Society, KOCT, Oceanside Historical Society, Oceanside Museum of Art, Plants, People, Community, San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians and Studio ACE. All programs are free and open to the public.