Milpitas HS Library hosts pair of Author Visits

By Mia Gittlen
MHS Librarian

​The Milpitas HS Library recently hosted two special author events which helped promote a culture of literacy and elevate reading, researching, writing, creating, and storytelling.

Nicole Steward, our very own MUSD Social Worker, shared an overview of her new book, Radical Self-Care. This after school event, which was attended by MHS and MUSD staff, School Board Members, and parents, was well-received. Her message about how and why to cultivate radical self-care resonates deeply. As a result of the overwhelming interest in her book, we are offering her book as this year’s MUSD summer read. All MUSD staff are invited to read Nicole’s book, engage in our Radical Self-Care Google Classroom online discussion (join code: bbiujofl), and/or attend a session led by Nicole at the beginning of the school year. This is all optional and any participating staff may choose the level of involvement they are comfortable with. 

Thien Pham, an award-winning graphic novelist who grew up in Milpitas, also visited MHS last month. His graphic novel memoir Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam is popular among both students and staff. Thien’s visit included speaking to hundreds of students during an assembly held in the Theater, meeting dozens of students and staff during a luncheon co-hosted by the MHS Book Club and our Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), and leading an interactive comics workshop in the Library. Dozens of students and staff obtained signed copies of his book. All who interacted with Thien appreciated hearing his inspirational story.

These activities are just two of the many programs initiated in the MHS Library this year. Next up: the MHS Library is launching a Summer Reading BINGO challenge which will run from June 1st - September 1st. All students, staff, and their families are encouraged to participate and enjoy fun reading in the sun this summer!

As always, please check out everything available at the MHS Library–which is also home to our College and Careet Center! We are open weekdays from 7:45 AM - 4:45 PM. Become a Friend of the MHS Library. Follow us on Instagram. Reach out to the Librarian Mia Gittlen at [email protected] with any questions or ideas!

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