Empowering Humanity: Technology for a Better World

by Elpidio R. Estioko

Technology, especially the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), has made our world more complicated and rapidly transformed our lives!

It’s making us confused so, we need to understand its role in society to be able to appreciate its significance and relevance in our lives today.

The annual community reading and discussion on topics selected for all sectors in the Bay Area which touches mainly on AI is set!

While it is on the Mainland, we need to be cognizant of it even while we are here on the island of Hawaii. AI is touching everyone’s life all over the world, As I See It!

The program is called the Silicon Valley Reads.

I’ve participated in the past and I tell you, I enjoyed it and made me understand better what I read with the help of the authors themselves and the community reading and discussing as a community, as one.

I was then the chair of the Milpitas Library Education and Advisory Commission (LEAC) and the program was open to all.

The theme of next year’s Silicon Valley Reads 2025 is Empowering Humanity: Technology for a Better World. It is the highly anticipated annual community engagement program promoting literacy and discussion.

The theme with an emphasis on AI, will explore the future of technology, focusing on its impact and potential to create a more just and equitable society through reading as a community, according to the release issued by Mariana Walker, Associate Communications Officer, Santa Clara County Library District, Services & Support Center.

Jennifer Weeks, County Librarian for the Santa Clara County Library District and co-chair of Silicon Valley Reads said in the release:

“Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our lives. We are excited to provide books and programs that ignite conversations about AI’s potential, helping everyone better understand and engage in these empowering tools.”

In 2025, Silicon Valley Reads offers a diverse selection of books, catering to all ages and addressing the myriad of ways technology intersects with our lives.

Reading as a community is not new but annually being encouraged by the district. I think it should be a regular activity by local libraries in the district to make sure we can build rapport with the community through reading.

The book selections for adult readers released by Mariana Walker included eight carefully selected books for the community to read.

The first one is “The Worlds I See: Curiosity, Exploration, and Discovery at the Dawn of AI” by Dr. Fei-Fei Li. This is a thought-provoking examination into the world of AI from a leading expert recently dubbed “The Godmother of AI” by Wired Magazine. Dr. Li shares her personal journey and insights into the development and potential of AI, offering a unique perspective on the technology’s impact on society.

Then, we have “The Mountain in the Sea” by Ray Nayler, a captivating sci-fi tale by a former Santa Clara University professor. This novel follows a marine biologist who is studying a highly intelligent octopus species, sparking a global race to understand and potentially exploit the species. The story touches upon themes of environmentalism, technology, and the complexities of human nature.

Another interesting book, “Loneliness & Company” by Charlee Dyroff, dwells on human connection in a near-future New York, where isolation has seemingly been eradicated. The novel follows a woman tasked with training an AI companion, leading to an exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the potential consequences of technological advancements.

With the program, young readers can embark on their technological journeys with books like “Someday, maybe” by Diana Murray for early learners; “ARTificial Intelligence” by David Biedrzycki for lower elementary students; and the beloved book (recently adapted to film) “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown for upper elementary students.

These books are all enlightening materials for our full understanding of what technology can do to us.

For teens, local author Lindsay Lackey’s “Farther Than the Moon” is the recommended and compelling graphic novel, while “The Infinity Particle” by Wendy Xu is best suited for high students and young adults.

Interim County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Charles Hinman said: “As a newcomer to the region, I am excited to participate alongside community members to learn more about AI through the power of literacy.”

In addition to the curated book list, Silicon Valley Reads will host a series of events designed to foster deeper understanding and engagement with the theme.

The events include author talks, panel discussions, educational workshops, demonstrations, activities, story times, crafts, and more throughout February and March.

Jill Bourne, Library Director for San José Public Library and co-chair of Silicon Valley Reads said:

“In a world increasingly shaped by technology, libraries play a pivotal role by empowering community members to learn and engage with new technology through literacy and programs. Here at SJPL, we’re committed to fostering a more equitable and inclusive future in which we can bridge the digital divide, spark critical thinking, and inspire innovative solutions.”

In light of modern technology and the emergence of AI, we need to fully understand its complex impact on society. The Silicon Valley Reads will surely provide the vehicle for understanding this latest phenomenon.

On January 30, 2025, Silicon Valley Reads will kick off with a free in-person and live-streamed event at De Anza College in Cupertino. This will allow us to hear from the authors of the featured books for adults in a discussion moderated by Sal Pizarro of the Mercury News.

The complete schedule of events will be available on the siliconvalleyreads.org website in the new year.

The Silicon Valley Reads community engagement program is presented annually by the Santa Clara County Library District, Santa Clara County Office of Education, and San José Public Library in conjunction with other public libraries, community colleges and universities, and community organizations.

For those who are interested in getting more information, you can get in touch with Mariana Walker, Associate Communications Officer, Santa Clara County Library District Services & Support Center at www.sccld.org, 1370 Dell Ave., Campbell, CA 95008, or (408) 293-2326 x 3047 | mwalker@sccl.org.

Let’s read as a community – the Silicon Valley Reads – way!

Maybe a Hawaii literacy group can conduct one based on the suggested readings the Silicon Valley Reads has proposed!

ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the Chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris Publishing. For feedback, and comments… please email the author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com.