March 13, 2026
This message is distributed to Senate Faculty and Unit 18 Faculty. (Click here to view description of distribution groups.)
The following is being sent on behalf of Sara Kelly, Exhibitions and Events Manager, UCSB Library UCSBReads@library.ucsb.edu
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Dear Faculty,
As you finalize your plans for the spring quarter, UCSB Library invites you to enrich your curriculum and engage your students with the UCSB Reads 2026 book selection, Crying in H Mart by acclaimed musician and writer Michelle Zauner. This vibrant and sensory memoir explores self-discovery, grief, and Korean-American culture through the celebratory lens of food and family.
There are two impactful ways to bring this shared intellectual experience into your courses this spring:
- Provide complimentary books to your students: Request free copies of Crying in H Mart from the Library for yourself and your entire class. This ensures all your students have equitable access to the text and can fully participate in course discussions.
- Integrate UCSB Reads programming into your syllabus: Encourage your students to extend their learning beyond the classroom by exploring the UCSB Reads 20th anniversary exhibition and participating in our free learning, experiential and social events. Signature events in spring include:
- UCSB Reads 2026 Author Talk with Michelle Zauner on May 7, presented in partnership with UCSB Arts & Lectures.
- Community Poetry Readings on April 22, presented in partnership with Goleta Valley Library.
- Connectivity: Riceboy Sleeps on April 16, presented in partnership with the Carsey-Wolf Center.
To request a review copy for yourself, order course copies for your students, or discuss how to tie the book to your specific learning objectives, please email UCSBReads@library.ucsb.edu.
About UCSB Reads
Now celebrating its milestone 20th year, UCSB Reads fosters a shared sense of belonging by bringing the campus and Santa Barbara communities together to read a common book that explores compelling issues of our time. Each year, an advisory committee composed of UCSB faculty, staff, students, and community partners helps the Library select an intellectually stimulating, interdisciplinary book by a living author that appeals to a wide range of readers and can be incorporated into the UCSB curriculum.
Thank you for your partnership in fostering a culture of reading and connection on campus.
Regards,
Sara Kelly
Exhibitions and Events Manager
UCSB Library