Diving into sci-fi

Ray Nayler, one of three featured authors for this year’s Silicon Valley Reads, will take a “Deep Dive Into AI and Humanity” on Jan. 30, 4-5 p.m., at the Cupertino Library as part of the annual community engagement program.

Nayler’s sci-fi novel “The Mountain in the Sea” follows a marine biologist who is studying a highly intelligent octopus species, sparking a global race to understand and potentially exploit it.

The story touches on themes of environmentalism, technology and the complexities of human nature. At his talk, Nayler will delve into these themes, drawing on his experiences living around the globe and his time spent on land and in the waters of Con Dao, Vietnam, where his novel is set.

The theme for the 2025 Silicon Valley Reads is “Empowering Humanity: Technology for a Better World.” Throughout February and March, Silicon Valley Reads will offer over 150 free events in partnership with schools, libraries, and community organizations across Santa Clara County.

Some events require advance registration. For a complete calendar of events and registration information, visit siliconvalleyreads.org/calendar.

Young Writers Contest

Jack London State Historic Park is accepting entries for its 10th annual Young Writers Contest for sixth- through-eighth-grade students. Entries should be short stories about a group of friends on a camping trip who get stranded in the wilderness and discover a mysterious set of footprints.

For contest rules and entry forms, visit https://jacklondonpark.com/annual-young-writers-contest. The contest closes at 11:59 p.m. on March 31, and winners will be announced by April 21. Prizes are $300, $200 and $150 for first, second and third place, respectively.