Author: John Doll, St. James Park

Saturday, 2/21/2026
2:00 - 4:00
Bernal Heights Meeting Room
Bernal Heights

500 Cortland Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94110
United States

415-355-2810

Author John Doll discusses his new book, St. James Park 

Set in Depression-era San Jose, St. James Park is a fast-paced novel rooted in California history. Based on actual events, the novel is a portrait of San Jose’s labor unrest, government corruption and anti-immigrant racism during the Great Depression. The book resonates strongly with themes of social justice, media manipulation and community identity—issues that continue to echo today. It is very much a noir of Santa Clara Valley nearly a century ago—long before the orchards were plowed under and paved over.

Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-2810, email bhemgr@sfpl.org or sign-up at the reference desk.

John Doll is a third-generation San Josean who grew up listening to family rumors, memories and confessions about the city. St. James Park is based on his Italian-American mother’s and grandmother’s tales of a once beautiful Santa Clara Valley, but also one gruesome 1933 night in downtown San Jose.

Connect: John Doll - Website

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This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

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This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

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