One City, One Story invites Monrovians to read The Bear and join fun conversations, creative activities, and nature-focused events all winter long. Monrovia connects through the power of story. 

About the Program

Monrovia’s One City, One Story is a citywide reading and community-engagement project that invites residents of all ages to share a common book and connect through conversations, creative programs, and nature-focused events.

This year’s selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, is a quiet, powerful story about legacy, survival, and our relationship with the natural world. Its themes of nature, stewardship, and intergenerational wisdom align with Monrovia’s foothill setting and long tradition of celebrating creativity, local history, and community connection.

Through book discussions, hands-on workshops, and gatherings across town, OCOS helps strengthen belonging, curiosity, and pride in the place we call home. Community book distributions will begin on January 24 at the kickoff.

Featured Events

• Kickoff at Library Park on Sat. 1/24 from 1:00-3:00pm
• weekly Park Read-Ins at each city park at 9am
• nature craft programs for all ages
• book club discussions of The Bear
• Meditation in the Park on Mondays at 6pm
• monthly hikes in Canyon Park
• workshops with community partners
• Finale event on Sat. 3/28 at Station Square

Download the Full Events Calendar

OCOS Programs in Canyon Park

Weekly Read-In @ the Park Schedule

Moments from our Community Kickoff Event

 Community Partners

• City of Monrovia
• Kiwanis Club of Monrovia
• Monrovia Chamber of Commerce
• Monrovia ChangeMakers
• Monrovia Duarte Black Alumni Association
• Monrovia Historical Museum
• Monrovia Public Library Foundation
• Monrovia Reads
• Monrovia Unified School District
• MPWR Foundation
• Rotary Club of Monrovia
• The Friends of the Monrovia Public Library

Program Sponsors

• Athens
• Bell Bordona Calabrese Family
• Boys & Girls Club of the Foothills
• Centre Stage, Inc.
• Citrus College
• CST Bearing Company
• Fertig and Gordon Companies, Inc.
• Fiore Legal
• Foothill Credit Union
• Fred's Monrovia
• Gina Ammon & Donna Baker
• Gina Willard Insurance
• Jake's
• Monrovia Community Adult School
• Monrovia Tech Support
• Mountjoy Construction Company
• Oakcliff Neighbors
• Saint Aesthetix
• Sam Wright State Farm Insurance
• Sweet Ethans
• The Money Store
• Tripp 'n Vintage

Additional Resources

• Official One City, One Story Booklist & Related Titles
• Glossary of The Bear