The Independence Day holiday is coming up, and a lot is happening in the regional literary community. Here’s a look at some of the events, book discussions, readings, open mics, and workshops coming up this week.
Thursday, June 29
10:30 AM – Book Club @ Schenectady Public Library – Glenville Branch
Join the Glenville Book Club for a discussion of The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson. New book club members are always welcome. Request a copy of the books online or at any SCPL location.
6:30 PM – Open Mic Poetry Night @ Inquiring Mind Bookstore & Cafe
Calling every poet and admirer of poetry alike: Inquiring Minds is holding poetry night on the last Thursday of every month, hosted by Laura Ludwig, a celebrated local poet, screenwriter, actress, and producer! We encourage poets of all skill levels to sign up for a four minutes slot to share original poetry, fiction, or prose, unpublished work as well as published welcome.
Friday, June 30
9:00 AM – Early Literacy Storytime! @ Troy Public Library
Kids ages 0-5 are welcome to this early literacy story
10:30 AM – Storytime @ Waterford Public Library
Open to kids of all ages, but geared towards 2-5-year-old. No registration is required. Storytime consists of 2-3 stories and a related craft.
6:00 PM – Gayle Petrillo Signs and Discusses, “The Accident” @ The Book House
Author Gayle Petrillo will sign and discuss her new novel, The Accident, which will be available for purchase.
6:00 PM – Thomas Henry Pope – The Last Redwood Circus @ Northshire Manchester
Local author Thomas Henry Pope will present his latest novel The Last Redwood Circus. A young Native American battles an international wine conglomerate intent on clearcutting a stand of old-growth redwoods where Gold Rush settlers massacred his ancestors. When his heroic voice falls short of what many people hope for, a world-class high wire diva steps into the breach.
6:30 – Open Mic Featuring Ana C.H. Silva @ The Poetry Barn
Celebrate the culmination of both Pride Month and Ana C.H. Silva’s residency as the 2022 winner of the Rocket Man Award, an award for poets who are mothers established through our nonprofit arm AIM Higher. Open mic sign-up starts at 6 PM, with performances to begin at 6:30 PM. Each performer will have 5-10 minutes.
Monday, July 3
1:30 PM – Monday Memoir Writing Group (In Person) @ Albany Public Library – Howe Branch
Participate in a group of memoir writers and get feedback on your work. This is a support group for aspiring writers who want to tell their story in creative and engaging ways. Get critiques of your work, find out how to self-publish, or learn about writing from fellow writing enthusiasts! All are welcome!
2:00 PM – With Pen in Hand @ Albany Public Library – Howe Branch
Paul Lamar, College of St Rose professor (retired) and South End writer, leads this popular series of writing workshops. Learn how to express yourself clearly and imaginatively, share your work, and respond to the stories of others. Attend any or all sessions.
7:00 PM – Poetic Vibe @ The Fish Market
Poet, artist, and performer D. Colin hosts the weekly Poetic Vibe series, a dynamic night of poetry and spoken word.
Wednesday, July 5
5:45 PM – Writers Group @ Schenectady County Public Library – Central Library Branch
Whether you’ve been doing it forever or just starting out, bring your written words to this volunteer run community group and receive feedback from fellow wordsmiths as time permits.
6:30 PM – Happily Ever After Book Club @ Troy Public Library – Main Branch
The book club meets on the first Wednesday of each month. Tea and light refreshments will be provided.
7:00 PM – Caffe Lena Poetry Night Featuring Jill Crammond @ Caffe Lena
The Caffe Lena Poetry Open Mic series, hosted by Carol Graser, continues in Saratoga Springs with featured reader Jill Crammond.
Did we miss anything? Let us know at info@hvwg.org, and check out https://hvwg.org to learn more about our vibrant literary and arts community.
