The summer season is in full swing, and the calendar is packed with things to do. Here’s a look at some of the events, book discussions, readings, open mics, and workshops coming up this week.
Thursday, July 13
1:30 PM – Howdunnits Mystery Writers Group @ Albany Public Library – Howe Branch
The Howdunnits provide a safe and welcoming venue to share your writing and to give and receive feedback from others.
2:00 PM – Book Club @ Schenectady Public Library – Quaker Street Branch
Join the Quaker Street book club for a discussion of Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. New book club members are always welcome. Request a copy of the books online or at any SCPL location.
6:00 PM – Poetry Café – Story Poems: Sheherazade!
For this online poetry discussion, you’ll read and discuss a few poems referencing the mythical storyteller Scheherazade, and the power of storytelling. These include poems by Ruth Stone and Richard Silken, as well as The White Room by Charles Simic.
6:00 PM – Shorts Out Loud: As Iz & Susan Comninos @ Troy Public Library – Main Branch
Join the library for the third session of our annual Shorts Out Loud series! This special program is one that the library hosts each year. We have changed the format *slightly* and each evening will now consist of 30 minutes of live music followed by 30 minutes of poetry or short stories read aloud. For July 13, we are pleased to welcome As Iz (Izzy Singer), a musician/songwriter based in Castleton-Schodack, New York and published poet Susan Comninos.
6:30 PM – Poetry Ritual 2023
Join 15 poets from the Poetry Critique Meet-up for a group reading, hosted by Michael Favala Goldman. Each poet gets five minutes, for a varied and moving experience. Free. Request the Zoom link by emailing poetryritual2023@gmail.com.
Friday, July 14
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.
2:00 PM – Camp Nanowrimo in July! @ Bethlehem Public Library
Is it too early to think about what you’re going to write for Nanowrimo in November? Never!! Stop by the library to brainstorm, research, set your own goals and, most importantly, WRITE. We’ll be setting up shop every Friday afternoon in July. Stay for a half hour or the full time. Just bring your own laptop or pen and notebook. Laptops will be available to borrow.
6:00 PM – Alden Wicker – “To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion is Making Us Sick–And How We Can Fight Back” @ Northshire Manchester
The author will discuss her new book. A Silent Spring for your wardrobe, To Dye For is a jolting exposé that reveals the true cost of the toxic, largely unregulated chemicals found on most clothing today.
8:00 PM – An Evening of New Fiction with Adam Braver and Rick Moody @ Caffe Lena
Skidmore College & The NYS Summer Writers Institute present an evening with acclaimed novelists Adam Braver & Rick Moody.
Saturday, July 15
1:00 PM – Tracey Medeiros – “The Vermont Farm Table Cookbook: Homegrown Recipes from the Green Mountain State” @ Northshire Manchester
Medeiros will discuss her latest book, a collection of homegrown recipes from the Green Mountain State with Maria Reade, the editor of Edible Vermont. A sampling of recipes from the book will be provided by chef Sigal Rocklin.
2:00 PM – Author Talk with Charles Soule: New York Times Bestselling Author of “Daredevil” & “She-Hulk” @ Bethlehem Public Library
You’re invited to an awe-inspiring chat with New York Times bestselling author Charles Soule as he talks about his newest book, The Endless Vessel, which explores the way we’re all connected—and what can happen when we lose our capacity for joy.
2:00 PM – Jean Hanff Korelitz signs and discusses her newest novel, “The Latecomer” @ The Book House
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Plot, Jean Hanff Korelitz’s The Latecomer is a layered and immersive literary novel about three siblings, desperate to escape one another, and the upending of their family by the late arrival of a fourth.
2:00 PM – Jessica “J.R.” Ward – “The St. Ambrose School for Girls” @ Northshire Saratoga
Northshire Bookstore is delighted to welcome Jessica “J.R.” Ward to the Broadway Ballroom of the Saratoga Hilton on Saturday, July 15 at 2 pm to celebrate the release of her new novel The St. Ambrose School for Girls.
2:00 PM – Andrea Rogers @ The Station
Andrea Rogers will give a reading from and answer questions about her Walter Award-winning YA horror book, Man Made Monsters at The Station in Onchiota, NY.
7:00 PM – Poets in the Park featuring Winners of the Tom Nattell Peace Poetry Prize and Carol Durant @ Washington Park
Poets in the Park is celebrating over 30 years of bringing poetry in July to the Robert Burns statue in Washington Park, Albany, NY.
Sunday, July 16
3:00 PM – Murray Zimiles, Doctor, Lawyer, Engineer, or Bum: A Memoir @ Irondale Schoolhouse
Internationally exhibited artist, university professor, world traveler, and award-winning author Murray Zimilies will read from and talk about his new memoir – a touching and hilarious account of what happens when a poor Jewish kid from the Brooklyn ghetto, taught by his traumatized immigrant family to remain in the faith and play it safe, upends everything to become an artist.
5:00 PM – A Very Large Poem @ The Mount
Join WordXWord to walk through a very large poem. Note that we said large, not long. This poem is a collaborative effort by 50+ poets who will perform it live as the audience, in small groups, walks through an array of poets along pathways at The Mount. Like all WordXWord events this one is free, however timed reservations are required at edithwharton.org. Rain or shine. In the case of rain, A Very Large Poem will take place in the large event tent on the grounds of The Mount.
Monday, July 17
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.
Tuesday, July 18
12:15 PM – FFAPL Tuesday Book Review: “Engaging Students With Poverty in Mind” by Eric Jensen @ Albany Public Library – Washington Ave. Branch
Please join us for a review of “Engaging Students With Poverty in Mind” by Eric Jensen, reviewed by Carol Green, MS-TESOL, retired teacher of English as a new language, & program.
3:30 PM – Book Club @ Schenectady Public Library – Niskayuna Branch
Join the Niskayuna book club for a discussion of Catch and Kill by Ronan Farrow. New book club members are always welcome. Request a copy of the books online or at any SCPL location.
6:00 PM – Kim Van Alkemade – Counting Lost Stars – with Amy Meyerson @ Northshire Saratoga
New York Times bestselling historical novelist Kim Van Alkemade will celebrate the release of her latest book in conversation with fellow author Amy Meyerson.
Wednesday, July 19
5:00 PM – Lt. Governor Zuckerman’s Banned Book Reading Tour @ Northshire Manchester
Vermont Lt. Governor David Zuckerman will visit our Manchester store to host readings from banned books. Special guests will join the Lt. Governor to discuss with the audience the importance of free speech, inclusion, democracy, and open dialogue.
5:45 PM – Writers Group @ Schenectady Public Library – Central 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.
Did we miss anything? Let us know at info@hvwg.org, and be sure to check out https://hvwg.org to find out more about our vibrant literary and arts community.
