Another huge week of literary events in the area, so get out and support the arts! Here’s a quick look at the events, book discussions, readings, open mics, and workshops coming up.
Thursday, August 17
2:00 PM – Novels After Noon Book Club @ Albany Public Library – Bach Branch
Cozy up with a cup of tea while we discuss notable literary titles in APL’s newest book club Novels After Noon. They will explore a variety of genres, including memoirs, historical fiction, mysteries, and more! This month’s read will be a mystery, “The Widows of Malabar Hill” by Sujata Massey. This title is available in print and on Hoopla as an e-book or audiobook.
3:30 PM – Gabrielle Balkan, “What a Map Can Do” – Book Party @ Germantown Library
Gabrielle Balkan (she/her) is best known for nonfiction books that delight readers ages 2–12 with curious and essential facts about the United States, animal record-breakers, and more. She lives, works, and rides bikes in Brooklyn and the Hudson Valley with her twin fifth graders and a writer husband.
6:00 PM – Book launch: “No Last Words” by Tara Kelly @ Merritt Bookstore
Join Merritt Bookstore to celebrate the launch of Tara Kelly‘s memoir, “No Last Words,” on the lawn.
7:00 PM – CAPS Be the Feature Open Mic
CAPS Be the Feature Open Mic is always a fluid evening. Maybe participants read 6 poems. Maybe 5. Maybe 3. Maybe 2. This month’s featured poet is Ron Kolm.
7:00 PM – A Reading and Conversation with the author of “Glove Shy” @ Alting Memorial Library
Join Janet Hurley as she reads from her new memoir, Glove Shy: A Sister’s Reckoning. Set in New Paltz, it’s the story of Brian Hurley, a teen of brilliance and wit who, in the 1970s, became the teen protegé of two-time World Heavyweight Champion Floyd Patterson.
7:30 PM – Third Thursday Poetry Night Featuring Joel Best @ Social Justice Center
Poet Joel Best will read from his work at the Social Justice Center with an open mic for community poets.
Friday, August 18
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’s. No registration required. Storytime consists of 2-3 stories and a related craft.
6:00 PM – Open Mic @ Pine Hollow Arboretum
Bring your own poems for shared reading, three for each poet. Sign-up starts at 6:00 PM, program starts at 6:30 PM.
6:00 PM – Genevieve Plunkett – “In the Lobby of the Dream Hotel” – with Alexis Schaitkin @ Northshire Manchester
Plunkett, a Northshire staff favorite, will join us to celebrate her new novel in conversation with fellow author Alexis Schaitkin.
7:30 PM – Hudson Valley Writers’ Center Open Mic
Featured Poets + open mike for poets, fiction writers, essayists with rotating hosts at the Hudson Valley Writers’ Center.
7:30 PM – Cafe Euphoria Open Mic & Slam
A laid-back open mic and fun slam at a cafe founded and run by trans and gender non-conforming folks.
Saturday, August 19
2:00 PM – Mystery author Jodé Millman in conversation with Hon. Albert M. Rosenblatt @ Barnes & Noble – Poughkeepsie
Join multi-award-winning author Jodé Millman in conversation with Hon. Albert M. Rosenblatt as they discuss their recent releases.
3:00 PM – Douglas Rothschild’s Birthday Reading @ Urban Aftermath
St. Rocco’s Reading for the Dispossessed invites you to a celebratory reading in honor of Douglas Rothschild’s birthday. Aimee Wright Clow & other St. Rocco’s founders will read from their own work as well as Douglas Rothschild’s poems. Friends and guests are also invited to read a poem of Douglas’s.
6:00 PM – Collier Brown – “Scrap Bones” @ Northshire Manchester
Poet Collier Brown will join us to read from his new collection, which reads like a post-pandemic epilogue to T.S. Eliot’s “The Waste Land.” No angels or flying horses here, just panic disorders, email fatigue, and the spiritual dead end of a 23-and-Me test kit. And yet, resilient are the muses in this collection—the bees, the starlings, the dragonflies—skimming over the wastes.
Sunday, August 20
2:00 PM – Poetry at the Friary @ St. Lawrence Friary
Monthly open mic hosted by Fr. Bob Phelps in Beacon, NY
Monday, August 21
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
Looking for a supportive community of writers? Learn how to express yourself clearly and imaginatively, share your work, and respond to the stories of others. Attend any or all sessions. This is an online event. Registration is required. If you require help to register a librarian will be happy to assist you!
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, August 22
12:15 PM – FFAPL Tuesday Book Review: “King: A Life” by Jonathan Eig @ Albany Public Library – Washington Ave. Branch
Please join the FFAPL for a review of “King: A Life” by Jonathan Eig, reviewed by Alice Green, executive director, The Center for Law & Justice. The Friends and Foundation of Albany Public Library host regular book reviews, author talks, and special presentations.
Wednesday, August 23
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.
7:00 PM – Wednesday Night Book Chat @ East Greenbush Community Library
What have you been reading lately? Join the Wednesday night Facebook book chat to share your recent reads and gather recommendations from librarians and other readers.
8:00 PM – Virtual Author Talk with Cassandra Clare, author of The Mortal Instruments Series
You’re invited to an enchanting hour online as we chat with mega-bestselling author, Cassandra Clare, about her newest and final book in The Last Hours series, “Chain of Thorns.”
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.
