What a huge week of literary events in the area! One of the big highlights is the Hudson Valley Writers Guild special event at The Linda on Saturday night. But there is so much more going on, so take a look the events, book discussions, readings, open mics, and workshops coming up.
Thursday, August 3
10:30 AM – Book Club @ Schenectady Public Library – Glenville Branch
Join the Glenville Book Club for a discussion of Lessons In Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus. New book club members are always welcome. Request a copy of the books online or at any SCPL location.
5:00 PM – Richard Russo “Somebody’s Fool” @ Northshire Saratoga
Northshire Bookstore is thrilled to partner with the Saratoga Performing Arts Center and WAMC/Northeast Public Radio to present an evening with Pulitzer Prize-winning author (and staff and customer favorite) Richard Russo, in celebration of the release of his newest novel, Somebody’s Fool. Russo will discuss the book and his work with Joe Donahue of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio.
6:00 PM – Shorts Out Loud with Zan Strumfeld @ Troy Public Lilbrary – Lansingburgh Branch
Join the library for the final session of our annual Shorts Out Loud series! This special program is one that the library hosts each year with 30 minutes of live music followed by 30 minutes of poetry or short stories read aloud. For August 4th, we are pleased to welcome back Zan Strumfeld, a Troy-based songwriter and guitarist, and reader Ned Abbott.
6:30 PM – Fiction Book Club: “When We Were Dragons” @ Battenkill Books
Join us for a discussion of Kelly Barnhill’s novel, “When Women Were Dragons.”
Friday, August 4
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 is required. Storytime consists of 2-3 stories and a related craft.
6:00 PM – Megan Dowd Lambert – Book Bonding: Building Connections Through Family Reading @ Northshire Manchester
The beloved VT children’s literature educator and children’s book author Megan Dowd Lambert will share her new collection of essays about family, reading, and bonding with others through books.
6:00 PM – Friday Night Talks With Theresa-Xuan Bui @ Adirondack Center for Writing
Meet writer and performer Theresa-Xuan Bui, who is currently an artist in residence at Craigardan in Elizabethtown, NY.
6:30 PM – Calling All Poets Series
CAPS is monthly poetry series with featured poets reading new and selected works. A two poem open mic follows. This month’s featured poets are Nathan Smith, Megha Sood, and Estelle Bajou.
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 5
10:30 AM – Josh Funk Storytime & Signing @ Millbrook Farmer’s Market
Join Josh at the market (or Merritt Bookstore in case of weird weather!) for storytime and book signing.
6:00 PM – Andre Dubus III – “Such Kindness” @ Northshire Manchester
The award-winning bestselling author will discuss his latest book, a Northshire Staff Pick many times over. To one man’s painful moral journey, Dubus brings compassion with an edge of dark absurdity, forging a novel as absorbing as it is profound.
8:00 PM – HVWG Presents Trailer Park Quarterly & Hobo Camp Review @ The Linda
The Hudson Valley Writers Guild presents a special night of poetry and spoken word at The Linda, featuring Rebecca Schumejda, Kenning JP García, Alina Pleskova, Erren Geraud Kelly, Stephanie Kaylor, and Victorio Reyes Asili.
Sunday, August 6
5:00 PM – Walkin’ with WordXWord #3 aka Sculpture Walk @ The Mount
Guest curated by poet D Colin, this iteration of Walkin’ with WordXWord will offer a fresh take on what is already a perennial favorite! Participating poets include: Silent Quill; M.I.D.N.I.G.H.T.; Ashley Wonder; Nathan Smith; Mary Panza; Courtney Symone; EL; and D. Colin.
Monday, August 7
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 8
12:15 PM – FFAPL Tuesday Book Review: “Pollution is Colonialism” by Max Liboiron @ Albany Public Library – Washington Ave. Branch
A review of “Pollution is Colonialism” by Max Liboiron, reviewed by David Morrow, PhD, professor of English, The College of St. Rose. The Friends and Foundation of Albany Public Library host regular book reviews, author talks, and special presentations.
1:00 PM – Book Club @ Schenectady Public Library – Scotia Branch
A discussion of any book by author Ruta Sepetys, #1 NYT Best-selling author and winner of the Carnegie Medal. New book club members are always welcome. Request a copy of the books online or at any SCPL location.
2:00 PM – Book Club @ Schenectady Public Library – Central Branch
Join the club for a discussion of “The Music of Bees” by Eileen Garvin. New book club members are always welcome. Request a copy of the books online or at any SCPL location.
5:00 PM – A Book Club Before Dinner @ Albany Public Library – North Albany Branch
Join the North Albany’s book club! We will meet on the second Tuesday of each month. Our choices of titles will be based on the month’s holiday observations. Title for August: “The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet” by Becky Chambers. You can request a copy in the system or request an ebook on Libby. Please reserve your spot online or call the North Albany Library at 518-427-4300 ext 6.
6:00 PM – Mysteries & More Book Group @ Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library
Dive into a true crime narrative of an unsolved 1969 murder at Harvard, of obsession and love for a girl who dreamt of rising among men. We Keep the Dead Close is a memoir of mirrors, misogyny, and murder. It is at once a rumination on the violence and oppression that rules our revered institutions, a ghost story reflecting one young woman’s past onto another’s present, and a love story for a girl who was lost to history.
6:00 PM – Matt Witten – “Killer Story” @ Northshire Saratoga
Northshire Bookstore is delighted to welcome you back to this in-person event at our Saratoga Springs, NY store. Matt Witten will return by popular demand to share his latest thriller.
6:00 PM – DeWitt’s Duel: Rivalry at Ten Paces @ East Greenbush Community Library
The life of DeWitt Clinton is an interesting exploration into the politics of early America and New York State. Recognized now as the “Father of the Erie Canal,” NYS governor and former mayor of New York City, Clinton had tended to personal and political rivalries to accomplish legislative goals. Discover some of the intrigue, wrangling, and dirty politics that ultimately lead to DeWitt’s Duel on the plains of Weehawken, New Jersey.
6:00 PM – Ways to Publish Your Book Workshop @ Schenectady Public Library – Central Branch
Join award-winning local author, Janine De Tillio Cammarata, as she explains the various ways to get your manuscript published. Fiction or non-fiction writers are welcome. The manuscript doesn’t have to be finished to attend.
7:00 PM – 2nd Tuesday Open Mic
All-genre open mic out of Bennington hosted by Charlie Rossiter.
Wednesday, August 9
10:30 AM – Telling your Story – Memoir Writing @ Schenectady Public Library – Glenville Branch
In this workshop Janine De Tillio Cammarata teaches journaling in order to access memoir—moments in time that tell your story. Whether it’s family history, writing about specific life events, this workshop provides a space to tell the only story that matters—yours. When you tell your story, you understand your ancestors, view your life with perspective, and if you choose–provide a gift to loved ones that only you can give. No matter what brings you to this workshop, you’ll leave with a positive journaling practice and techniques to write memoir. No experience is needed. Please bring pen and paper. Must be able to attend all 4 classes. August 9, 16, 23, 30.
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.
6:30 PM – Howl Story Slam @ Ausable Brewing
The Howl Story Slam is a live storytelling competition. Anyone can sign up to tell a story the night of the event.
7:30 PM – Writers Mic
Writers near and far are welcome to join host Jackie Craven for a lively monthly open mic.
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.
