Another great week of literary events in the region as we start to settle into the fall season. Here’s a quick look at the book discussions, readings, open mics, and workshops coming up.
Friday, September 29
9:00 AM – Early Literacy Storytime! @ Troy Public Library
Kids ages 0-5 are welcome to this early literacy story.
6:00 PM – Steve Sheinkin & Kōdo Kimura – “Yukie’s Island” and “Impossible Escape” @ Northshire Saratoga
Three time National Book Award finalist & Newbery Honor author Steve Sheinkin will be joined by debut illustrator Kōdo Kimura to celebrate the release of two new books. Yukie’s Island: My Family’s World War II Story is a moving picture book autobiography about a family’s resilience and path to healing after the devastation of war. Impossible Escape: A True Story of Survival and Heroism in Nazi Europe is a true story of two Jewish teenagers racing against time during the Holocaust—one in hiding in Hungary, and the other in Auschwitz, plotting escape.
Saturday, September 30
1:00 PM – Michael J. Burgess Signing “Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in Albany: Governing New York” @ The Open Door Bookstore
This is the story of how as Governor of New York, Roosevelt tried the programs that became the New Deal that transformed America. Michael J. Burgess reveals the often overlooked history of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in Albany at the helm of the Empire State.
3:00 PM – Melinda Burns signs and discusses, “A Practical Guide to Caregiving” @ The Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza
The author will sign and discuss her new book.
6:00 PM – J. Vanessa Lyon – “Lush Lives” @ Northshire Manchester
Lyon will join us to discuss her new book, an unabashedly charged love story set in the evocative and high-stakes world of art and auction in New York City – the story of a restless artist, a Harlem inheritance, and a savvy auction house appraiser. With beguiling wit and undeniable passion, Lush Lives is a deliciously queer and sexy novel about bold, brilliant women unafraid to take risks and fight for what they love.
7:00 PM – Salon Salvage @ Weathered Wood
Monthly poetry and art series featuring local, regional, and national poets and performers curated by Hajar Hussaini, Matthew Klane, and Amie Zimmerman.
Sunday, October 1
2:00 PM – Recycling Lies and Plastic Problems with Bill McKibben, Eve Schaub, Judith Enck and Joe Donahue @ Northshire Manchester
Eve Schaub, the author of Year of No Garbage will be joined by Bill McKibben, and Judith Enck, the founder of Beyond Plastics. The three will discuss their work with Joe Donahue of WAMC / Northeast Public Radio. A portion of the ticket price for this event will be donated to Beyond Plastics.
2:00 PM – Mary K O’Melveny: Book Launch @ The Poetry Barn
Join us in celebrating the launch of Mary K O’Melveny’s new book of poetry Flight Patterns!
4:00 PM – Chuck Wendig – “Black River Orchard” @ Northshire Saratoga
The bestselling author of Wanderers and The Book of Accidents will join us to discuss his latest masterpiece of horror – and host an heirloom apple tasting. A small town is transformed when seven strange trees begin bearing magical apples. “Chuck Wendig is one of my very favorite storytellers.”—Erin Morgenstern, author of The Night Circus
7:00 PM – An Evening with David Sedaris @ The Bardavon
David Sedaris is one of America’s preeminent humor writers. He is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers. David Sedaris will sign books in the lobby immediately following his readings and Q & A.
Monday, October 2
1:30 PM – Howe Monday Memoir Writing Group @ Albany Public Library – Howe Branch
Participate in a group of memoir writers and get feedback.
2:00 PM – With Pen in Hand @ Albany Public Library
Learn how to express yourself clearly and imaginatively, share your work, and respond to the stories of others. Attend any or all sessions. Facilitated by Misty Yarnall. This event is virtual and held through Zoom. Please register with your email address to receive the Zoom invite.
6:30 PM – Book Launch & Apple Tasting Event with Chuck Wendig @ Rose Hill Farm
Horror and apples seem to be forever entwined…kick off the spooky season with us at Rose Hill Farm & Orchard with a special book launch event, featuring an heirloom apple tasting followed by a discussion and book signing with bestselling author of Wanderers and The Book of Accidents, Chuck Wendig to celebrate his new novel BLACK RIVER ORCHARD.
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, October 3
12:00 PM – Friends Author Talk @ Albany Public Library – Washington Ave. Branch
Marina Antropow Cramer discusses & reads from her three novels: Roads, Anna Eva Mimi Adam, and Marfa’s River. Also on ZOOM.
6:00 PM – Writers Night Out in October @ Forbes Library
Join Straw Dog Writers Guild on Tuesday, October 3, for Writers Night Out with featured writer Joan Livingston at Forbes Library. No registration required. If you want to participate in Open Mic and read, please sign up by 5:50pm. Ten names will be randomly selected. Each reader will have five minutes. The second half of the evening showcases our Featured Reader.
6:00 PM – Banned Books Read Out: Let Freedom Read with NYCLU of the Capital Region @ Albany Public Library – Washington Ave. Branch
“Let Freedom Read.” When we ban books, we’re closing off readers to people, places, and perspectives. But when we stand up for stories, we unleash the power that lies inside every book. We liberate the array of voices that need to be heard and the scenes that need to be seen. Let freedom read! No sign up is necessary, bring a short selection of a banned book to read aloud or just come to listen. Presented in partnership with the NYCLU Capital Region Office, the Upper Hudson Library System and the League of Women Voters of Albany County.
Wednesday, October 4
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.No registration required. Ages 18+
7:00 PM – Caffe Lena Poetry Open Mic @ Caffe Lena
Carol Graser hosts the long-running poetry open mic at the historic Caffe Lena in Saratoga Spings. This month’s featured poet is Ellen White Rock.
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.
