School is back in session, and we have another great week of literary events in the area to celebrate the writing and reading! Here’s a quick look at the events, book discussions, readings, open mics, and workshops coming up.
Thursday, September 7
7:00 PM – Virtual Author Talk with Lidia Bastianich, author of “My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, & Food”
You’re invited to an intimate evening with award-winning television host and bestselling author Lidia Bastianich as she talks about her memoir My American Dream: A Life of Love, Family, and Food.
7:00 PM – Spoken Word Reading and Performance Series @ Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills
Poetry reading and open mic, hosted by Elga Antonsen and Penelope Hyde Levine, with featured poets Leslie Gerber and Judith Kerman.
Friday, September 8
9:00 AM – Early Literacy Storytime! @ Troy Public Library
Kids ages 0-5 are welcome to this early literacy story.
6:00 PM – Kim Van Alkemade – “Counting Lost Stars” @ Northshire Manchester
The bestselling historical novelist Kim van Alkemade will celebrate the release of her latest book. In this gripping and poignant historical saga an unmarried college student who has given up her baby for adoption helps a Dutch Holocaust survivor search for his lost mother.
Saturday, September 9
11:00 AM – Book Signing: Melissa Clark, “Dinner in One” @ Oblong Books
Meet New York Times Food Columnist and Bestselling Cookbook Author Melissa Clark. The purchase of one of Melissa’s books from Oblong is required to join the signing line.
12:00 PM – River Poems @ Herman Melville House
River Poems, a poetry reading to benefit the Lansingburgh Historical Society, featuring James Duncan, Scott Laudati, Carson Pytell, and Darcy Smith.
1:00 PM – FFAPL Seven Branches Book Talks @ Albany Public Library – Howe Branch
The Friends and Foundation of Albany Public Library present Seven Branches Book Talks. Alexis Bhagat, former FFAPL Executive Director, presents the book, A Tale for the Time Being, by Ruth Ozeki.
Sunday, September 10
2:00 PM – 2nd Sunday @ 2 – Poetry + Prose @ Collar City Mushrooms
The 2nd Sunday @ 2 open mic for poetry and prose is in its 11th year, supporting emerging, published and writers in-between.
Monday, September 11
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 – 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.
6:30 PM – Poetry Circle Open Mic @ Moon and River Cafe
Poetry Circle is an intimate, interactive poetry and spoken-word open mic evening in which participants are invited to reflect on readings.
Tuesday, September 12
12:15 PM – FFAPL Tuesday Book Review: “The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet” by John Green @ Albany Public Library – Washington Ave. Branch
A review of “The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet” by John Green, reviewed by Roger O. Green, MLS, retired librarian, NY Small Business Development Center, & current board member, FFAPL.
1:00 PM – Book Club @ Schenectady Public Library – Scotia Branch
Join us for a discussion of The Dream Daughter by Diane Chamberlain. 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 us for a discussion of The Sweetness of Forgetting by Kristin Harmel. New book club members are always welcome. Request a copy of the books online or at any SCPL location.
7:00 PM – 2nd Tuesday Open Mic
All-genre open mic on Zoom out of Bennington hosted by Charlie Rossiter.
Wednesday, September 13
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.
6:00 PM – How to Become an Engaging & Dynamic Reader of Your Written Work and Wow Your Audience
This workshop, led by Joy Baglio of Pioneer Valley Writers Workshop, is for anyone who wants to learn (and practice) reading the written word aloud (whether your own or that of others), with power, flair, and dynamism!
7:30 PM – Writers Mic
Writers near and far are welcome to join host Jackie Craven for a lively monthly open mic.
7:30 PM – Front Parlor Storytelling @ Lucas Confectionery
Storytelling Open Mic hosted by Mike De Socio. This month’s theme is Speaking Up. It’s never been easier to broadcast a message to the world. We’ve all got tiny megaphones in our pockets, ready at any moment to blast out a missive on social media.
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.
