Author Charles Monagan will give a talk on his latest book Connecticut Icons Thursday, January 17, 2019, from 12:00 P.M. -12:45 P.M., at the Connecticut State Library. In his book, with a collection of photos, anecdotes, and little-known facts, Monagan presents fifty of his favorite icons—from the hot lobster roll Read more [...]

Join us for a special Author Night with 15-year-old YA author from West Hartford, Julia Tannenbaum. Julia will read and discuss her debut novel, ‘Changing Ways’. Julia will have copies of her book available for purchase. Growing up sucks. Struggling to cope with the constant stress of school, her mother, Read more [...]

Enjoy reading blogs and ready to start your own? In this 2 hour session, you’ll learn how to use WordPress for basic blogging, including setting up a free account, choosing a template, and navigating the dashboard among other skills. Participants should bring a laptop computer (with fully charged battery) and Read more [...]

Join Eileen Albrizio as she reads from her debut novel “The Windsome Tree: A Ghost Story” at the Book Club Bookstore in South Windsor, CT. An author talk and book signing will follow.

Join Julie Choffel, West Hartford’s Poet Laureate, in reading and conversation about poems that speak to our lives today. Each time we will discuss a different handful of poems from a range of contemporary poets. Participants will gain new approaches to reading poetry of all kinds and leave with a Read more [...]

This workshop will cover how to use music in your poetry.  We are excited to host acclaimed poet and nationally known speaker Jose B. Gonzalez, who is the author of the International Latino Book Award Finalist “Toys Made of Rock” as well as “When Love Was Reels.” González is a Read more [...]

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014) From the highly acclaimed, multiple award-winning Anthony Doerr, the stunningly beautiful instant New York Times bestseller about a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World Read more [...]

Meet Anne K. Howard, author of His Garden: Conversations with a Serial Killer.  In her book, Howard probes the complicated and conflicted mind of William Devin Howell–Connecticut’s most prolific serial killer. Anne K. Howard is a true crime author and a voracious true crime reader. She also has a popular blog, Read more [...]

We welcome back Connecticut State Archaeologist Dr. Bellantoni who will discuss his new book The Long Journeys Home: the Repatriations of Henry ‘Opukaha’ia and Albert Afraid of Hawk.  Dr. Bellantoni oversaw the archaeologi­cal disinterment and forensic identifications in returning these men to their respective Native families. The Long Journeys Home Read more [...]

Registration required, begins Jan 2. Please note: Sign up for this program begins on January 2nd. “I bake because it connects my soul to my hands, and my heart to my mouth.”–Martin Philip Join us as Martin Philip presents Breaking Bread: A Baker’s Journey Home in 75 Recipes: A brilliant, moving meditation Read more [...]

Have you ever wanted to sit down with the author of a great book and chat with them about their story? Now is your chance! Join mystery author Penny Goetjen for dinner on Thursday January 31st from 5:30-7:00 pm in our elegant Jane Austen Salon. We’ll discuss her newest novel, Read more [...]

Come meet three talented local authors and hear them read from their latest books. Enjoy a light reception afterward. This month’s theme: New Year/New Genre This month: Elsa Kurt “Mae’s Cafe” R.C. Goodwin “The Stephen Hawking Death Row Fan Club” Penny Goetjen “Murder Beyond the Precipice” $5 cover charge RSVP Read more [...]

Spend a day with fellow aspiring authors learning about how to overcome some of the common obstacles during the publication process. During the day you will cycle through three helpful classes with three experienced authors and gain tips and tools for getting through some of the difficulties that all writers Read more [...]

Author Joanna Schaffhausen wields a mean scalpel, sharp skills she developed in her years studying neuroscience. She has a doctorate in psychology, which reflects her long-standing interest in the brain―how it develops and the many ways it can go wrong. Previously, she worked as a scientific editor in the field Read more [...]

Writers of prose and poetry read original work for you entertainment. For Free! You’ll laugh, cry, or by haunted by memories of childhood. Guaranteed! (Or your money back.) Plus enter our one-sentence story contest online and win a prize. Roar sponsored by Elephant Rock Books, an indie publisher located in Read more [...]

EILEEN ALBRIZIO is a former ABC and NPR radio news host and journalist. During her tenure, she earned numerous first-prize honors for her news and features from the Associated Press and the Society of Professional Journalists. She’s a graduate of the CT School of Broadcasting and has earned a BFA Read more [...]

Writers of prose and poetry read original work for you entertainment. For Free! You’ll laugh, cry, or by haunted by memories of childhood. Guaranteed! (Or your money back.) Plus enter our one-sentence story contest online and win a prize. Roar sponsored by Elephant Rock Books, an indie publisher located in Read more [...]

Avon Free Public Library International Book Discussion Series: Canada Tuesday, Mar. 5, 2019, 7:00 PM The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney Tuesday, Apr. 9, 2019 7:00 PM Consumption by Kevin Patterson Tuesday, May 7, 2019 7:00 PM The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman This is a book Read more [...]

Join Julie Choffel, West Hartford’s Poet Laureate, in reading and conversation about poems that speak to our lives today. Each time we will discuss a different handful of poems from a range of contemporary poets. Participants will gain new approaches to reading poetry of all kinds and leave with a Read more [...]

Writers of prose and poetry read original work for you entertainment. For Free! You’ll laugh, cry, or by haunted by memories of childhood. Guaranteed! (Or your money back.) Plus enter our one-sentence story contest online and win a prize. Roar sponsored by Elephant Rock Books, an indie publisher located in Read more [...]

Join us for a powerhouse panel of talented women: Renee Rosen, Chanel Cleeton, and Susan Meissner! Enjoy mocktails on our patio Win gift packs of the author’s books Hear an author panel discussion Visit each author for a book signing  

Writers of prose and poetry read original work for you entertainment. For Free! You’ll laugh, cry, or by haunted by memories of childhood. Guaranteed! (Or your money back.) Plus enter our one-sentence story contest online and win a prize. Roar sponsored by Elephant Rock Books, an indie publisher located in Read more [...]

Alafair Burke is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of eighteen novels. She also co-writes with Mary Higgins Clark. Her new book, The Better Sister, releases on 4/16/19.  Books will be for sale at this event.  

Join Julie Choffel, West Hartford’s Poet Laureate, in reading and conversation about poems that speak to our lives today. Each time we will discuss a different handful of poems from a range of contemporary poets. Participants will gain new approaches to reading poetry of all kinds and leave with a Read more [...]