If you have missed some of the events in October, don’t worry, it’s not over yet. There’s lots (lots!) going on and I’ve been so busy with it all myself that I haven’t had time to capsulize it here. But if you missed one of the biggest events, the Twin Cities Book Festival (not to take anything away from the Book Lover’s Ball), you can see my recap of the TCBF here.
There are also observances and developments going on in the book world. For instance, did you know that it is National Reading Group Month? This is sponsored by the Women’s National Book Association. If you are interested in starting up a local chapter of this national organization, drop me a line at Linda AT bookmaniaonline DOT com. Now get thee to a book club near you!
This week is also Teen Read Week, sponsored by the American Library Association. Check your local libraries for recommendations on good Young Adult (YA) reads, and you might even be able to catch some events at your local indie bookstores and libraries. Teens are encouraged to Read for the Fun of It!
Library Foundation changes name
In other news, the Library Foundation of Hennepin County has changed its name to Friends of Hennepin County Library. “New name. Same reason for being,” according to the press release. This was effective September 12, 2011. Executive Director Stu Wilson says, “This name change reflects our collaborative spirit on a more personal level.”
The Library Foundation took on the role of coordinating the 41 local Friends groups located at each library throughout the Hennepin County system in 2010. While Friends of HCL and the local Friends are all independent, separate organizations, they work together closely and share a common mission of support for the Hennepin County Library. A new membership program offers the option to join both a local Friends group while becoming a member of the system-wide Friends of HCL.
Events
The Friends of the HCL will continue to offer their great event series, including Pen Pals, Talk of the Stacks and Childish Films. This fall, they have a special mini-series called Spotlight on Local Presses. The first one was on Sept 24 and featured Coffee House Press. The second event will be on Nov 3 and will feature Graywolf Press, with a sneak peek at their 2011-2012 season. The third event will feature Milkweed Editions on Dec 8 and promises An Evening of Travel, Politics, and Prose with Christopher Merrill.
Fun Halloween antics are on tap next weekend, as the Loft will be holding its annual Dead Writers Party, again at Kieran’s Irish Pub, on Oct 29. Wear a costume, read from your favorite dead author’s work (or your own) or just sit back and enjoy the show. Prizes! A donation of $10 is suggested. Antics start at 4pm.
And don’t forget, writers: the next weekend conference at the Loft is the Novel-Writing Conference on November 5 and 6 featuring Pam Houston. Four great tracks are being offered. Register now – details here.
Next week, Tuesday, Oct 25, check out MotionPoems at Open Book, where Todd Boss will be presenting the 2012 motionpoems premiere with special guest David Lehman, series editor of Best American Poetry. Free and open to the public, the event will have two screenings, at 6pm and 8pm. An informal reception will follow each screening.
Also, next week is the start of the Jewish Book Fair, with Opening Night: Party Like a Bookworm! on Tuesday at 7pm at the St. Paul Jewish Community Center. This will feature David Bezmozgis, author of The Free World, a 2011 Community Reads Selection. The Book Fair continues throughout the season with events all over town, including a Children and Young Adult Book Festival on Oct 30.
Don’t forget to check the Twin Cities Literary Calendar for those events that are Lit Punch-worthy – the ones with the red stars. You could earn yourself a $15 gift certificate!
Which is not to say that you should not attend the other events. As you know by now, the Twin Cities is full to bursting with fantastic writers, events and organizations. I will continue to write this column but I do ask for your support. If you could pass this on to anyone you know who might be interested, it would be appreciated. I only get paid for views, so really, this continues to be a labor of love. Subscribe today so that you won’t miss out on great upcoming articles, like profiles of The Red Balloon Bookshop, an interview with Todd Boss and a review of the 2012 Saint Paul Almanac. In the coming days, look for TWO Halloween features!
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