SHEFFIELD, Mass. -- Enjoy a chat with a local author, get an autograph and even start your holiday shopping the seventh annual Local Authors' Day celebration from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Bushnell-Sage Library, 48 Main St., just south of the village green in Sheffield.
There is great talent in this tri-county corner of Massachusetts, Connecticut and New York, said the event's sponsors, the Library trustees and the Friends of the Bushnell-Sage Library. They added that they feel privileged to sponsor this event honoring our region’s gifted writers and illustrators.
Seventeen new authors will appear at the event in addition to returning favorites.
Children’s authors Barbara Shook Hazen, Michael Citron and Tracy Mack, Doreen Rappaport, Ben Hillman, Sue MacVeety and Cheryl Blackburn will be there. Mumbet is returning to Sheffield, this time through the work of co-authors Jana Laiz and Ann-Elizabeth Barnes and illustrator Jacqueline Rogers.
History, scenery and personalities of the Berkshires are featured in Stephen Donaldson’s photographic essays, Bernie Drew and Gary Leveille’s wonderful histories of our area and Dr. Richard Greene’s mysteries, which take place in Great Barrington. Andrea Scott’s book on the Housatonic, done in conjunction with local artists from the Housatonic Valley Art League, will catch your eye.
If poetry is your bent, the Bushnell-Sage Library is the place to be as Sharon Charde, Michelle Gillett, Irene Willis, David Giannini, and Bob Ronnow will appear. Want a celebrity autograph? Just visit with Roy Blount and Jim Bouton.
For dog lovers, Elizabeth Hess, Brooke Janis and Charles Steinhacker all have animal stories to tell.
Not to be overlooked are our local educators: John Toffey, former English teacher, college counselor and dean of faculty at Berkshire School; Jennifer Browdy de Hernandez from Simon’s Rock, who is the founder of the Berkshire Festival of the Arts; and Emmanuel Dongala, a chemist and novelist who also teaches at Simon’s Rock.
For foodies, Michael Ballon, owner/chef of Castle Street Café, and Miriam Jacobs will provide you with recipes to stimulate the palate.
Biographer Susan Dworkin will share "The Viking in the Wheat Field," which describes the life and achievements of Bent Skovmand, a Danish scientist. Historians Marshall Jon Fisher, Charles Parton, mystery history writer Leslie Wheeler, and Holocaust writers Roselle Chartock and Sonia Pilcer, will all be there -- as will Milton and Ruth Bass, who remind us of who we are and what we can be.
Others attending will be Matt Tannenbaum, owner of The Bookstore in Lenox; David Anderegg; decorative arts writers Gina Hyams and Marlene Hurley Marshall; Karen Berger and musician David Hodge; David Carriere and Richard Wise; mystery writer Jim Ciullo; John Friedman, author of "The History of Lightnin"; Louisa Gilder of quantum physics fame; Rob Robins, artist, raconteur and author of a book on macular degeneration; short-story writer Jessica Treat; columnist Dan Valenti; and novelist Kenneth Markel, who is now writing original ½-hour plays for radio station WBCR-LP at 97.7 FM.
Refreshments will be served all morning. There will be a host of volunteers keeping the
coffee urns filled and the goodie trays passed about. The sponsors say this is always a busy, joyful, noisy event.
At 12:30 p.m., the Friends of the Bushnell-Sage Library host a luncheon for the writers and their guests. Included at the luncheon will be authors from previous celebrations who come to renew friendships, and discuss the process of their craft and the business of getting published.
Information: Bushnell-Sage Library, (413) 229-7004.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
special event in december - tix on sale sept. 1
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2
Author event with Stephen King
When: 7 PM
Where: Manchester Elementary-Middle School, Manchester, Vt.
Admission: $50 (includes a signed copy of Under the Dome and preferred seating, or $5 (general admission)
TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE SEPT. 1 AT 10 AM. They will be available in-store at Northshire Bookstore, 4869 Main St., Manchester, Vt., or by phone only. A special phone number will be set up for ticket sales, and will be announced on the bookstore's website at a future date.
upcoming literary events
ONGOING
Berkshire Playwrights Lab
When: 8 PM, Wednesdays -- Aug. 12, Aug. 26, Sept. 16
Where: Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington
Cost: Free
Free staged reading series. Play titles and casts TBA. Contact: (413) 528-0100. http://www.berkshireplaywrightslab.org/
Berkshire Writers Room workshops
* Writing For Children & Young Adults on second Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Meville Hall, Room 217, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield
* Fiction/Creative Non-Fiction meets the first Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. in Meville Hall, Room 217, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield
* Poetry meets on second Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Wild Sage, 333 North St., Pittsfield
* The All-Genre Workshop is held on third Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mason Public Library, Main Street, Great Barrington
Workshops are free to members of the Berkshire Writers Room. Interested non-members may attend two workshops before joining. Membership is $20 per year. Contact: (413) 236-2191, theberkshirewritersroom@yahoo.com.
Books and Authors, 2009 Lecture Series
When: 4 PM, Mondays, June 13 - Aug. 31
Where: The Mount's Stable Theater, 2 Plunkett Street (just off route 7), Lenox
Cost: $18 in advance (by noon), $20 at the door; students with valid ID receive a $5 discount. Contact: (413) 551-5111. www.edithwharton.org.
All lectures will be followed by a book-signing and tea.
* Aug. 3: "The Red Leather Diary: Reclaiming a Life Through the Pages of a Lost Journal" by Lily Koppel
* Aug. 10: "Toward the Celestial Country: The Alcotts as a Transcendental Family" by author John Matteson
* Aug. 17: "The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family" by author Annette Gordon-Reed
* Aug. 24: "Banquet at Delmonico’s: Great Minds, the Gilded Age, and the Triumph of Evolution in America" by author Barry Werth
* Aug. 31: "Jerome Robbins: His Life, His Theater, His Dance" by author, dancer, choreographer, dance critic and teacher, Deborah Jowitt
Inkberry workshops
* Community Critique Group
When: 7:30 PM, first and third Wednesdays
Where: Inkberry, Western Gateway Heritage State Park, 115 State St., building 1, second floor, North Adams
Cost: Free
Want feedback on your stories or poems? Looking for an alternative to a class? Share your work with local writers in this welcoming community-based workshop. Members submit their writings and receive feedback on a rotating basis. Feel free to drop in and observe. Open to writers of all levels and styles. Contact: (413) 664-0775. www.inkberry.org
* "Finding Meaning and Values in Poetry"
When: 7 PM, first Monday of the month
Where: Inkberry, Western Gateway Heritage State Park, 115 State St., building 1, second floor, North Adams
Cost: $3
This is a lively, informal monthly gathering of writers and readers. World poetry, from ancient to modern times, is the most complete, succinct and elegant record available to us of human wisdom, experience and ethics. Discover personal meaning and values by discussing exceptional poems with Berkshire writers and readers. Bring your own refreshments. Contact: (413) 664-0775. www.inkberry.org
"Wharton on Wednesdays"
When: 5 p.m., Wednesdays, July 8 - Aug. 26
Where: The Mount, 104 Walker St., Lenox, outside (library for rain)
Cost: Free with estate admission
The works of Edith Wharton will be read every Wednesday throughout the summer season. This year readings will be presented by members of the Berkshire Theatre Festival, and a different work by Edith Wharton will be read each week. Admission is free, and the Terrace Café will be open until the reading starts for refreshments. Contact: (413) 637-3206. http://www.edithwharton.org/
Wordplay
When: 7 PM, second Saturday of the month
Where: Papyri Books, 45 Eagle St., North Adams
Cost: Free
Local authors read from their published works followed by an open mic session. Refreshments.
* Aug. 8: "The Coming of the Train: The Hoosic Tunnel & Wilmington and Deerfield River Railroads and The Industries They Served, Volume I - 1870-1910" by Brian Donelson
* Sept. 12: Local poets Karen Chase and Trudy Ames will read from recent publications
* Oct. 10: "Deadly Quarrels," latest in the Anne Cartier Mystery Series by Charles O'Brien
* Nov. 14: Members of the Slate Roof Collective will read from their poetry, including Susie Patlove reading from "Quickening", featured on NPR's Writer's Almanac
* Dec. 12: Authors from local literary journal upstreet will read their work from volume 5
LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR
SATURDAY, AUG. 1
William Spiegelman: "Seven Pleasures"
When: 2 PM
Where: The Bookstore, 11 Housatonic St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Author William Spiegelman will read from and sign his book, "Seven Pleasures: Essays on Ordinary Happiness."
Contact: (413) 637-3390. http://www.bookstoreinlenox.com/
TUESDAY, AUG. 4
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
When: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Berkshires Writers Group
Where: Legacy Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Contact: Danna Paglino, (413) 637-3017
THURSDAY, AUG. 6
Discussion and book signing with Marshall Jon Fisher
When: 6 PM
Where: Chapters Bookstore, 78 North St., Pittsfield
Cost: Free
Chapters and upstreet present Marshall Jon Fisher, author of "A Terrible Splendor: Three Extraordinary Men, a World Poised for War, and the Greatest Tennis Match Ever Played."
SATURDAY, AUG. 8
Script writing et al., a workshop with Jeff Brace
When: 2 PM
Where: Chapters Bookstore, 78 North St., Pittsfield
Cost: Free
TUESDAY, AUG. 11
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
When: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Berkshires Writers Group
Where: Legacy Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Contact: Danna Paglino, (413) 637-3017
THURSDAY, AUG. 13
Preschool Story Craft
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Preschool Story Craft is for children 3 to 5 years of age. The program features stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to stories. Contact: Debby Cuthbert, (413) 637-0197, ext. 105.
TUESDAY, AUG. 18
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
When: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Berkshires Writers Group
Where: Legacy Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Contact: Danna Paglino, (413) 637-3017
When: 2 PM - 3:00 PM: Annual Ice Cream Social & Summer Reading Program Finale
Where: Roche Reading Park
Cost: Free
This celebration is sponsored by SOCO, and everyone is invited to enjoy a dish of ice cream, meet a few out-of-this-world special guests and see who wins the Summer Reading Program raffle. All Starship Adventurers will be awarded a prize.
Contact: Debby Cuthbert, (413) 637-0197, ext. 105, or dcuthbert@lenoxlib.org
THURSDAY, AUG. 20
Preschool Story Craft
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Preschool Story Craft is for children 3 to 5 years of age. The program features stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to stories. Contact: Debby Cuthbert, (413) 637-0197, ext. 105.
SATURDAY, AUG. 22
Gerald Elias reads from 'Devil's Trill'
When: 1 PM
Where: The Bookloft, 332 Stockbridge Road, Barrington Plaza, Route 7, Great Barrington
Cost: Free
Local author Gerald Elias will read from his new book, "Devil's Trill," a mystery novel set in the classical world which he knows so well. Elias is a composer and has been a member of the Boston Symphony, associate concertmaster of the Utah Symphony since 1988, first violinist of the Abramyan String Quartet and adjunct professor of music at the University of Utah. The Deseret News wrote, "[Elias] is an exceptionally talented and sublime musician. His musicality is impressive, and his technical skill is unsurpassed." Contact: (413) 528-1521.
TUESDAY, AUG. 25
When: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Berkshires Writers Group
Where: Legacy Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Contact: Danna Paglino, (413) 637-3017
FRIDAY, AUG. 28
When: 11 AM - 6 PM: Annual Book Sale
Where: Welles Gallery, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Contact: Ilse Browner
SATURDAY, AUG. 29
When: 10 AM - 5 PM: Annual Book Sale
Where: Welles Gallery, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Contact: Ilse Browner
SUNDAY, AUG. 30
When: 10 AM - 5 PM: Annual Book Sale
Where: Welles Gallery, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Contact: Ilse Browner
SATURDAY, AUG. 29
John Katz reads from 'Soul of a Dog'
When: 1 PM
Where: The Bookloft, 332 Stockbridge Road, Barrington Plaza, Route 7, Great Barrington
Cost: Free
Jon Katz will read from his new book, "Soul of a Dog." Katz has written six novels and 10 works of nonfiction including "A Dog Year," "The Dogs of Bedlam Farm," "The New Work of Dogs," "Katz on Dogs" and "A Good Dog." A two-time finalist for the National Magazine Award, he writes columns about dogs and rural life for the online magazine Slate, and has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, GQ and the AKC Gazette. He co-hosts an award-winning show, "Dog Talk," on Northeast Public Radio. Katz lives on Bedlam Farm in upstate New York with his wife, Paula Span, and his dogs, sheep, steers and cow, donkeys, barn cat, irritable rooster Winston, and three hens. Contact: (413) 528-1521.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 1
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
When: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Berkshires Writers Group
Where: Legacy Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Contact: Danna Paglino, (413) 637-3017
THURSDAY, SEPT. 3
Preschool Story Craft
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Preschool Story Craft is for children 3 to 5 years of age. The program features stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to stories. Contact: Debby Cuthbert, (413) 637-0197, ext. 105.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 8
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 10
Preschool Story Craft
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Preschool Story Craft is for children 3 to 5 years of age. The program features stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to stories. Contact: Debby Cuthbert, (413) 637-0197, ext. 105.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 15
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 17
Preschool Story Craft
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Preschool Story Craft is for children 3 to 5 years of age. The program features stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to stories. Contact: Debby Cuthbert, (413) 637-0197, ext. 105.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 20
Distinguished Lecture Series: "Clara's War: A Miraculous Story of One Girl's Survival Under the Nazis"
When: 4 PM - 6 PM
Where: Sedgwick Reading Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Contact: Denis J. Lesieur, (413) 637-2630 or dlesieur@lenoxlib.org
TUESDAY, SEPT. 22
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 24
Preschool Story Craft
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Preschool Story Craft is for children 3 to 5 years of age. The program features stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to stories. Contact: Debby Cuthbert, (413) 637-0197, ext. 105.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 29
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30
An Evening with David Sedaris
When: 7:30 PM
Where: The Colonial Theatre, 111 South St., Pittsfield
Cost: $65/$45
NPR humorist and best-selling author of "Me Talk Pretty One Day" and "When You Are Engulfed in Flames" David Sedaris is one of America's pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. Contact: (413)997-4444. Box office hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM - 5 PM; Saturday 10 AM - 2 PM.
THURSDAY, OCT. 1
Preschool Story Craft
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Preschool Story Craft is for children 3 to 5 years of age. The program features stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to stories. Contact: Debby Cuthbert, (413) 637-0197, ext. 105.
SUNDAY, OCT. 11
Lecture and Book Signing: "The Mannahatta Project: The Natural History of Manhattan Island" by Eric Sanderson
When: 5:30 - 7 PM
Where: The Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield
Cost: Free
Using historic accounts and the latest GIS technology, Wildlife Conservation Society landscape ecologist Eric Sanderson reconstructs the original, primeval natural areas of Manhattan Island before your eyes. Afterwards Sanderson will sign his latest book, "Mannahatta," and birthday cake will be offered to celebrate the 400th year of colonization of Manhattan Island. Contact: (413)443-7171.
TUESDAY, OCT. 6
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
TUESDAY, OCT. 13
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
SUNDAY, OCT. 18
Distinguished Lecture Series: "Can Poetry Save the Earth? A Field Guide to Nature Poems"
When: 4 PM - 6 PM
Where: Sedgwick Reading Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Contact: Denis J. Lesieur, (413) 637-2630 or dlesieur@lenoxlib.org
Thursday, July 16, 2009
3rd thursdays poetry slam - tonight in pittsfield, mass.
As part of the 3rd Thursdays activities in Pittsfield, four-time national slam poet champion Taylor Mali will host a poetry slam at 8:30 tonight at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, 28 Renne Ave. Admission is $10.
For more information on Mali, visit: http://www.taylormali.com/
For more information on tonight's 3rd Thursdays events, visit: http://www.pittsfield.com/images/downloads/web3rd_Thursday_july09%20-1.pdf
For more information on Mali, visit: http://www.taylormali.com/
For more information on tonight's 3rd Thursdays events, visit: http://www.pittsfield.com/images/downloads/web3rd_Thursday_july09%20-1.pdf
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
area events
Feeling wordy in Western Mass. and wondering about local poetry events?
Check out the Poetry News Calendar at http://www.poetrynewscalendar.com/ for weekly poetry events listings covering Western Masschusetts, the Pioneer Valley and the greater Springfield/Worcester/Hartford area.
And if you don't consider Albany to be too much of a trek, check out Albany Poets at
http://www.albanypoets.com/ for events in the Capital District.
Check out the Poetry News Calendar at http://www.poetrynewscalendar.com/ for weekly poetry events listings covering Western Masschusetts, the Pioneer Valley and the greater Springfield/Worcester/Hartford area.
And if you don't consider Albany to be too much of a trek, check out Albany Poets at
http://www.albanypoets.com/ for events in the Capital District.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
finding mary oliver
This weekend, a New York Times travel piece wanders Provincetown, Mass., in the footsteps of poet Mary Oliver.
Oliver, who has won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, writes nature poetry, which in lesser hands than hers I sometimes call "sparrow poetry." She was influenced in her work by other great nature poets, Whitman, Thoreau and Millay (in whose home, Steepletop, she briefly lived while a teen, after Millay's death; she helped the family sort through Millay's papers).
But while Oliver writes about nature, her poems are conversations with life, more about truths than imagery itself. I find that lots of poets today can't make that distinction; they seem to write earth imagery because it sounds poetic, not because it speaks truth.
Though Oliver is still living, still in Provincetown with her partner, she declined to be interviewed for the NYT piece; she wanted her work to speak for itself. It does.
Oliver, who has won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award, writes nature poetry, which in lesser hands than hers I sometimes call "sparrow poetry." She was influenced in her work by other great nature poets, Whitman, Thoreau and Millay (in whose home, Steepletop, she briefly lived while a teen, after Millay's death; she helped the family sort through Millay's papers).
But while Oliver writes about nature, her poems are conversations with life, more about truths than imagery itself. I find that lots of poets today can't make that distinction; they seem to write earth imagery because it sounds poetic, not because it speaks truth.
Though Oliver is still living, still in Provincetown with her partner, she declined to be interviewed for the NYT piece; she wanted her work to speak for itself. It does.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
upcoming literary events
ONGOING
Berkshire Playwrights Lab
When: 8 PM, Wednesdays, July 15, July 29, Aug. 12, Aug. 26, Sept. 16
Where: Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington
Cost: Free
Free staged reading series. Play titles and casts TBA. Contact: (413) 528-0100. http://www.berkshireplaywrightslab.org/
Berkshire Writers Room workshops
* Writing For Children & Young Adults on second Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Meville Hall, Room 217, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield
* Fiction/Creative Non-Fiction meets the first Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. in Meville Hall, Room 217, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield
* Poetry meets on second Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Wild Sage, 333 North St., Pittsfield
* The All-Genre Workshop is held on third Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mason Public Library, Main Street, Great Barrington
Workshops are free to members of the Berkshire Writers Room. Interested non-members may attend two workshops before joining. Membership is $20 per year. Contact: (413) 236-2191, theberkshirewritersroom@yahoo.com.
Books and Authors, 2009 Lecture Series
When: 4 PM, Mondays, June 13 - Aug. 31
Where: The Mount's Stable Theater, 2 Plunkett Street (just off route 7), Lenox
Cost: $18 in advance (by noon), $20 at the door; students with valid ID receive a $5 discount. Contact: (413) 551-5111. www.edithwharton.org.
All lectures will be followed by a book-signing and tea.
* July 6: "White Heat: The Friendship of Emily Dickinson and Thomas Wentworth Higginson," lecture by author Brenda Wineapple
* July 13: "Money, Mansion, Misery: A Portrait of Harbor Hill, America's Fanciest Home" by architectural historian Richard Guy Wilson
* July 20: "Reversing the Image: Mrs. Lincoln in 2009" by author Catherine Clinton
* July 27: "Walking Backward: The Life of Flannery O'Connor" by author Brad Gooch
* August 3: "The Red Leather Diary: Reclaiming a Life Through the Pages of a Lost Journal" by Lily Koppel
* August 10: "Toward the Celestial Country: The Alcotts as a Transcendental Family" by author John Matteson
* August 17: "The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family" by author Annette Gordon-Reed
* August 24: "Banquet at Delmonico’s: Great Minds, the Gilded Age, and the Triumph of Evolution in America" by author Barry Werth
* August 31: "Jerome Robbins: His Life, His Theater, His Dance" by author, dancer, choreographer, dance critic and teacher, Deborah Jowitt
Inkberry workshops
* Community Critique Group
When: 7:30 PM, first and third Wednesdays
Where: Inkberry, Western Gateway Heritage State Park, 115 State St., building 1, second floor, North Adams
Cost: Free
Want feedback on your stories or poems? Looking for an alternative to a class? Share your work with local writers in this welcoming community-based workshop. Members submit their writings and receive feedback on a rotating basis. Feel free to drop in and observe. Open to writers of all levels and styles. Contact: (413) 664-0775. www.inkberry.org
* "Finding Meaning and Values in Poetry"
When: 7 PM, first Monday of the month
Where: Inkberry, Western Gateway Heritage State Park, 115 State St., building 1, second floor, North Adams
Cost: $3
This is a lively, informal monthly gathering of writers and readers. World poetry, from ancient to modern times, is the most complete, succinct and elegant record available to us of human wisdom, experience and ethics. Discover personal meaning and values by discussing exceptional poems with Berkshire writers and readers. Bring your own refreshments. Contact: (413) 664-0775. www.inkberry.org
"Wharton on Wednesdays"
When: 5 p.m., Wednesdays, July 8 - Aug. 26
Where: The Mount, 104 Walker St., Lenox, outside (library for rain)
Cost: Free with estate admission
The works of Edith Wharton will be read every Wednesday throughout the summer season. This year readings will be presented by members of the Berkshire Theatre Festival, and a different work by Edith Wharton will be read each week. Admission is free, and the Terrace Café will be open until the reading starts for refreshments. Contact: (413) 637-3206. http://www.edithwharton.org/
LOCAL EVENTS CALENDAR
THURSDAY, JULY 2
Local author readings
When: 7 PM
Where: Bennington Museum, Bennington, Vt.
Cost: Free
Local writers Tony Eprile and Judith Schwartz read their work as part of this weekly local authors series.
"The Ever-Blooming Flower Garden"
When: 7 PM
Where: Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, Vt.
Cost: Free
Author Lee Schneller to present "The Ever-Blooming Flower Garden," second in her "Get Gardening" series. Contact: (802) 362-3565, ext. 128.
TUESDAY, JULY 7
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
When: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Berkshires Writers Group
Where: Legacy Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Contact: Danna Paglino 637-3017
THURSDAY, JULY 9
Preschool Story Craft
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Preschool Story Craft is for children 3 to 5 years of age. The program features stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to stories. Contact: Debby Cuthbert, (413) 637-0197, ext. 105.
Creating Work from Scratch
When: 1 PM
Where: Congregation Knesset Israel, 16 Colt Road, Pittsfield
Cost: Free
The Jewish Federation of the Berkshires will sponsor this program tracing the founding and growth of the Art Times with the literary journal's publisher Cornelia Seckel. Seckel will also address how information is best gotten into print and what people can do to realize their own dreams and visions. Contact: Nancy, 442-4360, ext. 15.
SATURDAY, JULY 11
"Mr. Lincoln's Chair: The Shakers and Their Quest for Peace" lecture and book signing with author Anita Sanchez
When: 2 PM
Where: Hancock Shaker Village, 24 Lebanon Mountain Road, Hancock
Cost: Free with park admission
"Mr. Lincoln's Chair" presents the Shakers against the backdrop of the Civil War, contrasting their peaceful lives with the carnage of America's bloodiest battles. The Shakers' struggle to obtain conscientious-objector status led them all the way to the White House for an audience with President Abraham Lincoln. Contact: (413) 443-0188.
This event is part of Lincoln Trail in the Berkshires, a collaboration of 14 historic sights and museums organized by Chesterwood. See www.lincolntrailintheberkshires.com for more details.
SUNDAY, JULY 12
Jim Lynch reads from 'Border Songs'
When: 1 PM
Where: The Bookloft, 332 Stockbridge Road, Barrington Plaza, Route 7, Great Barrington
Cost: Free
Jim Lynch will read from his new book, "Border Songs" (cover art by Berkshire's own Walton Ford). Lynch lives with his wife and their daughter in Olympia, Wash. As a journalist, he has received the Livingston Award for Young Journalists, among other national honors. His first novel, "The Highest Tide," won the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award, appeared on several bestsellers lists, was adapted for the stage and has been published in 11 foreign markets. Contact: (413) 528-1521.
TUESDAY, JULY 14
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
When: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Berkshires Writers Group
Where: Legacy Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Contact: Danna Paglino 637-3017
THURSDAY, JULY 16
Storyteller Davis Bates and Musician Roger Tincknell
When: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Where: Sedgwick Reading Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Hear how the stars came to be in the sky and sing, move and dance with these two Parents Choice Award-winning performers who play the spoons, guitar, banjo, mandolin, bazouki and more. This program is funded in part by the Lenox Cultural Council, a local agency, supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Dean Olsher: "From Square One"
When: 7 PM
Where: The Bookstore, 11 Housatonic St., Lenox.
Cost: Free
Author Dean Olsher will read from and sign his book, "From Square One: A Meditation, With Digression, on Crosswords." Contact: (413) 637-3390. www.bookstoreinlenox.com
TUESDAY, JULY 21
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
When: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Berkshires Writers Group
Where: Legacy Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Contact: Danna Paglino 637-3017
THURSDAY, JULY 23
Preschool Story Craft
When: 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Preschool Story Craft is for children 3 to 5 years of age. The program features stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to stories. Contact: Debby Cuthbert, (413) 637-0197, ext. 105.
SATURDAY, JULY 25
Dennis Drabelle: "Mile-High Fever"
When: 2 PM
Where: The Bookstore, 11 Housatonic St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Author Dennis Drabelle will read from and sign his book, "Mile-High Fever: Silver Mines, Boom Towns and High Living on the Comstock Lode." Contact: (413) 637-3390. www.bookstoreinlenox.com
TUESDAY, JULY 28
Toddler Story Time
When: 11 - 11:30 AM
Where: Youth Department, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Toddler Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children and their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays and listen to a story. Participants are invited to stay after the structured program so that the children can play together. Contact: Debby Cuthbert 637-0197, ext. 105.
When: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM: Berkshires Writers Group
Where: Legacy Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Contact: Danna Paglino 637-3017
THURSDAY, JULY 30
Children's illustrator Marc Rosenthal
When: 2 PM - 3 PM
Location: Sedgwick Reading Room, Lenox Library, 18 Main St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Marc Rosenthal will demonstrate his artistry for families and give them a sneak peek at his upcoming September release, "Archie and the Pirates." Rosenthal is the award-winning author of "Phooey," illustrator of "Dig!" and other acclaimed picture books. No registration is required. This program is most appropriate for ages 5 to 12. Contact: Debby Cuthbert, (413) 637-1097, ext. 105, dcuthbert@lenoxlib.org.
SATURDAY, AUG. 1
William Spiegelman: "Seven Pleasures"
When: 2 PM
Where: The Bookstore, 11 Housatonic St., Lenox
Cost: Free
Author William Spiegelman will read from and sign his book, "Seven Pleasures: Essays on Ordinary Happiness."
Contact: (413) 637-3390. www.bookstoreinlenox.com
SATURDAY, AUG. 22
Gerald Elias reads from 'Devil's Trill'
When: 1 PM
Where: The Bookloft, 332 Stockbridge Road, Barrington Plaza, Route 7, Great Barrington
Cost: Free
Local author Gerald Elias will read from his new book, "Devil's Trill," a mystery novel set in the classical world which he knows so well. Elias is a composer and has been a member of the Boston Symphony, associate concertmaster of the Utah Symphony since 1988, first violinist of the Abramyan String Quartet and adjunct professor of music at the University of Utah. The Deseret News wrote, "[Elias] is an exceptionally talented and sublime musician. His musicality is impressive, and his technical skill is unsurpassed." Contact: (413) 528-1521.
SATURDAY, AUG. 29
John Katz reads from 'Soul of a Dog'
When: 1 PM
Where: The Bookloft, 332 Stockbridge Road, Barrington Plaza, Route 7, Great Barrington
Cost: Free
Jon Katz will read from his new book, "Soul of a Dog." Katz has written six novels and 10 works of nonfiction including "A Dog Year," "The Dogs of Bedlam Farm," "The New Work of Dogs," "Katz on Dogs" and "A Good Dog." A two-time finalist for the National Magazine Award, he writes columns about dogs and rural life for the online magazine Slate, and has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, GQ and the AKC Gazette. He co-hosts an award-winning show, "Dog Talk," on Northeast Public Radio. Katz lives on Bedlam Farm in upstate New York with his wife, Paula Span, and his dogs, sheep, steers and cow, donkeys, barn cat, irritable rooster Winston, and three hens. Contact: (413) 528-1521.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 30
An Evening with David Sedaris
When: 7:30 PM
Where: The Colonial Theatre, 111 South St., Pittsfield
Cost: $65/$45
NPR humorist and best-selling author of "Me Talk Pretty One Day" and "When You Are Engulfed in Flames" David Sedaris is one of America's pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Sedaris is a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. Contact: (413)997-4444. Box office hours: Monday-Friday 10 AM - 5 PM; Saturday 10 AM - 2 PM.
SUNDAY, OCT. 11
Lecture and Book Signing: "The Mannahatta Project: The Natural History of Manhattan Island" by Eric Sanderson
When: 5:30 - 7 PM
Where: The Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield
Cost: Free
Using historic accounts and the latest GIS technology, Wildlife Conservation Society landscape ecologist Eric Sanderson reconstructs the original, primeval natural areas of Manhattan Island before your eyes. Afterwards Sanderson will sign his latest book, "Mannahatta," and birthday cake will be offered to celebrate the 400th year of colonization of Manhattan Island. Contact: (413)443-7171.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
'the king's grace'
Info from Chapters Bookstore (Pittsfield) on upcoming events surrounding their "book of the month":
"The King's Grace," by Anne Easter Smith
All history records about Grace Plantagenet is that she was an illegitimate daughter of King Edward IV, and one of the two attendants aboard the funeral barge of his widowed queen Elizabeth Woodville in 1492. "The King's Grace" follows Grace's story and her search for the truth -- about herself, about her family, and about the man who claims to be king.
A native of the UK, Anne Easter Smith is an American citizen who has lived in the US for 40 years. She has lived in cities from California to Virginia and from New York to Washington D.C. Smith also lived for four years in Paris, first as a bilingual secretary at age 19, and then as wife to the assistant air attaché at the American Embassy in the mid-1970s. She is fluent in French and a self-proclaimed Francophile. She was the features editor at the Press-Republican in Plattsburgh, N.Y., for 10 years, and her writing has been featured in a number of national magazines. An actor and director in community theater and an erstwhile folksinger, Smith lives in Newburyport, Mass.
Author discussion and signing: 6 p.m. Friday, April 17
Book club meeting: 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 12
Chapters: 78 North St., Pittsfield. Phone: 413.443.BOOK.
"The King's Grace," by Anne Easter Smith
All history records about Grace Plantagenet is that she was an illegitimate daughter of King Edward IV, and one of the two attendants aboard the funeral barge of his widowed queen Elizabeth Woodville in 1492. "The King's Grace" follows Grace's story and her search for the truth -- about herself, about her family, and about the man who claims to be king.
A native of the UK, Anne Easter Smith is an American citizen who has lived in the US for 40 years. She has lived in cities from California to Virginia and from New York to Washington D.C. Smith also lived for four years in Paris, first as a bilingual secretary at age 19, and then as wife to the assistant air attaché at the American Embassy in the mid-1970s. She is fluent in French and a self-proclaimed Francophile. She was the features editor at the Press-Republican in Plattsburgh, N.Y., for 10 years, and her writing has been featured in a number of national magazines. An actor and director in community theater and an erstwhile folksinger, Smith lives in Newburyport, Mass.
Author discussion and signing: 6 p.m. Friday, April 17
Book club meeting: 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 12
Chapters: 78 North St., Pittsfield. Phone: 413.443.BOOK.
Monday, April 13, 2009
poetry and poets
News about poetry and poets, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times:
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/p/poetry_and_poets/index.html
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/p/poetry_and_poets/index.html
Friday, April 10, 2009
poetry by teens
From The New York Times: A look at books of poetry by teenagers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/books/review/Roiphe-t.html?8bu&emc=bua3
An excerpt from the article:
Assimilating the concision of poetry can be a useful exercise for the excesses of the teenage mind. How do you condense a conflicting and unmanageable universe into a simple line, or make sense of the rush of feeling? With its inherent, formal claim to importance, its pleasing aphoristic effect, the sheer drama of the wide margin, poetry offers a natural language for coming-of-age, which is probably why teenagers everywhere write lots of it.
FALLING HARD: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers
By Edited by Betsy Franco
144 pp. Candlewick Press. $15.99. (Ages 14 and up)
TELL THE WORLD
Teen Poems From WritersCorps
By 116 pp. Harperteen/HarperCollins Publishers. Cloth, $16.99; paper, $8.99.(Ages 12 and up)
MORE THAN FRIENDS
Poems From Him and Her
By Sara Holbrook and Allan Wolf
64 pp. Wordsong. $16.95. (Ages 11 to 14)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/books/review/Roiphe-t.html?8bu&emc=bua3
An excerpt from the article:
Assimilating the concision of poetry can be a useful exercise for the excesses of the teenage mind. How do you condense a conflicting and unmanageable universe into a simple line, or make sense of the rush of feeling? With its inherent, formal claim to importance, its pleasing aphoristic effect, the sheer drama of the wide margin, poetry offers a natural language for coming-of-age, which is probably why teenagers everywhere write lots of it.
FALLING HARD: 100 Love Poems by Teenagers
By Edited by Betsy Franco
144 pp. Candlewick Press. $15.99. (Ages 14 and up)
TELL THE WORLD
Teen Poems From WritersCorps
By 116 pp. Harperteen/HarperCollins Publishers. Cloth, $16.99; paper, $8.99.(Ages 12 and up)
MORE THAN FRIENDS
Poems From Him and Her
By Sara Holbrook and Allan Wolf
64 pp. Wordsong. $16.95. (Ages 11 to 14)
april
April is supposed to be the cruelest month, and it does indeed feel cruel in the crunch of tax time, but it's also National Poetry Month (NPM), which makes it one of the best months of the year.
NPM is a monthlong national celebration of poetry established by the Academy of American Poets (http://www.poets.org/). The concept is to widen the attention of individuals and the media to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our complex poetic heritage and to poetry books and journals of wide aesthetic range and concern as well as to increase the visibility and availability of poetry in popular culture while acknowledging and celebrating poetry’s ability to sustain itself in the many places where it is practiced and appreciated.
Beginning April 1, Poets.org sends one new poem to your inbox each day to celebrate National Poetry Month. The poems have been selected from new books published in the spring. To sign up to receive Poem-A-Day emails, visit http://www.poets.org/poemADay.php.
Celebrate the second national Poem In Your Pocket Day on Thursday, April 30! The idea is simple: Select a poem you love, then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family and friends on April 30.
Inspired by the 2009 National Poetry Month Poster design, the Academy of American Poets invites you to capture and share your own ephemeral bits of verse. Write lines from a favorite poem on a sandy beach, assemble twigs on a hillside, or chalk the sidewalk. Take a photo before it disappears and then:
* Post it in the Free Verse group page on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/freeverse/
* Post it on the Academy's Fan Page on Facebook, or
* E-mail it to freeverse@poets.org.
Include the source of your lines in the photo caption. All photos posted by April 15 will be automatically entered in a contest to win the new "Poem in Your Pocket" anthology and a commemorative piece of jewelry.Selected entries will be featured on Poets.org.
Here's one of my favourite poems. Actually, it's an excerpt; it comes from "And The Stars Were Shining" by John Ashbery:
So -- if you want to come with me,
or just pull at my sleeve, let them make that discovery.
Summer won't end in your lap,
nor are the stars more casual than usual.
Peace, quiet, a dictionary -- it was so important,
yet at the end nobody had any time for any of it.
It was as if all of it had never happened,
my shoelaces were untied, and -- am I forgetting anything?
NPM is a monthlong national celebration of poetry established by the Academy of American Poets (http://www.poets.org/). The concept is to widen the attention of individuals and the media to the art of poetry, to living poets, to our complex poetic heritage and to poetry books and journals of wide aesthetic range and concern as well as to increase the visibility and availability of poetry in popular culture while acknowledging and celebrating poetry’s ability to sustain itself in the many places where it is practiced and appreciated.
Beginning April 1, Poets.org sends one new poem to your inbox each day to celebrate National Poetry Month. The poems have been selected from new books published in the spring. To sign up to receive Poem-A-Day emails, visit http://www.poets.org/poemADay.php.
Celebrate the second national Poem In Your Pocket Day on Thursday, April 30! The idea is simple: Select a poem you love, then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family and friends on April 30.
Inspired by the 2009 National Poetry Month Poster design, the Academy of American Poets invites you to capture and share your own ephemeral bits of verse. Write lines from a favorite poem on a sandy beach, assemble twigs on a hillside, or chalk the sidewalk. Take a photo before it disappears and then:
* Post it in the Free Verse group page on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/groups/freeverse/
* Post it on the Academy's Fan Page on Facebook, or
* E-mail it to freeverse@poets.org.
Include the source of your lines in the photo caption. All photos posted by April 15 will be automatically entered in a contest to win the new "Poem in Your Pocket" anthology and a commemorative piece of jewelry.Selected entries will be featured on Poets.org.
Here's one of my favourite poems. Actually, it's an excerpt; it comes from "And The Stars Were Shining" by John Ashbery:
So -- if you want to come with me,
or just pull at my sleeve, let them make that discovery.
Summer won't end in your lap,
nor are the stars more casual than usual.
Peace, quiet, a dictionary -- it was so important,
yet at the end nobody had any time for any of it.
It was as if all of it had never happened,
my shoelaces were untied, and -- am I forgetting anything?
local literary listings
Upcoming Berkshire-area literary events:
BERKSHIRE WRITERS ROOM: 1350 West St., Pittsfield. Phone: (413) 236-2191.
Ongoing workshops:
* Fiction/Creative Non-Fiction meets the first Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. in Meville Hall, Room 217, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield.
* Poetry meets on second Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Wild Sage, 333 North St., Pittsfield.
* Writing For Children & Young Adults on second Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Meville Hall, Room 217, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield.
* The All-Genre Workshop is held on third Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mason Public Library, Main Street, Great Barrington.
Workshops are free to members of the Berkshire Writers Room. Interested non-members may attend two workshops before joining. Membership is $20 per year.
THE BOOKLOFT: 332 Stockbridge Road, Barrington Plaza, Route 7, Great Barrington. Phone: 413-528-1521.
Poetry windows and an in-store display will highlight the work of local poets in April.
* Berkshire author Marshall Jon Fisher will read from and sign copies of his new book, "A Terrible Splendor," at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2.
* Local poets Paul Elisha (WAMC), David Giannini, Sue Melot and David Kherdian will read their work at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9.
* Gourmet magazine's editor in chief, Ruth Reichl, will return to the Bookloft to read from and sign copies of her new book, "Not Becoming My Mother," at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 23.
* Author Jim Lynch will read from his new book, "Border Songs," at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 12.
THE BOOKSTORE: 11 Housatonic St., Lenox. Phone: (413) 637-3390.
* Cody Walker, Amy Clampitt poetry fellow for 2009, will read from "Shuffle and Breakdown" at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18.
* Two poets, Berkshire writer Michelle Gillett and Sharon Charde, of Connecticut, will read at 7 p.m. Friday, April 24.
* Poets David Giannini and Gary Metras will read at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25
* Sit, Knit & Listen: Tannenbaum will read poetry to knitters from co-sponsor Colorful Stitches in the third and final installment of this event at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29.
* The Gizzi Brothers Ride Again: Lenox poets and songsters Michael, Peter and Tom Gizzi will present an evening of entertainment starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 5. Michael has a new collection of poetry, Tom has a new CD, and Peter will read from new and unpublished work.
CHAPTERS BOOKSTORE: 78 North St., Pittsfield. Phone: (413) 443-2665.
* Great Barrington photographer Steve Donaldson, the author/photographer behind "Barns of the Berkshires," will appear for a reception, slide show and book signing at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 16.
* Anne Easter Smith will read from and sign her historical novel, "The King's Grace," at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 17.
* Vivan Dorsel will host a reading with poets Aaron M. Beatty, Lisken Van Pelt Dus, Michelle Gillett, Philip Timpane and Irene Willis at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18.
* The Berkshire Writer's Room will hold a free writing workshop focused on the arts and how they impact writing at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21.
* Dorsel will host another reading, this time with Karen Chase and Amy Clampitt Fellow Cody Walker, at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25.
* Earth Day events: An educational, interactive workshop for kids ages 5 and up will go over the basics of Earth Day and things kids can do to help the planet at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 22. The event will end with a take-home project that is 100% Earth-friendly. At 4 p.m., Amy Zuckerman, author of "2030: A Day in the Life of Tomorrow's Kids," will read from and discuss her book. Free giveaways, raffles, and more.
CHURCH ON THE HILL: 55 Main St., Lenox.
* "Letters to the World: Women, Poetry, and Community": A potluck dinner will begin at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, and a reading will be held from 7 to 8:45 p.m. in the chapel. Berkshire writer Rosemary Starace will talk about this international Internet poetry collaboration. Sponsored by the Women's Interfaith Institute of the Berkshires; info: (413) 232-0238, info@womensinterfaithberkshires.org.
INKBERRY: Western Gateway Heritage Park, 115 State Street, Building 1, 2nd floor, in North Adams. Phone: (413) 664-0775. www.inkberry.org
* Community Critique Group: Want feedback on your stories or poems? Looking for an alternative to a class? Share your work with local writers in this welcoming community-based workshop. Members submit their writings and receive feedback on a rotating basis. Feel free to drop in and observe. Open to writers of all levels and styles. This free group is held on first and third Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
* Writing the Sacred: Two workshops -- Saturday, April 30, and Tuesday, May 5 -- will allow writers to explore the thin spaces where creative writing and spirituality meet by writing new psalms, or spiritual poems, building on journal writing, poetry and spiritual themes. Inkberry, Williams College and the First Congregational Church of Williamstown will sponsor these workshops, to be held in the church library at 906 Main St. in Williamstown. The April 30 workshop is designed to offer a comfortable writing space for GBLT and queer folk; both are open to everyone. Cost per workshop: $15 for adults, $13.50 for Inkberry members, free for Williams College students. Special rates available for those attending both workshops, as are student rates for non-Williams students.
LENOX LIBRARY: 18 Main St., Lenox. Phone: (413) 637-0197.
* Matt Tannenbaum, owner of The Bookstore in Lenox, will read from his memoir, GBM, 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at the Lenox Library.
* Poetry in Motion: National Young Audiences' Artist of the Year, actor David Zucker, will bring to life the best of English-language poetic literature using mime, masks and puppets from 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 18. Featured authors will include A.A. Milne, Lewis Carroll, Langston Hughes and James Whitcomb Riley. This is a free, all-ages program.
MCLA GALLERY 51: MCLA, 375 Church St., North Adams. Phone: (413) 662-5000.
* Sekou Sundiata Evening of Poetry & Spoken Word: An evening dedicated to the life and work of the great poet Sekou Sundiata, featuring award-winning poet and performer Carl Hancock Rux, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. A film screening, including Sundiata's final work, "the 51st (dream) state," which uses music, poetry, images and dance to explore what it means to be an American in the wake of 9/11. The event, sponsored by MCLA's African, Latino, Asian and Native American Association (ALANA), will include performances by local musicians and poets.
STOCKBRIDGE LIBRARY: Main Street, Stockbridge. Phone: (413) 298-5501.
* Peter Bergman, executive director of the Edna St. Vincent Millay Society at Steepletop in Austerlitz, N.Y., will give a reading and discussion of Millay's poems at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19. This event is free, but space is limited.
WAMC: 90.3 FM.
* Bookstore owner Matt Tannenbaum will participate in the WAMC roundtable with Joe Donohue at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 28.
BERKSHIRE WRITERS ROOM: 1350 West St., Pittsfield. Phone: (413) 236-2191.
Ongoing workshops:
* Fiction/Creative Non-Fiction meets the first Wednesday of the month from 7 to 9 p.m. in Meville Hall, Room 217, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield.
* Poetry meets on second Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Wild Sage, 333 North St., Pittsfield.
* Writing For Children & Young Adults on second Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m. in Meville Hall, Room 217, Berkshire Community College, Pittsfield.
* The All-Genre Workshop is held on third Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mason Public Library, Main Street, Great Barrington.
Workshops are free to members of the Berkshire Writers Room. Interested non-members may attend two workshops before joining. Membership is $20 per year.
THE BOOKLOFT: 332 Stockbridge Road, Barrington Plaza, Route 7, Great Barrington. Phone: 413-528-1521.
Poetry windows and an in-store display will highlight the work of local poets in April.
* Berkshire author Marshall Jon Fisher will read from and sign copies of his new book, "A Terrible Splendor," at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 2.
* Local poets Paul Elisha (WAMC), David Giannini, Sue Melot and David Kherdian will read their work at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 9.
* Gourmet magazine's editor in chief, Ruth Reichl, will return to the Bookloft to read from and sign copies of her new book, "Not Becoming My Mother," at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 23.
* Author Jim Lynch will read from his new book, "Border Songs," at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 12.
THE BOOKSTORE: 11 Housatonic St., Lenox. Phone: (413) 637-3390.
* Cody Walker, Amy Clampitt poetry fellow for 2009, will read from "Shuffle and Breakdown" at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 18.
* Two poets, Berkshire writer Michelle Gillett and Sharon Charde, of Connecticut, will read at 7 p.m. Friday, April 24.
* Poets David Giannini and Gary Metras will read at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25
* Sit, Knit & Listen: Tannenbaum will read poetry to knitters from co-sponsor Colorful Stitches in the third and final installment of this event at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 29.
* The Gizzi Brothers Ride Again: Lenox poets and songsters Michael, Peter and Tom Gizzi will present an evening of entertainment starting at 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 5. Michael has a new collection of poetry, Tom has a new CD, and Peter will read from new and unpublished work.
CHAPTERS BOOKSTORE: 78 North St., Pittsfield. Phone: (413) 443-2665.
* Great Barrington photographer Steve Donaldson, the author/photographer behind "Barns of the Berkshires," will appear for a reception, slide show and book signing at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 16.
* Anne Easter Smith will read from and sign her historical novel, "The King's Grace," at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 17.
* Vivan Dorsel will host a reading with poets Aaron M. Beatty, Lisken Van Pelt Dus, Michelle Gillett, Philip Timpane and Irene Willis at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 18.
* The Berkshire Writer's Room will hold a free writing workshop focused on the arts and how they impact writing at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 21.
* Dorsel will host another reading, this time with Karen Chase and Amy Clampitt Fellow Cody Walker, at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25.
* Earth Day events: An educational, interactive workshop for kids ages 5 and up will go over the basics of Earth Day and things kids can do to help the planet at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 22. The event will end with a take-home project that is 100% Earth-friendly. At 4 p.m., Amy Zuckerman, author of "2030: A Day in the Life of Tomorrow's Kids," will read from and discuss her book. Free giveaways, raffles, and more.
CHURCH ON THE HILL: 55 Main St., Lenox.
* "Letters to the World: Women, Poetry, and Community": A potluck dinner will begin at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, and a reading will be held from 7 to 8:45 p.m. in the chapel. Berkshire writer Rosemary Starace will talk about this international Internet poetry collaboration. Sponsored by the Women's Interfaith Institute of the Berkshires; info: (413) 232-0238, info@womensinterfaithberkshires.org.
INKBERRY: Western Gateway Heritage Park, 115 State Street, Building 1, 2nd floor, in North Adams. Phone: (413) 664-0775. www.inkberry.org
* Community Critique Group: Want feedback on your stories or poems? Looking for an alternative to a class? Share your work with local writers in this welcoming community-based workshop. Members submit their writings and receive feedback on a rotating basis. Feel free to drop in and observe. Open to writers of all levels and styles. This free group is held on first and third Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
* Writing the Sacred: Two workshops -- Saturday, April 30, and Tuesday, May 5 -- will allow writers to explore the thin spaces where creative writing and spirituality meet by writing new psalms, or spiritual poems, building on journal writing, poetry and spiritual themes. Inkberry, Williams College and the First Congregational Church of Williamstown will sponsor these workshops, to be held in the church library at 906 Main St. in Williamstown. The April 30 workshop is designed to offer a comfortable writing space for GBLT and queer folk; both are open to everyone. Cost per workshop: $15 for adults, $13.50 for Inkberry members, free for Williams College students. Special rates available for those attending both workshops, as are student rates for non-Williams students.
LENOX LIBRARY: 18 Main St., Lenox. Phone: (413) 637-0197.
* Matt Tannenbaum, owner of The Bookstore in Lenox, will read from his memoir, GBM, 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26, at the Lenox Library.
* Poetry in Motion: National Young Audiences' Artist of the Year, actor David Zucker, will bring to life the best of English-language poetic literature using mime, masks and puppets from 7 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 18. Featured authors will include A.A. Milne, Lewis Carroll, Langston Hughes and James Whitcomb Riley. This is a free, all-ages program.
MCLA GALLERY 51: MCLA, 375 Church St., North Adams. Phone: (413) 662-5000.
* Sekou Sundiata Evening of Poetry & Spoken Word: An evening dedicated to the life and work of the great poet Sekou Sundiata, featuring award-winning poet and performer Carl Hancock Rux, at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. A film screening, including Sundiata's final work, "the 51st (dream) state," which uses music, poetry, images and dance to explore what it means to be an American in the wake of 9/11. The event, sponsored by MCLA's African, Latino, Asian and Native American Association (ALANA), will include performances by local musicians and poets.
STOCKBRIDGE LIBRARY: Main Street, Stockbridge. Phone: (413) 298-5501.
* Peter Bergman, executive director of the Edna St. Vincent Millay Society at Steepletop in Austerlitz, N.Y., will give a reading and discussion of Millay's poems at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 19. This event is free, but space is limited.
WAMC: 90.3 FM.
* Bookstore owner Matt Tannenbaum will participate in the WAMC roundtable with Joe Donohue at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 28.
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