FALL AUTHOR FEST
Celebrate authors and writing at the Library this November! Meet some of your favorite children’s book authors and illustrators, support local authors, and spend the afternoon with Amy Thielen, bestselling author of the award-winning cookbook The New Midwestern Table.
FEATURED CHILDREN'S AUTHOR: MATTHEW CORDELL
Friday, November 6 • 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Celebrate the Library's Author Fest and First Friday with award-winning author and illustrator Matthew Cordell!
Matthew Cordell has illustrated many books for children including works of poetry, novels, and picture books including The Only Fish in the Sea and Follow That Frog by Philip Stead. He has written and illustrated numerous picture books himself including Hello, Neighbor! The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers, Bear Island, and Wish. His work has been published around the globe in many different languages, including Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, French, and Italian. Matthew’s books have been recognized as Best of the Year selections by the New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Boston Globe, and his first wordless picture book, Wolf in the Snow, was awarded a 2017 Boston Globe-Horn Book honor award and the 2018 Caldecott Medal. Matthew lives in suburban Chicago with his wife, author, Julie Halpern, and their two children. (Source: www.matthewcordell.com)
Matthew will be promoting his new titles 102 and Starman: The Cosmic Voyage of David Bowe. Check out a copy in advance or purchase one at the event for the author to sign afterward!
SPECIAL GUEST: JAY PAYLEITNER
Sunday, November 8 • 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate the Library's Author Fest and America 250 with a special author visit from national speaker and best-selling author Jay Payleitner to discuss his book Happy Semiquincentennial, America!.
Jay Payleitner is one of the top freelance producers for Christian radio, having worked on Josh McDowell Radio, Today's Father, Jesus Freaks Radio, and Project Angel Tree with Chuck Colson.
Jay is a long-time affiliate with the National Center for Fathering and Iron Sharpens Iron. He speaks at men's retreats, marriage weekends, writers' conferences, and weekend services. Jay has sold more than 3/4 million books including the bestselling 52 Things Kids Need from a Dad, Hooray for Grandparents!, and What If God Wrote Your Bucket List?. His books have been translated into at least ten languages. And he has been a guest multiple times on The Harvest Show, Moody Radio, Cornerstone TV, and Focus on the Family.
Jay and his high school sweetheart, Rita, live in the Chicago area where they raised five great kids, loved on ten foster babies, and are cherishing grandparenthood. (Source: jaypayleitner.com)
Check out a copy of Happy Semiquincentennial, America! in advance or purchase one at the event for the author to sign afterward!
This event is made possible with generous sponsorship by the Geneva Library Foundation.
LOCAL AUTHOR FEST
Saturday, November 14 • 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Get ready to connect with local literary talents at our Local Author Fest! Throughout the event, writers will share their unique stories and insights, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their creative processes. Whether you're a passionate reader or an aspiring writer, this is your chance to ignite your imagination and engage with our vibrant literary community.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS FOR READERS
Let's Talk About Books: The World's Greatest Short Stories
Thursday, November 6 • 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Join us this month for a lively discussion of "Mrs. Frola and Mr. Ponza, Her Son-in-Law" by Italian author Luigi Pirandello, as we explore its themes of truth, perception, and identity.
Registered patrons receive a complimentary copy of The World's Great Short Stories, edited by James Daley. The short story collection is also available as an eBook through Hoopla.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Party (Grades 2-5)
Friday, November 7 • 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Get ready to celebrate the release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper with an afternoon full of laughs, games, and wimpy fun! We’ll read the first chapter together, then jump into themed crafts, activities, and games inspired by Greg’s latest adventure. Don’t miss this chance to party like a true Wimpy Kid!
Tuesday, November 11 • 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Facilitated by author and teacher Rick Holinger, this workshop welcomes writers of all abilities and genres.
Topic: What is the most difficult part of your writing process? Beginning? End? Generating ideas? Coming up with fresh imagery? Creating great characters? Plotting your story or novel? Give the group your worst nightmare when it comes to writing, and we’ll try to help solve your problem.
Teen Drop In Craft: Beaded Bookmarks (Grades 6-12)
Wednesday, November 12 • All Day
Glam up your book with a custom beaded bookmark.
Supplies will be available for use in the Teen Room starting Wednesday, November 12 at 10 a.m. and will remain available while supplies last.
Thursday Morning Book Club: The Blue Hour
Thursday, November 13 • 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Register and pick up a copy of The Blue Hour by Paula Hawkins in the lobby beginning October 23. Then, join our discussion on November 13.
Over Booked Book Club: The Great When by Alan Moore
Thursday, November 20 • 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Your 20s & 30s are perfect for starting new activities and trying new books! Join us at the 20s & 30s book club and find something new to read!
Book Character Crafts (Grades K-5)
Monday, November 24 • 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Drop in anytime during the program to make creative, hands-on projects inspired by beloved book characters. Whether you love picture books, chapter books, or graphic novels, there’s a craft waiting for you!
Tuesday Evening Fiction Book Club: The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
Tuesday, November 25 • 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Join us for an evening book discussion! We'll explore a variety of genres together. Books will be available for checkout in the lobby in advance.