Book Club: The Women at Sun Valley Branch Library, LAPL – Online Event
Join us on the second Monday of every month for the adult fiction book club. Read the book and join the discussion.
Participants will discuss The Women by Kristin Hannah.
Where: Sun Valley Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Monday the 16th
Time: 4:45 pm – 5:30 pm
Address: Online Event (see site)
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/sun-valley-branch-book-club-3
Mystery Book Club: All the Sinners Bleed at Lake Los Angeles Library, LACL – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss All the Sinners Bleed by author S.A. Cosby.
Copies of the book are available at the customer service desk for checkout. For Adults.
Where: Lake Los Angeles Library, LACL
Date: Monday the 16th
Time: 6 pm – 7 pm
Address: 16921 East Avenue O, Suite A, Palmdale, CA 93591
Website: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/12367211
Book Club for Adults: The Sons of El Rey at Sorensen Library, LACL – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss The Sons of El Rey by author Alex Espinoza.
Copies of the book are available at the library for checkout. For Adults.
Where: Sorensen Library, LACL
Date: Monday the 16th
Time: 6 pm – 7 pm
Address: 6934 Broadway Ave., Whittier, CA 90606
Website: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/12308073
Philosophical Horror Book Club: Father of Lies at Cellar Door Bookstore – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss the novel Father of Lies by author Brian Evenson.
Provost Eldon Fochs may be a sexual criminal. His therapist isn’t sure, and his church is determined to protect its reputation. Father of Lies is Brian Evenson’s fable of power, paranoia, and the dangers of blind obedience, and a terrifying vision of how far institutions will go to protect themselves against the innocents who may be their victims.
Brian Evenson: Praised by Peter Straub for going furthest out on the most sheer, least sheltered narrative precipice, Brian Evenson is the author of ten books. He has been a finalist for the Edgar Award, the Shirley Jackson Award, and the World Fantasy Award, and the winner of the International Horror Guild Award, the American Library Association’s award for Best Horror Novel, and one of Time Out New York’s top books. The recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship and three O. Henry Prizes, Evenson lives in Providence, Rhode Island, where he directs Brown University s Literary Arts Program.
Where: Cellar Door Bookstore
Date: Monday the 16th
Time: 6 pm – 7 pm
Address: 473 E. Alessandro Blvd., Suite B, Riverside, CA 92508
Website: https://www.cellardoorbookstore.com/event/philosophical-horror-book-club-father-lies
Author Event with Dr. Beth Ricanati, Abby Stern and Samantha Ettus: Braided at Zibby’s Bookstore – In-Person Event
Welcome Dr. Beth Ricanati, Abby Stern, and Samantha Ettus for a conversation about Braided: A Journey of a Thousand Challahs by Dr. Beth Ricanati, On Being Jewish Now Edited by Zibby Owens, and the stories that connect us. Join us for an inspiring evening of discussion, community, and celebration.
Dr. Beth Ricanati: a board-certified internist, has spent her career focused on improving the well-being of her patients’ lives, in traditional medical clinics, wellness programs, and now as an author/speaker. She has worked at the NY Presbyterian/Columbia Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic. At the Cleveland Clinic, she led a groundbreaking lifestyle modification program called LifeStyle 180 and today she volunteers weekly at the Venice Family Clinic in Los Angeles, the largest clinic in the country for the underserved.
She received her medical degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
She currently speaks and gives workshops (both live and digitally) around the country, based on the premise of her award-winning book, Braided: A Journey of a Thousand Challahs. Her audiences have included medical students, corporations, faith-based groups, and schools.
Abby Stern has almost 20 years of experience working as a writer and journalist. She has contributed to People magazine since 2007 and specializes in writing about entertainment, fashion, beauty, and other lifestyle content. She holds a B.A. in Theater from the University of Southern California where she was a Film Critical Studies minor. Her writing has been published in People, Entertainment Weekly, In Style, Yahoo, The Zoe Report, Poosh, and FabFit Fun, among others. Abby’s debut novel, According to a Source, was published by St. Martin’s Press to rave reviews.
Samantha Ettus: In the wake of October 7th, Samantha Ettus found herself in the unexpected position of becoming “an accidental activist.” While previously recognized for her work empowering women as a speaker, bestselling author, and TV contributor, she refocused her endeavors to combat antisemitism and mobilize the Jewish community.
Early this year, Sam launched the 2024 New Voices campaign, enlisting a combination of non-Jewish and Jewish celebrities and influencers from Cindy Crawford to NBA star Zach Randolph to speak out through an Instagram account that has now reached millions of people worldwide. Sam is also known for bringing unfiltered news to her audience via her own popular social media accounts and her Substack newsletter: The Jewsletter. She is a producer of the new documentary, October H8te.
A renowned speaker, Sam has spoken on hundreds of stages across America from TEDx to Fortune 500 companies and Jewish Federations. She has appeared on countless TV shows including the TODAY Show, Access Hollywood, NBC News, Dr. Phil, Cavuto Live and Good Morning America. She has been featured and quoted in every major media outlet including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, USA Today, and Fortune. Sam earned both her undergraduate and MBA degrees from Harvard. She is a proud mom of three teenagers.
Where: Zibby’s Bookstore
Date: Monday the 16th
Time: 6 pm – 7 pm
Address: 1113 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90402
R.U.P.O. Open Mic at Back to the Grind in Riverside – In-Person Event
RUPO Open Mic is every Monday Night at Back to the Grind in Riverside.
Every Monday at: 7pm to 9pm. Sign-ups are at 6:30pm and in person only, $4 cash admission. See you then!
NOTE: See site for link and details.
Where: Back to the Grind, Riverside
Date: Monday the 16th
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Address: 3575 University Ave. Riverside, CA 92501
Website: https://www.facebook.com/backtothegrind
Monday Night Fiction Workshop via Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center – Online Zoom Event
This free Monday Night Community Writing Workshop led by Raquel Baker is a workshop in which participants are asked to bring copies of 2-3 pages of fiction to read, and to use for critique and discussion. Registration is required.
Raquel Baker earned a PhD in English Literary Studies from the University of Iowa and an MFA in Creative Writing from Mills College. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Postcolonial and Transnational Literatures at California State University Channel Islands, teaching courses on creative writing and contemporary African literatures. Raquel has published poetry in Africology and The Arrow; fiction in Enculturation, The Daily Palette, The Womanist, and Crux; and non-fiction in Little Village; and has done readings with the Ventura County Poetry project. Raquel lives for talking about all things about the craft and social meanings of literature!
Where: Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center – Online event
Date: Monday the 16th
Time: 7:30 pm – 10 pm
Address: Zoom Online Event (see site)
Website: https://www.beyondbaroque.org/free_workshops or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/monday-night-fiction-workshop-tickets-1110257061759
Under Mic Influence: Featured Readings & Open Mic at LB Unified – In-Person Event
If you need an open mic, beautiful people, tasty eats, dope inspiration, good libations, and good vibrations, we have you covered!
Join host Kuahmel Alyeeus KuahAllah and @djkevjam for poetry, Open Mic, rare grooves, cocktails, tasty bites.
Every 1st & 3rd Monday of the month.
Featured guest TBA.
NOTE: See site for tickets and details.
Where: LB Unified
Date: Monday the 16th
Time: 8 pm – 10 pm (Doors at 7:30 pm)
Address: 2222 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90804
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/under-mic-influence-tickets-595249105097
Virtual Book Club: Life Impossible via La Crescenta Library, LACL – Online Event
Participants will discuss December’s selection, Life Impossible by author Matt Haig.
From the best-selling author of The Midnight Library, Life Impossible is a story of wild adventure, deep transformation and gloriously heart-warming characters. It shows how a new outlook can burst into life at any moment and change everything.
Please contact Marta Wiggins at mwiggins@library.lacounty.gov for your Zoom invite to attend the book club.
Where: La Crescenta Library, LACL
Date: Tuesday the 17th
Time: 11 am – 12 pm
Address: Online Event (see site)
Website: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/12061803
Mysterious Book Club: The Resemblance at Palisades Branch Library, LAPL – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss The Resemblance by author Lauren Nossett.
We welcome new members. Come even if you haven’t read the book. You can meet everyone, and you’ll know the title for next month.
On a chilly November morning at the University of Georgia, a fraternity brother steps off a busy crosswalk and is struck dead by an oncoming car. More than a dozen witnesses agree on two things: the driver looked identical to the victim, and he was smiling. (Summary from Amazon)
Where: Palisades Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Tuesday the 17th
Time: 1:30 pm
Address: 861 Alma Real Dr., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/mysterious-book-club-4
Book Club: Best Reads of 2024 at Pico Rivera Library, LACL – in-Person Event
Join the Pico Rivera Library Book Club as we share our favorite reads of 2024 and plan next year’s book club selections. Refreshments will be provided by the Friends of the Pico Rivera Library. For adults.
Where: Pico Rivera Library, LACL
Date: Tuesday the 17th
Time: 6 pm – 7 pm
Address: 9001 Mines Ave., Pico Rivera, CA 90660
Website: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/12151120
Adult Book Club: TheStoried Life of A.J. Fikry at Norwood Library, LACL – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss December’s selection, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by author Gabrielle Zevin.
Attendance is limited, and advance registration is required. Please register every individual in your party. This will be used to save your spots in the program.
Where: Norwood Library, LACL
Date: Tuesday the 17th
Time: 6 pm – 7 pm
Address: 4550 Peck Rd., El Monte, CA 91732
Website: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/12317543
Persian Poetry Forum of Los Angeles at Mar Vista Branch Library, LAPL – In-Person Event
The Persian Poetry Forum of Los Angeles (PerPForm LA) is a library-founded, library-centered programming framework for people of all backgrounds to come together to learn about Persian poetry. The emphasis of the group is to build bridges, engender dialogue, and create a sense of community and well-being in the Los Angeles area by sharing an interest in Persian poetry. We encourage the understanding, interpretation, and discussion of the deeper meanings of Persian poetry in day-to-day life for the development of a community, promotion of mental and enhancement of emotional health and well-being. Our forum promotes a platform to share and discuss both classical and modern Persian poetry and encourages both well-versed and amateur poets to also come and share their poetry. Our programs are mostly presented in the Persian language.
For more information, please email Persian@lapl.org.
Where: Mar Vista Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Tuesday the 17th
Time: 6 pm – 7:15 pm
Address: 12006 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/los-angeles-persian-poetry-forum
Sci-Fi Short Story Club: “The Great Silence” by Ted Chiang With Guest Amorina Kingdon at Mark Twain Branch Library, LAPL – Online Event
Explore Ted Chiang’s short story “The Great Silence” with sci-fi lovers from across the universe via Zoom. We’ll be joined by science journalist Amorina Kingdon, whose 2024 nonfiction book Sing Like Fish: How Sound Rules Life Under Water investigates the role of sound within marine ecosystems.
“The Great Silence” can be found in print, eBook and eAudiobook.
RSVP:
RSVP here or email mtwain@lapl.org for the Zoom link
Where: Mark Twain Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Tuesday the 17th
Time: 6 pm – 7:15 pm
Address: Online Event (see site)
Classic Detective Book Club: The Tule Marsh Murder at Cellar Door Bookstore – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss The Tule Marsh Murder by author Barr Mavity.
Crime reporter Peter Piper solves his first case in this classic mystery inspired by a real investigation.
James Aloysius Piper, mostly known as Peter, is relentless when pursuing a story for his newspaper, the Herald. So when a woman’s body is found burned beyond recognition in the marsh near El Cerrito, he is even more eager than the local authorities to uncover her identity and find out what happened to her. Helping to solve the case is clinical psychologist Dr. Cavanaugh, who uses cutting-edge forensic techniques to glean crucial information from a few strands of the woman’s hair that escaped the flames.
After Cavanaugh’s discoveries tie the corpse to Sheila O’Shay, the missing wife of millionaire Don Ellsworth, it’s up to Peter Piper to use all of his craft and charm as a reporter to coax out any secrets the couple may have been hiding.
The Tule Marsh Murder was inspired by a real case that had captivated the San Francisco Bay Area public a few years earlier, and Dr. Cavanaugh is based on the pioneering forensic criminalist Edward Oscar Heinrich who became known as “America’s Sherlock Holmes.” Though Nancy Barr Mavity may not be remembered as vividly as her contemporaries, such as Mary Roberts Rinehart and Ellery Queen, her mystery novels were groundbreaking in their use of science in the detection of crime, with psychology and forensics frequently providing key clues to the solutions.
Where: Cellar Door Bookstore
Date: Tuesday the 17th
Time: 6 pm
Address: 473 E. Alessandro Blvd., Suite B, Riverside, CA 92508
Website: https://www.cellardoorbookstore.com/event/classic-detective-book-club-tule-marsh-murder
Conchas y Café Zine Workshop with DSTL Arts – Online Event
Be a part of a new fall bilingual writing workshop series with DSTL Arts online.
2024 – 2025 Publishing Year
Conchas y Café Zine; Vol. 10
Series/Issue 1: 9/3/24–12/17/24
Theme: Life’s Paths/Los caminos de la vida
Google Classroom Enrollment Code: rvdizwy
See links for details.
Where: DSTL Arts
Date: Tuesday, the 17th (final meeting)
Time: 6:30 pm – 8 pm
Address: Online Google Classroom Event (see site)
Website: https://www.dstlarts.org/calendar or https://www.dstlarts.org/conchasycafezine
Book Club: Tell Me Everything at Village Well Books & Coffee – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss Tell Me Everything by author Elizabeth Strout.
With her remarkable insight into the human condition and silences that contain multitudes, Elizabeth Strout returns to the town of Crosby, Maine, and to her beloved cast of characters—Lucy Barton, Olive Kitteridge, Bob Burgess, and more—as they deal with a shocking crime in their midst, fall in love and yet choose to be apart, and grapple with the question, as Lucy Barton puts it, “What does anyone’s life mean?”
It’s autumn in Maine, and the town lawyer Bob Burgess has become enmeshed in an unfolding murder investigation, defending a lonely, isolated man accused of killing his mother. He has also fallen into a deep and abiding friendship with the acclaimed writer Lucy Barton, who lives down the road in a house by the sea with her ex-husband, William. Together, Lucy and Bob go on walks and talk about their lives, their fears and regrets, and what might have been. Lucy, meanwhile, is finally introduced to the iconic Olive Kitteridge, now living in a retirement community on the edge of town. They spend afternoons together in Olive’s apartment, telling each other stories. Stories about people they have known—“unrecorded lives,” Olive calls them—reanimating them, and, in the process, imbuing their lives with meaning.
RSVP at site!
NOTE: See site for RSVP, guidelines, and details.
Where: Village Well Books & Coffee
Date: Tuesday, the 17th
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Address: 9900 Culver Blvd.. #1B, Culver City, CA 90232
Website: https://shop.villagewell.com/events
Romance Book Club: Make the Season Bright at pages: a bookstore – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss Make the Season Bright by author Ashley Herring Blake.
Our new Kiss & Tell romance book club meets monthly to discuss a romance novel and generally takes place on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. At each meeting we discuss and vote on next month’s book club selection.
Two exes find themselves stuck at the same house for Christmas.
It’s been five years since Charlotte Donovan was ditched at the altar by her ex-fiancée, and she’s doing more than okay. Sure, her single mother never checks in, but she has her strings ensemble, the Rosalind Quartet, and her life in New York is a dream come true. As the holidays draw near, her ensemble mate Sloane persuades Charlotte and the rest of the quartet to spend Christmas with her family in Colorado—it is much cozier and quieter than Manhattan, and it would guarantee more practice time for the quartet’s upcoming tour. But when Charlotte arrives, she discovers that Sloane’s sister Adele also brought a friend home—and that friend is none other than her ex, Brighton.
Where: pages: a bookstore
Date: Tuesday the 17th
Time: 7 pm
Address: 904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Website: https://www.pagesabookstore.com/event/2024-12-17/romance-book-club
The Virtual Cobalt Series & Open Mic: Rick Lupert & Guest Al Ortoloni – Online Zoom Event
The Virtual Cobalt Series & Open Mic with host Rick Lupert presents guest reader Al Ortoloni.
Al Ortoloni is a winner of the Rattle Chapbook Prize and has been featured in Garrison Keillor’s Writer’s Almanac and Ted Kooser’s American Life in Poetry. He is a two-time recipient of the Kansas Notable Book Award. Bull in the Ring: a novel was recently published by Meadow Lark Books. His most recent collection of poetry, Controlled Burn, was just released by Spartan Press. Ortolani is a husband, father, and grandfather, currently entertaining the idea of becoming a hermit.
Where: Cobalt Poets – Online Zoom Event
Date: Tuesday, the 17th
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Address: Online event (see site)
Website: https://www.poetrysuperhighway.com/cobalt
Da Poetry Lounge Open Mic Night at Greenway Court – In-Person Event
The nation’s largest weekly Open Mic event is 25 years strong. At an open mic, all are welcome to share their poetry or sit in their audience.
NOTE: See sign-ups, details, and guidelines at website link.
$10 donation. Do NOT line up prior to 7:30 p.m. Free parking adjacent to the theater.
Masks are encouraged. All ages are welcome.
Where: Greenway Court Theatre
Date: Tuesday, the 17th
Time: 9 pm – 11 pm
Address: 544 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Website: https://www.instagram.com/p/ChLUBSRPCFb/ or https://www.dapoetrylounge.com/events/
Mystery Book Group: The Cat Who Caught a Killer at Once Upon a Time – In-Person & Online Hybrid Event
Participants will discuss the mystery novel The Cat Who Caught a Killer (Conrad the Cat Detective #1) by author LT Shearer.
Meet Conrad. Conrad is a cat. You’ve never met a detective like him before.
Neither has Lulu Lewis, until he walks into her life one summer’sday. Mourning the recent death of her husband, the former police detective had expected a gentle retirement, quietly enjoying life on her new canal boat, The Lark, and visiting her mother-in-law in a nearby care home.
But when her mother-in-law dies suddenly in suspicious circumstances, Lulu senses foul play and resolves to find out what really happened. And a remarkable cat named Conrad will be with her every step of the way…
Where: Once Upon a Time
Date: Wednesday the 18th
Time: 9 am
Address: 2207 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020
Website: https://www.shoponceuponatime.com/event/mystery-book-group-cat-who-caught-killer-l-t-shearer
Coffee Time Book Club: The City and Its Uncertain Walls at pages a bookstore – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss The City and Its Uncertain Walls: A Novel by author Haruki Murakami.
We begin with a nameless young couple: a boy and a girl, teenagers in love. One day, she disappears…and her absence haunts him for the rest of his life.
Thus begins a search for this lost love that takes the man into middle age and on a journey between the real world and another world – a mysterious, perhaps imaginary, walled town where unicorns roam, where a Gatekeeper determines who can enter and who must remain behind, and where shadows become untethered from their selves. Listening to his own dreams and premonitions, the man leaves his life in Tokyo behind and ventures to a small mountain town, where he becomes the head librarian, only to learn the mysterious circumstances surrounding the gentleman who had the job before him. As the seasons pass and the man grows more uncertain about the porous boundaries between these two worlds, he meets a strange young boy who helps him to see what he’s been missing all along.
The City and Its Uncertain Walls is a singular and towering achievement by one of modern literature’s most important writers.
Where: pages: a bookstore
Date: Wednesday the 18th
Time: 10 am
Address: 904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Website: https://www.pagesabookstore.com/event/2024-12-18/coffee-time-book-club
Kids Storytime at Village Well Books & Coffee – In-Person Event
Join us every Wednesday and Saturday for a storytime amongst the cozy bookstacks of Village Well!
Where: Village Well Books & Coffee
Date: Wednesday, the 18th
Time: 11 am – 2 pm
Address: 9900 Culver Blvd.. #1B, Culver City, CA 90232
Website: https://shop.villagewell.com/events
Storytime with Miss Marie and Mr. Steve: A Very Merry Grinchmas at Vroman’s – In-Person Event
Adults know the Grinch’s character arc: from “Mean One” to cardiomegaly (a heart three sizes larger).
But do the kids (or grandkids) know the whole story?
Join Mr. Steve for the annual reading of this timeless tale of mischief, redemption, and (Spoiler Alert!) Roast Beast!
Note: The Grinch himself won’t make an appearance (he’s still committed to community service in Whoville), but we’ll have FREE Grinch stickers, scratch-off calendars, and fun activity sheets for the kids!
Where: Vroman’s
Date: Wednesday the 18th
Time: 11 am – 11:45 am
Address: 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101
Website: https://vromansbookstore.com/event/2024-12-18/very-grinchmas-storytime-miss-marie-and-mr-steve
Classics Book Club: Kindred at Granada Hills Branch Library, LAPL – In-Person & Online Hybrid Event
Join us for a lively discussion of the science fiction novel Kindred by Octavia Bulter.
RSVP:
Please email grnhls@lapl.org for the Zoom link.
Where: Granada Hills Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Wednesday the 18th
Time: 1:30 pm – 3 pm
Address: 10640 Petit Ave., Granada Hills, CA 91344
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/classics-book-club-kindred
Book Club: The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School at Compton Library, LACL – In-Person Kids & Family Event
Participants will read and discuss The Gingerbread Man Loose in the School by author Laura Murray.
Let’s read together! This book club is for children who are beginning to read, want to practice reading aloud. Children will discuss the story and create an art activity. For ages 5 – 12 and their adult caregiver.
Where: Compton Library, LACL
Date: Wednesday the 18th
Time: 4 pm – 5 pm
Address: 240 West Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90220
Website: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event
Middle Grade Book Club: A Split Second at pages: a bookstore – In-Person MG Event
Participants will discuss A Split Second by author Janae Marks.
Meets monthly, generally on the third Wednesday of each month at 4:30 pm. Run by local middle grade author, Nedda Lewers, we read new releases of middle grade fiction. Book selection is done by voting at each meeting for the following month’s meeting.
Where: pages: a bookstore
Date: Wednesday the 18th
Time: 4:30 pm
Address: 904 Manhattan Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Website: https://www.pagesabookstore.com/event/2024-12-18/middle-grade-book-club
Book Club: I’ll Be Gone in the Dark at El Monte Library, LACL – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss December’s selection, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, by author Michelle McNamara.
Bibliophiles are welcomed! Join us each month for a facilitated discussion of fiction and non-fiction titles. A limited number of copies are available for book club attendees at the library. For adults.
Where: El Monte Library, LACL
Date: Wednesday the 18th
Time: 5 pm – 6 pm
Address: 3224 Tyler Ave., El Monte, CA 91731
Website: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/12166973
Sci-Fi Book Club: The Lathe of Heaven at Van Nuys Branch Library, LAPL – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss The Lathe of Heaven, by author Ursula K. LeGuin.
Synopsis: Following an environmental disaster, laborer George Orr has the power to bend reality with his very dreams.
Copies of this novel are available at the library.
Where: Van Nuys Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Wednesday the 18th
Time: 5 pm – 6 pm
Address: 6250 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys, CA 91401
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/sci-fi-book-club-lathe-heaven-ursula-k-le-guin
Author Written Workshop at Café con Libros Press, Pomona – In-Person Event
December 18: Author Workshop with Natalie Sierra | 6-8 PM
Get personalized feedback on your writing. 🎟️ Tickets on Eventbrite.
NOTE: See site for details.
Where: Café con Libros Press, Pomona
Date: Wednesday, the 18th
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Address: 208 W. 2nd. St., Pomona, CA 91766
Website: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDGfYSVJLkY/?img_index=1
Reading in Bed with Jessica: L.A. Poet Society via 101.5 FM – Live On-Air Event
Reading in Bed with Jessica hosts poets and writers in conversation and is aired weekly on 101.5 FM.
Jessica Wilson Cardenas is the founder of the Los Angeles Poet Society.
Guests: TBA
This program is offered weekly on radio in Los Angeles 101.5 FM.
NOTE: See site for details.
Where: 101.5 FM
Date: Wednesday the 18th
Time: 6 pm – 8 pm
Address: On-air Event (live at 101.5 FM)
Website: https://www.lapoetsociety.org/events
Book Club for Adults: Bright Young Women at Studio City Branch Library, LAPL – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss Bright Young Women, by author Jessica Knoll.
RSVP:
Please email studio@lapl.org for participation details.
Where: Studio City Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Wednesday the 18th
Time: 6:30 pm
Address: 12511 Moorpark St., Studio City, CA 91604
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/book-club-adults-0
RECESS Open Mic is at SIPA HQ, Palms Up Academy – In-Person Event
RECESS Open Mic is at SIPA HQ on Wednesdays.
This dynamic open mic is the most accessible public program in the Palms Up Academy curriculum and manifests their mission statement in a physical (and digital) space.
Join them at the intersection of Historic Filipino town & The World: Search to Involve Pilipino Americans.
NOTE: See site for RSVP, cost, guidelines, and details.
Where: SIPA HQ
Date: Wednesday, the 18th
Time: 7 pm – 9:30 pm (Doors at 6:30; Open Mic at 8 pm)
Address: 3200 W. Temple St., Ste. 100, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Website: https://www.palmsupacademy.com
Anansi Virtual Writers Workshop at The World Stage – In-Person Event
The Anansi Writers Workshop was founded in 1990 by Kamau Daáood, Akilah Oliver, Nafis Nabawi and Anthony Lyons. In 1993, Michael Datcher initiated the development of a three-part format for the workshop. Our tradition of a community workshop began in the late 1960s at the Watts Writers’ Workshop, where World Stage co-founder Kamau Daáood started his writing career. For general information and booking, contact V. Kali, the Anansi Writers Workshop Coordinator, at vkaliflowers@gmail.com.
- 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm — Formal workshop;
- 8:30 pm – 9:00 pm — TBA;
- 9:05 pm – 10:00 pm — Open mic.
Suggested: $5.00 Donation via PayPal: The World Stage Gallery.
NOTE: See site for further details and any change in the schedule. Contact kaliflowers@gmail.com or call (323) 293-2451.
Where: The World Stage
Date: Wednesday, the 18th
Time: 7:30 pm – 10 pm
Address: 4321 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008
Website: https://www.instagram.com/anansiwritersworkshop/ or https://www.facebook.com/anansiwritersworkshop/
Wednesday Night Poetry Workshop at Beyond Baroque – Online Event
The West Coast’s longest-running free poetry workshop is offered by Beyond Baroque on Zoom and welcomes new and seasoned poets to share their work and provide feedback. Please be prepared to share one poem. This workshop will be hosted via the Zoom video-conferencing platform. Please be prepared to share one poem.
Please spend some time before the workshop learning how to share documents via Zoom. It will keep the session moving if you’re able to make your poem viewable quickly and easily. An instructive video is available at the site.
The workshop can sometimes reach high levels of attendance, which means not everyone will get a chance to read every session.
The workshop facilitator this quarter is Arthur Kayzakian.
Arthur Kayzakian is the finalist for the 2024 Kate Tufts Award, and the winner of the 2021 inaugural Black Lawrence Immigrant Writing Series for his collection, The Book of Redacted Paintings. He is also a recipient of the 2023 creative writing fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts.
NOTE: See site for further details, tickets, and information.
Where: Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center
Date: Wednesday, the 18th
Time: 8 pm – 10 pm
Address: Online event (see site)
Website: https://www.beyondbaroque.org/free_workshops or https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wednesday-night-poetry-workshop-tickets-1112613138849
Poetry Nights with East Los Soul at East Los Angeles Rising Youth Club – In-Person Event
East Los Soul presents Poetry Nights every Wednesday from 8 pm – 9:45 pm at East L.A. Rising Youth Club. Poetry starts at 8:15 pm.
Every 2nd Wednesday will be a poetry contest with a $200 prize for the poet winner, via unanimous vote.
Every 4th Wednesday will be an art contest with a $200 prize for the artist winner, via unanimous vote.
$2 entrance fee
Where: East Los Angel Rising Youth Club
Date: Wednesday, the 18th
Time: 8 pm – 9:45 pm
Address: 324 N. McDonnell Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90022
Website: N/A
Mystery Book Discussion: Busman’s Honeymoon at Palms – Racho Park Branch Library, LAPL – In-Person Event
Our mystery book discussion has shifted back to meeting in person! Join us in exploring a kaleidoscope of mysteries across time and place. Copies available at the Reference Desk and as ebooks (Libby and hoopla).
Participants will discuss Busman’s Honeymoon by author Dorothy L. Sayers.
Refreshments provided by the Friends of the Palms Rancho Park Library.
Where: Palms – Rancho Park Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Thursday the 19th
Time: 12:30 pm
Address: 2920 Overland Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/mystery-book-discussion-person
Book Discussion: Orlando at Sunland – Tujunga Branch Library, LAPL – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss Orlando by Virginia Wolff.
Where: Sunland – Tujunga Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Thursday the 19th
Time: 1 pm – 2 pm
Address: 7771 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga, CA 91042
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/book-discussion-4
Mar Vista Writing Club at Mar Vista Branch Library, LAPL – In-Person Event
Are you passionate about writing or looking for a creative outlet? Our club invites adults of all ages and backgrounds to come together and explore their creativity through writing prompts. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just getting started, our supportive and welcoming environment encourages participants to share ideas, improve their skills, and connect with fellow writers. Meetings are held in the cozy atmosphere of the library, where inspiration flows freely.
Bring your notebook, laptop, typewriter or just your ideas—everyone is welcome!
Where: Mar Vista Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Thursday the 19th
Time: 1:30 pm
Address: 12066 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/mar-vista-writing-club
We Love L.A. Book Club: at Eagle Rock Branch Library, LAPL – In-Person Event
We Love L.A. Book Club examines books and authors that weave the diversity and rich history of our city into their works.
The selection for December is Tehrangeles by Porochista Khakpour, a satirical novel about the wealthy Milani family, Iranian American immigrants in Los Angeles. As they prepare to star in a reality TV show during the pandemic, their secrets and family tensions surface.
The library will have copies to check out or check our e-media page for electronic access on Libby and hoopla.
Please bring your suggestions for future meetings.
Where: Eagle Rock Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Thursday the 19th
Time: 3 pm
Address: 5027 Caspar Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90041
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/we-love-la-book-club-17
Book Club for Adults: Kindred at Chet Holifield Library, LACL – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss Kindred by author Octavia E. Butler.
Whether you like historical fiction, sci-fi, romance, or memoirs, this book club reads it all. This month, join us for a discussion of Kindred by Octavia Butler. For adults.
Where: Chet Holifield Library, LACL
Date: Thursday the 19th
Time: 4 pm – 5 pm
Address: 1060 S. Greenwood Ave., Montebello, CA 90604
Website: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/12344148
Between the Lines Book Club: Kill Her Twice at Castaic Library, LACL – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss the detective novel Kill Her Twice by author Stacey Lee.
Lulu Wong, star of the screen and the pride of Chinatown, has a face known to everyone, especially the Chow sisters, Lulu’s former classmates and neighbors. So the girls know it’s Lulu when they discover a body in an out-of-the-way stable, far from her Beverly Hills home.
The sisters suspect Lulu’s death is the result of foul play. Even worse, powerful forces in the city want to frame the killing as evidence that Chinatown is a den of iniquity, reason it should be demolished for the construction of a new depot, Union Station. The sisters set out to solve their friend’s murder and maybe save their neighborhood
Where: Castaic Library, LACL
Date: Thursday the 19th
Time: 4 pm – 5 pm
Address: 27971 Sloan Canyon Rd., Castaic, CA 91384
Website: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/12126087
Writing Group at Donald Bruce Kaufman – Brentwood Branch Library, LAPL – In-Person Event
This group offers time to focus on your writing while providing accountability and encouragement to help you keep moving forward with your projects. We are looking for writers to bring their experience and skills to the table to help other writers flourish through the challenges that come with any writing project, big or small. We welcome writers of all genres, styles, and experience levels.
Where: Donald Bruce Kaufman – Brentwood Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Thursday the 19th
Time: 5:30 pm
Address: 11820 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/brentwood-writing-group-0
Cover to Cover Book Club: None of This Is True at Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library, LAPL – In-Person & Online Hybrid Event
Join us for a discussion of the monthly book selection:
Participants will discuss None of This Is True by author Lisa Jewel.
Copies of each month’s selection should be available for check-out at the Reference Desk. New members are always welcome.
Where: Mid-Valley Regional Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Thursday the 19th
Time: 6 pm
Address: 16244 Nordhoff St., North Hills, CA 91343
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/mystery-book-discussion-person
Comic Book & Graphic Novel Discussion Group at Palms – Racho Park Branch Library, LAPL – Online Event
Join us each month for a comic book and graphic novel book discussion. We will rotate between indie titles and titles from Marvel and DC. It’s a great starting point for new readers or devoted fans of the genre.
December 19: Wonder Woman: Dead Earth (2020) by Daniel Warren Johnson.
RSVP:
This program meets via Zoom. Please register here in advance.
Where: Palms – Rancho Park Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Thursday the 19th
Time: 6 pm
Address: 11820 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/brentwood-writing-group-0
Arroyo Writing Group at Arroyo Seco Regional Branch Library, LAPL – In-Person & Online Hybrid Event
Writers of any level of experience are invited to join our writing group for practice both writing short pieces across many genres and sharing your writing with others. Each month we will engage with a different writing prompt preparing our own short work in response and bringing it to share at our meeting.
If you are unable to join us in person you are welcome to join us virtually.
RSVP:
Contact us at ayosco@lapl.org for this month’s writing prompt or to request the meeting link
Where: Arroyo Seco Regional Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Thursday the 19th
Time: 6 pm
Address: 6145 N. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90042
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/arroyo-writing-group-0
Hollywood Creative Writing Club via Hollywood Regional Branch Library, LAPL – Online Zoom Event
Kick start your New Year’s resolution by joining our new creative writing club and getting the feedback and motivation to finish that masterpiece. Each month, members will meet online to discuss their progress and solicit critique from the group. Those who feel comfortable may share small portions of their work with the group ahead of time. We focus on novels, short stories and narrative non-fiction. Any genre is permitted. The host will also occasionally send literature to the members to facilitate discussion. This may include the work of acclaimed authors or writing advice.
Please email nneata@lapl.org to obtain the Zoom link.
The majority of the meetings will take place on Zoom but we may occasional meet in person at the Hollywood Library.
Where: Frances Howard Goldwyn – Hollywood RegionalBranch Library, LAPL
Date: Thursday the 19th
Time: 6 pm – 7:30 pm
Address: 1623 Ivar Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90028
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/hollywood-creative-writing-club-zoom
Cookies & Comics Graphic Novel Book Club at Westwood Branch Library – Online Zoom Event
Do you love graphic novels? Does your family get tired of having to talk about Watchmen—again? Looking for someone to geek out with you over the new stuff from Brian K. Vaughan? Then this is the club for you!
This month, we’ll discuss Tank Girl: 2 Girls 1 Tank, Vol. 1. Born in 1988 in British indie comics magazine “Deadline”, co-creators Alan Martin and Jamie Hewlett delivered a foul-mouthed, chain-smoking, anarchic, shaven-haired heroine, who along with her main-squeeze, Booga the kangaroo, Jet Girl, Sub Girl and a host of other friends (and enemies) have gone on to be a scourge of the industry ever since. Grab your copy on Hoopla.
The intended audience for this monthly Zoom event is teens aged 16+ and adults. J. Blakemore will continue to lead the lively discussion, just as he has since 2018.
RSVP:
Email wwood@lapl.org to be included on the monthly mailing list and for the Zoom link.
Where: WestwoodBranch Library, LAPL
Date: Thursday the 19th
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Address: Online event (see site)
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/cookies-comics-graphic-novel-book-club-6
Book Club: Pedro Páramo at Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore – In-Person Event
Tia Chucha’s Book Club participants will discuss Pedro Páramo by author Juan Rulfo.
This novel is the story of a man who goes in search of the father he’d never met, only to discover that he is dead and the village is inhabited by ghosts. It showcases the roots of Mexican culture and its beliefs on afterlife through deeply complex characters, spirituality, and a constant transition between realms/dimensions with a nonlinear chronology.
NOTE: See site for RSVP, guidelines, and details.
Where: Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore
Date: Thursday, the 19th
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Address: 12677 Glenoaks Blvd., Sylmar, CA 91342
Website: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDNbadlz10x/?hl=en
Lit Angels: Winter Solstice Meditation with Jen Becherer at Village Well Books & Coffee – In-Person Event
From Entertainment Executive to Mindful Leadership Coach, Jen helps her clients transition from burnout to living a life that’s more abundant, stress free, and on their terms. Through breathing techniques, guided visualization meditation, creative exercises, and group sessions she’s watched her clients’ limiting beliefs and creative blocks dissolve, being replaced with a renewed passion for life and their confident place of leadership within it. http://www.jenniferbecherer.com/
About Lit Angels Writing Studio:
There are so many fitness classes available for the body, but what are you doing to exercise your creative mind?
Lit Angels offers classes that provide just that—a fun and freeing way to work out the creative muscles and eliminate the stumbling blocks that might be holding you back, not only in your writing, art, or performance projects, but in all areas of your life—uplifting and refreshing your mind and soul, improving relationships, work, and your outlook on the future. Taught by top-level working professionals, Lit Angels classes cultivate community and connection, something we all desperately need in these challenging times.
NOTE: See site for RSVP, guidelines, and details.
Where: Village Well Books & Coffee
Date: Thursday, the 19th
Time: 7 pm – 8 pm
Address: 9900 Culver Blvd. 1B, Culver City, CA 90232
Website: https://shop.villagewell.com/events
All Women’s Open Mic with Kate Burns at Village Well Books & Coffee – In-Person Event
This event is an all-arts open mic for women artists of any kind Village Well Books and Coffee in downtown Culver City.
August 22nd is the one-year anniversary of All Women’s Open Mic Night at Village Well! Join us for a celebration (and some cake)!
Village Well is partnering with local poet and author Kate Burns to provide a platform for female poets, musicians, storytellers, and comedians. While all are welcome to attend, this is an event that aims to amplify women’s voices only.
Acts are limited to 3-5 minutes in length. Sign-ups begin at 7:00 pm and conclude at 7:30 pm!
Also, please note that not all material may be considered “family-friendly” so please use discretion when deciding whether, or not, to bring children.
NOTE: See site for RSVP, guidelines, and details.
Where: Village Well Books & Coffee
Date: Thursday, the 19th
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Address: 9900 Culver Blvd. 1B, Culver City, CA 90232
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-womens-open-mic-with-kate-burns-tickets-943697603937
Spectacular Storytime at Once Upon a Time Bookstore – In-Person Kids Event
Spectacular Storytime is our most popular story time and is ready to delight and dazzle! This is also the prime time to see Pippi Longstocking, our bookstore cat in action.
Open to all ages. Free to attend.
NOTE: See site for RSVP, guidelines, and details.
Where: Once Upon a Time Bookstore
Date: Friday, the 20th
Time: 9:30 am
Address: 2207 Honolulu Ave., Montrose, CA 91020
Website: https://www.shoponceuponatime.com/event/spectacular-story-time-106
Book Club: History Smashers: The Family Game at La Mirada Library, LACL – In-Person Event
Participants will discuss the novel The Family Game by author Catherine Steadman. For adults.
Harriett and Edward are happily engaged and Edward is set to inherit the family fortune, until something happens that sets the game in motion.
NOTE: See site for RSVP, guidelines, and details.
Where: La Mirada Library, LACL
Date: Friday, the 20th
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Address: 13800 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada, CA 90638
Website: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/12162169
Open Mic Night at Underdog Bookstore, Monrovia – In-Person Event
Interested in performing?
Sign-ups in store or at BIT.LY/UNDERDOGOPENMIC
FREE. All ages entry. Limited seats.
NOTE: See site for details.
Where: Underdog Bookstore
Date: Friday, the 20th
Time: 7 pm – 9 pm
Address: 312 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016
Website: https://www.instagram.com/p/DDf9NRGISfh/?hl=en
SWAAM Spoken Word Art & Music Event: Tommy Domino at Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center – In-Person Event
SWAAM Spoken Word Art & Music is offered every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month and hosted by Loranzo Frank.
Featured guest: Tommy Domino
Tickets at Eventbrite.
NOTE: See site for details.
Where: Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center
Date: Friday, the 20th
Time: 8 pm – 12 am
Address: 4305 Degnan Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90008
Website: https://www.depoet.info/swaam or https://www.depoet.info/swaam
Third Fridays Rapp Saloon Reading Series & Open Mic with host Elena Secota at Rapp Saloon, Santa Monica – In-Person & Online Hybrid Event
Third Fridays Reading Series at Rapp Saloon: Open Mic & Featured Readers is offered every 3rd Friday of the month by host Elena Secota.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
The Rapp Saloon Poetry Reading Series will return to its original format with each Friday hosted and curated as follows:
First Friday: Cynthia Alessandra Briano
Second Friday: Russell Greene
Third Friday: Elena Secota
Fourth Friday: Jim Bolt
Fifth Friday: James Evert Jones
This is a hybrid event, live in-person while offering a Zoom option for our performers and guests.
Our featured guest poets and artists this month TBA.
NOTE: See site for details.
Where: Rapp Saloon at HISUA – In-Person & Online Event
Date: Friday, the 20th
Time: 8 pm – 11 pm
Address: 1436 2nd St., Santa Monica, CA 90402
Website: https://www.facebook.com/RappSaloonReading or https://www.instagram.com/rappsaloon/?hl=en
Lit Angels: Half-Hour Morning Meditation with Jen Becherer at Village Well Books & Coffee – In-Person Event
From Entertainment Executive to Mindful Leadership Coach, Jen helps her clients transition from burnout to living a life that’s more abundant, stress free, and on their terms. Through breathing techniques, guided visualization meditation, creative exercises, and group sessions she’s watched her clients’ limiting beliefs and creative blocks dissolve, being replaced with a renewed passion for life and their confident place of leadership within it. http://www.jenniferbecherer.com/
About Lit Angels Writing Studio:
There are so many fitness classes available for the body, but what are you doing to exercise your creative mind?
Lit Angels offers classes that provide just that—a fun and freeing way to work out the creative muscles and eliminate the stumbling blocks that might be holding you back, not only in your writing, art, or performance projects, but in all areas of your life—uplifting and refreshing your mind and soul, improving relationships, work, and your outlook on the future. Taught by top-level working professionals, Lit Angels classes cultivate community and connection, something we all desperately need in these challenging times.
NOTE: See site for RSVP, guidelines, and details.
Where: Village Well Books & Coffee
Date: Saturday, the 21st
Time: 10 am – 11 am
Address: 9900 Culver Blvd. 1B, Culver City, CA 90232
Website: https://shop.villagewell.com/events
Book Club for Middle Grade Readers: The Wild Robot Escapes at Palisades Branch Library, LAPL– Online MG Event
Middle grade readers are invited to participate in our fun monthly book discussions.
This month we will be reading: The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown.
RSVP:
Please e-mail: akagan@lapl.org or gkim@lapl.org for the Zoom login information.
Where: Palisades Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Saturday the 21st
Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 am
Address: Online Event (see site)
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/book-club-middle-grade-readers-wild-robot-escapes-peter-brown
Kids Book Launch: Frogs on the Mountain at Village Well Books & Coffee – In-Person Event
David and Adalgisa Nico will present and read their children’s book, Frogs on the Mountain: The Mountain Yellow-Legged Frogs in Yosemite.
Husband-and-wife children’s book author team, Adalgisa Nico and David Nico, did not set out to be writers. During a camping trip to Death Valley National Park with their young daughter, they became fascinated by the world’s rarest fish, the pupfish, and its ability to withstand the unforgiving and harsh conditions of their environment. Unable to find any books dedicated to these resilient little fish, they set out to write a children’s story, Fish in the Desert: The Untold Story of the Death Valley Pupfish, to highlight the importance of environmental stewardship to prevent the loss of this incredible endangered species.
David and Gisa live in Los Angeles, California, with their daughter, Adele, her grandfather, and three dogs. Fish in the Desert: The Untold Story of the Death Valley Pupfish is their debut children’s book, the first installment in the Bringing National Parks to Life picture book series.
NOTE: See site for RSVP, guidelines, and details.
Where: Village Well Books & Coffee
Date: Saturday, the 21st
Time: 11 am – 12 pm
Address: 9900 Culver Blvd. 1B, Culver City, CA 90232
Website: https://shop.villagewell.com/events
Teen Poetry Club at Altadena Main Library – In-Person Trans and LGBTQ Friendly Teen Event
Moderated by WriteGirl/Bold Ink Writers, this is a wonderful trans and LGBTQ friendly space to learn and build poetry writing skills, share your work, and get inspired by fellow writers. Bring your imagination and love of writing and join the club!
https://www.writegirl.org/teaching-artists
Where: Altadena Main Library
Date: Saturday the 21st
Time: 12 pm – 2 pm
Address: 600 E. Mariposa St., Altadena, CA 91001
Website: https://www.altadenalibrary.org/programs?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D175806663
Holiday Poetry Hotline Participant Workshop with City of West Hollywood Poet Laureate Jen Cheng at West Hollywood Library, LACL– In-Person Event
Under the guidance of West Hollywood City Poet Laureate Jen Cheng, workshop participants will be answering phone calls live to deliver “poem prescriptions” for callers. For adults.
Attendance at the December 7 Writing Workshop is required for this workshop.
In the second of this two-part workshop, we will practice the art of listening and choosing a poem from our dispensary of curated poems. No experience needed. Come with curiosity.
Jen Cheng is the Fifth West Hollywood Poet Laureate, a 2023 California Arts Council Fellow, and a multidisciplinary storyteller who amplifies under-represented voices. Jen is the founder of Palabras Literary Salon, celebrating BIPOC poets and writers. Jen blends East-West cultural influences in a new form, Feng Shui Poetry. With stories for tween audiences, mystery detective fans, and queer love, Jen is a cross-pollinator. Find her on X and IG @JenCvoice or JenCvoice.com.
Attendance is limited, and advance registration is required. Please register every individual in your party. This will be used to save your spots in the program. We cannot guarantee availability for any unregistered attendees.
Where: West Hollywood Library, LACL
Date: Saturday the 21st
Time: 2 pm – 5 pm
Address: 601 W. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster, CA 93534
Website: https://visit.lacountylibrary.org/event/12121757
Creative Writing Group at Central Library, LAPL– In-Person Event
Calling all writers of fiction, screenplays, poetry, etc. Get feedback on your writing in a fun, supportive environment. Meetings include a writing prompt/exercise, snacks, and a rollicking good time! Whether you are just starting out or well on your way to glory, join us and banish (at least temporarily) those Lonely Writer Blues!
RSVP:
Please RSVP by emailing fiction@lapl.org today.
Where: Central Library, LAPL, Meeting Room B
Date: Saturday the 21st
Time: 3 pm – 5 pm
Address: 630 W. 5th St., Los Angeles, CA 90071
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/writers-group-0
Expressions L.A. Poetry Reading Series and Open Mic at Studio City Branch Library, LAPL– In-Person & Online Hybrid Event
Join us in-person or via Zoom for Expressions L.A. Poetry Reading Series, featuring poetry readings and open poetry mic.
RSVP:
Please email studio@lapl.org for participation details.
Where: Studio City Branch Library, LAPL
Date: Saturday the 21st
Time: 3 pm – 5 pm
Address: 12511 Moorpark St., Studio City, CA 91604
Website: https://lapl.org/whats-on/events/expressions-la-poetry-reading-series-and-open-mic-3
Saturday Afternoon Poetry: Features Morgan Golladay & Virginia Watts – Online Event
Hosted by DKC, featured: MORGAN GOLLADAY & VIRGINIA WATTS + Poets published in Four Feathers Press online edition: Shooting Stars.
Don Kingfisher Campbell hosts and curates these events.
Where: Saturday Afternoon Poetry
Date: Saturday, the 21st
Time: 3 pm – 5 pm
Address: Online Zoom Event
Website: https://saturdayafternoonpoetry.blogspot.com/
Words: A Literary Reading & Open Mic at The Glendale Room – In-Person Event
Words…A Literary Reading & Open Mic is hosted by Eric Blumfeld.
Come hear LA’s finest writers share their words. Fiction, Nonfiction, Memoir, Poetry. featured Spot + 10 Open Mic Spots (6 mins)
Where: The Glendale Room
Date: Saturday, the 21st
Time: 3:30 pm – 5 pm
Address: 127 Artsakh Ave., Glendale, CA 91206
Website: https://www.theglendaleroom.com/calendar
Speak! – Poetry Open Mic at The Lyric Hyperion Theater & Café – In-Person Event
A poetry open mic at the Lyric Hyperion! $5 for 5 minutes. Free to watch. Signups begin 5pm, show starts at 5:30.
Come on down to the Lyric Hyperion for SPEAK–JUST WORDS, an evening of poetry and spoken word, presented by YOU. This bucket style open mic is for poets and storytellers of all skill levels. If you’ve got something to say, then say it! $5 for 5 minutes, and FREE to watch!
Signups begin in person at 9pm, show starts at 9:30. Hosted by Ian and Bren.
Note: This is not a comedy open mic. Comedic poetry is acceptable.
Where: The Lyric Hyperion Theater & Café
Date: Saturday, the 21st
Time: 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Address: 2106 Hyperion Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90027
Website: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/speak-poetry-open-mic-tickets-1096655378759?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Meet & Greet: with Assia Lau’ren at Sunny’s Bookshop – In-Person Event
Join us for a Meet + Greet with Assia Lau’ren as she leads poetry and discussion for New Year resolutions and beginnings!
Assia Lau’ren is a US Army Veteran turned Independent Artist and left the Army in 2020 as a Captain to pursue a life that felt like her own. Now she is an actor, writer, and photographer. Her most recent film MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE won the audience award at SXSW this year and will be in theaters nationwide on February 28!
She has written two books of poetry, most recently EXCLUSIVITY which explores boundaries. She’s also shot and published two books of photography, most recently Desert Dreaming which immerses the viewer in rare landscapes and architecture. More behind the scenes from her films, poetry, and photography are on her site at http://www.assialauren.com. IG Handle: @assialauren
Where: Sunny’s Bookshop (onside Shades of Petals, Tarzana)
Date: Saturday, the 21st
Time: 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Address: 18604 Ventura Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 91356
Melrose Trading Post Event & L.A. Poet Society at Greenway Arts Alliance at Melrose Trading Post at Fairfax H.S. – In-Person Event
The Melrose Trading Post is a pioneering arts-based marketplace held every Sunday at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, CA with 275 local creative small business vendors, delicious food booths and local live music.
MTP was founded in 1997 with a mission to champion small businesses, art and community. The market funds Greenway Arts Alliance’s arts education programming and provides employment and leadership development opportunities for students at Fairfax High School.
LA Poet Society presents Poetry on Demand during Merry Melrose at Melrose Trading Post!
JOIN us in space R18 each Sunday, from 11am-5pm. Holiday Poems & Cheer just for you!
NOTE: Check every Sunday for story time and reading events
Where: Melrose Trading Post, Greenway Main Stage at Fairfax HS
Date: Sunday, the 22nd (Every Sunday)
Time: 10 am – 5 pm
Address: 7850 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046
Website: https://melrosetradingpost.org/tickets/ or https://www.instagram.com/p/DC7Q7CxSFcj/
Hanukkah Storytime with Sarah Mlynowski at Village Well Books & Coffee – In-Person Kids Event
Sarah Mlynowski will present her children’s book A Dragon for Hanukkah.
On the first night of Hanukkah, my parents gave me a dragon…
So begins Hannah’s holiday adventure, as she receives eight magical presents—one for each night. There’s a playful dragon, a gleaming treasure chest, a time travel machine, some rowdy unicorns…and much more. But are the gifts what they seem to be? When Hannah gathers with family and friends to light the menorah, play dreidel, and eat delicious latkes, she’ll discover the true magic of the Festival of Lights.
Written with sparkling wit and wisdom by New York Times bestselling author Sarah Mlynowski (Whatever After; Upside-Down Magic), and illustrated with vivid, enchanting art by Ariel Landy, this inventive story celebrates both Hanukkah and the power of a child’s imagination. Includes fun, accessible backmatter that defines key Hanukkah terms!
NOTE: See site for guidelines and details.
Get your tickets on EVENTBRITE!
Where: Village Well Books & Coffee
Date: Sunday, the 22nd
Time: 11 am – 12 pm
Address: 9900 Culver Blvd. 1B, Culver City, CA 90232
Website: https://shop.villagewell.com/events
Storytime with Naomi Howland & Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: A Chanukah Story at Vroman’s – In-Person Event
Vroman’s is celebrating Hanukkah by partnering with PJ Library to present a very special Storytime featuring Latkes, Latkes, Good to Eat: A Chanukah Story by Naomi Howland.
Sadie and her four little brothers are very poor and always hungry. On the first night of Chanukah, Sadie performs a generous act, and in turn receives a frying pan that cooks up sizzling hot, golden latkes on command. Sadie tells her brothers never to use the magic pan, but when she goes out one afternoon, the mischievous boys can’t resist. They remember the words to start the pan cooking…but what were the words to make it stop? This humorous tale of generosity and greed is accompanied by bright, cheerful illustrations depicting a traditional Russian village. An author’s note and a recipe for Sadie’s latkes are included.
PJ Library sends free high-quality Jewish children’s books to families every month. These stories spark conversations that inspire the whole family to explore and celebrate what they love about Jewish life.
The program was created by the nonprofit Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) in keeping with its mission to help people connect to Jewish values, traditions, and culture while building vibrant Jewish communities. The HGF partners with local Jewish organizations to fund PJ Library and make it available in their community.
Where: Vroman’s
Date: Sunday the 22nd
Time: 11 am – 12 pm
Address: 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91101
Historical Fiction Book Club: Love and the Downfall of Society at The Ripped Bodice – Online Zoom Event
December’s participants will discuss Love and the Downfall of Society by author Melinda Copp.
This event will be hosted via Zoom due to holiday considerations.
NOTE: See site for RSVP, guidelines, and details.
Where: The Ripped Bodice
Date: Sunday the 22nd
Time: 7:15 pm – 8:30 pm
Address: 3806 Main Street, Culver City, CA 90323 (Online Only this date)
Website: https://www.therippedbodicela.com/events-and-tickets
Los Angeles Literature 