Writers’ League Celebrates “Texas Independents” statewide throughout March 2017; final stop, March 31, Brazos Bookstore (Houston)
In March 2017 the Writers' League of Texas will partner with some of the state's greatest Independents—in conjunction with Texas Independence Day—to host a series of free and open events throughout the month of March in communities across the state.
These panel discussions (featuring authors and experts and including time for questions and networking) will focus on the great opportunities that Texas has to offer, from independent presses, to journals, to bookstores, and beyond, while also answering writers' burning questions about the publishing process, submitting to agents, catching the eye of an editor, and more.
“Celebrating Texas Independents: Our Great Literary State's Independent Presses, Journals, Bookstores & More” launched March 2 at Odessa College in Odessa, moderated by WLT executive director Becka Oliver and featuring panelists Will Evans, founder and president of Deep Vellum Books and Cinestate; Kay Ellington, publisher of Lone Star Literary Life; and Mark Johnson, editor of the Concho River Review.
The panel discussion in Houston will be held at Brazos Bookstore Fri., March 31 at 7 pm, featuring distinguished panelists LeeAnne Carlson, Will Evans, Jill Meyers, and Gabriela Baeza Venturas. RSVPs are suggested, but not required. Light refreshments served.
Details for all programs may be found here.
(Information from organization’s website)
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The Woodlands’s George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library recognized as finalist for 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service
WASHINGTON, DC – The Institute of Museum and Library Services today announced that Texas’ George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library of The Woodlands, Texas, is among the 30 finalists for the 2017 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries for service to the community. For twenty-three years, the award has celebrated institutions that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to public service and are making a difference for individuals, families and communities.
“The 2017 National Medal Finalists represent the leading museums and libraries that serve as catalysts for change in their communities,” said Dr. Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services. “It is our honor to recognize 30 notable institutions for their commitment to providing programs and services that improve the lives of individuals, families and communities. We salute them and their valuable work in providing educational opportunities to their community and celebrate the power libraries and museums can have across the country.”
Finalists are chosen because of their significant and exceptional contributions to their communities. IMLS is encouraging community members who visited the George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library to share their story on the IMLS Facebook page. To Share Your Story and learn more about how these institutions make an impact, please visit www.facebook.com/USIMLS.
The National Medal winners will be announced later this spring. The representatives from winning institutions will travel to Washington, DC, to be honored at the National Medal award ceremony.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and approximately 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov.
(From organization’s press release)
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2017 Dallas Book Festival set for April 29
Partnership with Festival of Ideas to create unprecedented community event
National Book Award Winner Andrew Solomon and acclaimed authors Greg Iles, Paulette Jiles, Eric Litwin and Kristen Radke headline the 2017 Dallas Book Festival, a day-long celebration of literature, arts and culture on Sat., April 29.
For the first time, the annual Book Festival is being held in conjunction with the Dallas Festival of Ideas, a series of forums, seminars and discussions about the city’s future, for a unique, unprecedented event in downtown Dallas.
“We’re thrilled about this collaboration,” said Kate Park, executive director of Friends of the Dallas Public Library, which is presenting the Book Festival along with the Dallas Public Library. “Together we’re presenting an amazing array of writers, thinkers and performers who will engage, entertain and challenge our city.”
The Book Festival will take place on all eight floors of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St. The Festival of Ideas will be centered across the street at Dallas City Hall. The two festivals will combine for the closing session, featuring a conversation with novelist Yaa Gyasi, with complementary programming throughout the day. All events are free and open to the public.
The full schedule will be available soon at www.dallasbookfestival.org. Details of the Festival of Ideas can be found at http://thedallasfestival.com.
The Book Festival, which began in 2006, drew more than 4,000 people last year. It features dozens of authors in individual presentations, interviews about their work or taking part in panels. Among the notable writers participating in the 2017 event are:
• Andrew Solomon, who won the National Book Award for The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression, and is a noted authority on mental health.
• Kristen Radtke, a writer and illustrator whose appearance coincides with the release of her graphic memoir, Imagine Wanting Only This.
• Paulette Jiles, a novelist and poet whose most recent book, News of the World, was a National Book Award finalist.
• Eric Litwin, a musician and best-selling author of children’s books who inaugurated the popular Pete the Cat series.
• Greg Iles, whose 15 novels include the best-selling Natchez Burning and The Bone Tree and the forthcoming Mississippi Blood, to be released March 21. Iles will be featured in conversation with Stanley Nelson, editor of the Concordia (La.) Sentinel, whose investigations of the Ku Klux Klan and unsolved racially motivated murders in the region inspired many of Iles’s books.
Other highlights include storytelling for children, craft projects, and discussions ranging from sportswriting and Shakespeare to quilting, and ferreting out truth in an era of fake news.
Festival sponsors include the Dallas Morning News, the Dallas Museum of Art, the Roy & Christine Sturgis Charitable Trust, Half Price Books, Deep Vellum Publishing, UNT’s Mayborn School of Journalism, Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Community Coffee, Habitat for Humanity, Institute of Texas Culture, DallasChocolate.org, Tissu, Society of Children’s Book Writers, Dallas Modern Quilt Guild, Urban Spools, and WordSpace.
(From organization’s press release)
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