Since 2015 the Galena Public Library has been providing a variety of presentations, readings, workshops, and conversations with bestselling authors during the cold days and nights of January - a celebration of reading and writing in all its forms.
Five events are planned for January and, back by popular demand, a brunch in Grant Park in May with support from the Friends of the Galena Public Library and in partnership with the Galena Center for the Arts, Miss Kitty’s Grape Escape, and Hawk Valley Retreat & Cottages.
“I’m so excited to launch this year’s festival,” said Larissa Distler, adult services librarian and LitFest organizer. “It’s been an incredible experience to put it together each year, bring readers and writers together, provide resources for local authors, and partner with wonderful organizations and businesses in Galena.”
Registration, ticketing, and more information can be found at www.GalenaLibrary.org or at the front desk of the Galena Public Library. Virtual programs are presented via Zoom to be viewed anywhere on a device with an internet connection. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with the instructor and ask questions directly. Larissa DIstler can be reached at 815-777-0200 or distlerl@galenalibrary.org.
Poets in Dialogue
On Wednesday, January 8 at 6 p.m. at the Grape Escape Poet Laureate of Rockford, Jenna Goldsmith, and Poet Laureate of Galena, Theodore Williams, discuss their poetical journeys, making an impact with the written word, and read from their work..
Midwest Bedrock: The Search for Nature’s Soul in America’s Heartland
On Saturday, January 11 at 2 p.m. at the Galena Center for the Arts Dr. Kevin Koch, Professor Emeritus of Loras College, presents a beautiful journey which blends photography of natural spaces across the Midwest with lyrically informative writing.
Writing a Mystery Can Be a Mystery! Writers’ Workshop
On Tuesday, January 14 at 5:30 pm on Zoom mystery author Mary Ann Noe dives into the central question of any mystery “whodonit?” by examining the choices a writer makes and what to do when the characters themselves throw a monkey wrench into a well-planned outline.
Lessons Learned Writing History
On Thursday, January 16 at 5:30 p.m. on Zoom while sharing his journey of writing and publishing Civil War history, Thomas B. Mack, Ph.D will discuss lessons learned in finding sources, ensuring the work is accurate, and completing a nonfiction historical manuscript.
A Night in Tita Rosie’s Kitchen with Mia P. Manansala
Join bestselling mystery author Mia P. Manansala on Saturday, January 25 at 6 p.m. at Hawk Valley Retreat for a curated dinner featuring Filipino recipes from the Tita Rosie Kitchen Mysteries book series to learn about her journey as an author and the cultural importance of food in the Filipino diaspora. The conversation will be facilitated by Galena local, Charissa McAuliff. Tickets are $65 per guest. Anyone wishing to spend the night at Hawk Valley may visit www.hawkvalleyretreat.com to book online and enter the code LITFEST for a 10% discount.