Galena LitFest is the twelfth annual literary festival organized and funded by the Galena Public
Library with support from the Friends of the Galena Public Library and in partnership with the
Galena Center for the Arts, Champagne on Main, Galena Cellars, Fried Green Tomatoes, and
Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. Events will take place throughout January 2026 in-person
and virtually.
Registration and more information for all events can be found here, on the Galena Public Library
website, www.galenalibrary.org, or reach out to adult services librarian, Larissa Distler, at
distlerl@galenalibrary.org or 815-777-0200.
Fantasy Worldbuilding Through History’s Lens
January 10 from 2 - 3 p.m. in-person at the Galena Public Library or virtually via Zoom join
Brendan Noble, the award winning fantasy author of The Realm Reachers, The Frostmarked
Chronicles, and The Prism Files series, to explore how history from his Polish heritage and
beyond has influenced his crafted worlds, and how those histories can offer insight for writers of
any kind.
Sarah Orne Jewett: Her Legacy and Life
January 13 from 6 - 7 p.m. at Galena Cellars on 111 N. Main Street, Galena’s Poet Laureate,
Ted Williams and Poet Laureate Emerita of Rockford, IL, Jenna Goldsmith, will discuss the life
and legacy of American author, poet, and queer icon Sarah Orne Jewett as well as the
connections they both share with her. Through poetry, letters, music, and images they will bring
her to life. Robyn Davis will join them in the performance.
Give Yourself a Voice: Healing Trauma Through Writing
January 14 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. virtually via Zoom, Tia Levings discusses her New York Times
bestselling book, A Well Trained Wife, religious trauma, how traumatic memories are activated
by current events, and using writing as a tool to address those experiences. Levings will present
virtually. Attendees are welcome to watch at the Galena Public Library or register to receive the
Zoom link and watch from anywhere.
What the Light is Hiding
January 17 from 2 - 3 p.m. in-person at the Galena Center for the Arts or virtually via Zoom join
Tamara Dean. Long before modern Dark Sky initiatives, some Driftless-area inhabitants resisted
the electric lights that promised to ruin their nighttime freedom and ease among shadows.
Based on her essay “Night Vision” from Shelter and Storm: At Home in the Driftless, Dean
explores rural electrification and night vision technology through the stories of nonconformists
who over the past century have embraced or sought to conquer the darkness. A book signing in
partnership with Galena Book and Paper will follow the presentation.
Spice, Spice Baby: Concocting Heat on the Page
January 22 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. join award winning author Hollie Smurthwaite in-person at
Champagne on Main Galena or virtually via Zoom. Writing spicy isn’t just about getting
graphic—it’s about flavor. Spice can be slow-building or fiery, sweet or sharp, but like any good
dish, it needs to complement the meal. In this workshop, we’ll explore how to craft open-door
intimacy that fits your characters, your story, and your voice. You’ll learn how to balance
physicality with emotion, navigate language choices, and shape scenes that feel both authentic
and impactful. We’ll also tackle common fears, how to write past awkwardness, and ways to find
your comfort zone on the spice scale.
Murder Made Cozy: Dining in Savvy’s Kitchen with Sandra Jackson-Opoku
January 23 from 6 - 8 p.m. in-person at Fried Green Tomatoes join award winning author
Sandra Jackson-Opoku at Fried Green Tomatoes for a curated dinner featuring soul food
recipes from the Savvy Summers mystery series and to learn about her journey as an author
and the impact of generational history, food, and community. She will be in conversation with
Michelle Cox, the author of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard mystery series.
A full dinner will be served including beverage, appetizer, entree, and dessert. Tickets are $60
per guest. To reserve your seat visit, www.GalenaLibrary.org or call the Galena Public Library at
815-777-0200 and speak with adult services librarian, Larissa Distler. A book signing in
partnership with Galena Book & Paper will follow the dinner and conversation.
A Virtual Evening with Laura Lippman and Tracy Clark
January 27 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. virtually via Zoom the New York Times bestselling author
Laura Lippman discusses her new book Murder Takes a Vacation and her writing life with
Chicago crime writer Tracy Clark. Lippman and Clark will present virtually. Attendees are
welcome to watch at the Galena Public Library or register to receive the Zoom link and watch
from anywhere with an internet connection.
The Work of Poetry with Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte
January 29 from 6 - 7 p.m. in-person at the Mąą Pįį Preserve Center for Science and Culture or
virtually via Zoom Illinois Poet Laureate Mark Turcotte (Turtle Mountain Band Anishinaabe) will
present a night of poetry and conversation in partnership with the Galena Public Library and the
Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation. Galena Poet Laureate, Ted Williams, will facilitate, and
the winner of the Galena LifFest High School Poetry Contest will read their winning poem.
Anyone who would like to learn more about the Mąą Pįį Preserve Center for Science and
Culture is welcome to arrive at 5:30 pm for an informal meet and greet with JDCF staff.