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Rockford Public Library Hosts 3rd Annual Festival of Words

A celebration of the written and spoken word

 

Rockford Public Library's 3rd annual Festival of Words, a celebration of the written and spoken word, will be held from September 27 through October 1, 2006. Highlights of the festival include a murder mystery play, a side-splitting improv comedy, and a girl's night out. The event also features author readings and signings, workshops in comedy, mystery, poetry and screen writing, music and more.

 

“Festival of Words is a great opportunity for Rockford and neighboring communities to meet local and national authors, and enjoy a variety of performances,” said Frank Novak, Executive Director of Rockford Public Library. “This year's programs are especially creative––there is something for everyone"

 

Participants appearing throughout the festival include New York Times bestselling author Matthew Pearl, local favorite Kimberla Lawson Roby, "chick lit" author Jennifer O'Connell and others.

 

Unless noted, all programs are free and open to the public.  A complete list of events is attached.

 

RPL Festival of Words Events

Scheduled September 27 – October 1

 

An Evening with Matthew Pearl

Wednesday, September 27, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St.

New York Times bestselling author, Matthew Pearl kicks off our Festival of Words discussing his latest novel, The Poe Shadow. His debut novel, The Dante Club, has been an international bestseller translated into over 30 languages. Pearl will answer questions and sign books after the program.

 

Girl's Night Out @ RPL!

Thursday, September 28, 6:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St.

Grab your girlfriends and head out to the library for this fun-filled evening. Jennifer O'Connell author of Off the Record, Bachelorette #1 and Dress Rehearsal will join local favorite Kimberla Lawson Roby, author of Changing Faces, The Best Kept Secret and Too Much of a Good Thing to remind us just why we love "chick lit." While you are here, pamper yourself with a manicure and a fruit smoothie! A small fee will be charged for manicures and smoothies.

 

Sweet Mystery: Three Act Play Presented by the Mystery Shop

Friday, September 29, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St.

Ticket Price: $10

A murder has been committed and it is up to you to solve the mystery! Question suspects, examine evidence, and "buy" information with Mystery Shop Bucks, all while enjoying gourmet desserts and coffee. For tickets, call Adult Services at 965-7606, option 2.

 

ComedySportz

Saturday, September 30, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main

Ticket Price: $10.00

Join us for a fun, fast-paced night of improvisational comedy by Milwaukee-based ComedySportz. Two teams battle for laughs and points as they make up scenes, games and songs on the spot. The audience votes for the winner while a referee calls the fouls! For tickets, call Adult Services at 965-7606, option 2.

 

 

Writing Workshops

 

Mystery Writing Workshop with Ben F. Small

Friday, September 29, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.

Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St.

Ben F. Small, author of Alibi on Ice, will lead a discussion on the importance of point of view when writing mysteries.  Mr. Small has over thirty year's experience handling legal issues worldwide and is busy working on his second suspense thriller. To register, call Adult Services at 965-7606, option 2. Space is limited.

 

Comedy Writing and Improv Workshop

Saturday, September 30, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St.

Practice writing short comedy bits and doing improv at this program.  Don Moore, a former member of ComedySportz, and writer, and actor for Rockford's Legal Follies will lead this workshop.  Participants will have the opportunity to hone their writing skills and play an improv game. To register, call Adult Services at 965-7606, option 2. Space is limited. To register, call Adult Services at 965-7606, option 2.

 

Beginning Screenwriting Workshop

Sunday, October 1, 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St.

Learn the basics of beginning screenwriting from freelance writers Charlyne Blatcher Martin and Paula Hendrickson.  They have both written many screenplays.  Blatcher Martin is a published playwright as well as host and scriptwriter for the local cable 17 show, "Something to Talk About."  Space is limited. To register, call Adult Services at 965-7606, option 2.

 

Good Poems: A Workshop Inspired by Accessible, Interesting, and Enduring Poems

Sunday, October 1, 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St.

Christine Swanberg, one of Rockford's most widely published poets will lead this workshop where participants will look at various poems for inspiration and strategies for their own work. Participants will read, produce, critique, discuss and enjoy poems created during the program in an informal and supportive setting. Space is limited. To register, call Adult Services at 965-7606, option 2.

 

Other Programs

 

Saturday Spectacular: Dan LeMonnier - Folksongs and Foolery

Saturday, September 30, 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.

Main Library Auditorium, 215 N. Wyman St.

When it comes to spinning a yarn, Dan LeMonnier is a master.  Using music, wit and ample foolery, he is an engaging storyteller who brings to life a wide variety of subjects including history, folk tales, fairy tales and literature.  He has performed worldwide for audiences of all ages, including several repeat performances at the Smithsonian Institute and a presidential inaugural ball.

 

Manga Workshop

Saturday, September 30, 1:30 – 4:00 p.m.   

Youth Services Little Theatre, 215 N. Wyman St.

For ages 13 – 18. Manga artist, Shannon Townsend returns to Rockford Public Library to share her drawing techniques with program participants.  If you're interested in Manga and want to learn more, then sign up today.  Space is limited. To register, call Adult Services at 965-7606, option 2.

 

Meet the Author: Barbara Santucci

Saturday, September 30, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Rockton Centre Branch, 3112 N. Rockton Ave.

Adults and children of all ages are invited to meet local children's author, Barbara Santucci. Audience members will have the opportunity to hear Ms. Santucci read her books and learn about her craft. To register, call Rockton Centre at 965-7606, option 1.

 

Meet the Author: Karla Clark

Saturday, September 30, 2:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Montague Branch, 1238 S. Winnebago St.

Ms. Clark returns home to the Montague Branch Library to discuss her books, Between Courses: A Culinary Love Story and Knotted Pearls and Other Stories.  Refreshments will be served. To register, call Montague at 965-7606, option 1.

 

Unless noted, all programs are free and open to the public.

 

 

About the Library

The Rockford Public Library, founded in 1872 as the second library in Illinois, currently has six facilities, including the Main Library and five Branch Libraries. The Rockford Public Library’s mission is to enhance community life and development by informing, educating, entertaining, and providing cultural enrichment to all people of all ages by collecting information to address the diverse interests of our dynamic community.

 

 

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