Events

Jewelry Making
Monday, June 1, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Adults (ages 18+): join Stephani Tusing, local jewelry designer and owner of Sparkling Creations, for a fun class all about making wire-wrapped earrings! No need to have previous experience, as we welcome all skill levels and will provide all supplies. Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot!

Nature Journaling @ Elk Run Trails
Thursday, June 4, 2026
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Elk Run Trails, 20593 Blue & Gold Dr, Elkton, VA 22827

Ages 12 and up: join us outside to learn about nature journaling and create your own journals with Heather Roberts, a certified Virginia Master Naturalist with the Shenandoah Chapter! Please bring water, as we'll be sitting outside to enjoy the lovely weather. Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot.

Tree Nature Walk @ Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Friday, June 5, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, 780 University Blvd, Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Get to know some of our native trees as well as a few exotic ones! Join us to learn which characteristics can help you identify trees and what tools are available to help, led by staff at the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum. Our walking tour will be about an hour long on gently sloping trails with mulch, stone and paved surfaces. Meet us at the pavilion at 10:00 am! Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot.

Bookish Granny Squares
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Would you like a fun new way to track your reading for the year? Learn how to crochet a granny square using colors from book covers, with our Director of Information Technology, Rebecca Laura, and Director of Advancement, Megan Medeiros!

Lecture Featuring Julian Grant: Sancho's Dance-Mix
Saturday, June 13, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Join the Shenandoah Valley Bach Festival at Massanutten Regional Library for this special talk featuring composer and author Julian Grant as he discusses the connection between Afro-British writer, composer, and abolitionist Ignatius Sancho, the Buskaid Music School in Soweto, and the birth of the composition Sancho's Dance-Mix.

Watercolor Class
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
North River Library - Bridgewater

Adults (ages 18+): Marydean Hairston, a talented local artist and writer, will teach us the basics of watercolor! She'll help us mix greens and create simple yet beautiful leaf paintings. Space is limited, so click the "Register Now" button to save your spot.

Mystery Game Night
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Adults (18+): Do you like solving fictional crimes? Join us for a mystery game night at the library! Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot!

Spies and Spycraft of the American Revolution
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

"Washington did not really outfight the British, he simply outspied us.” That’s what London newspapers reported after the defeat of the British Army. So what was the intelligence that General Washington collected? Where did it come from? Who were his spies? And how do we know about these shadowy figures 250 years later?

Join Amanda A. Ohlke from the International Spy Museum for a discussion of spies from the members of the Culper Ring, made famous by the television series "Turn," to James Lafayette, an enslaved African American who worked with the Marquis de Lafayette to outwit the British General Cornwallis.

Library Learners: Watercolor 
Thursday, June 18, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

At June's meeting of Library Learners, adults (ages 18+) can join Marydean Hairston, local artist and writer, to learn the basics of watercolor as she helps us mix greens and create some paintings of leaves. Registration is required, so click the link above to save your spot.

Diamond Painted Butterfly Garden Stakes
Friday, June 19, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Village Library - Broadway

Adults (ages 18+): Create a beautiful butterfly garden stake to add to your plantings using the diamond painting technique. Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot!

Stewards of Children Training
Saturday, June 20, 2026
9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Presented by staff from the Collins Center, Stewards of Children®, teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities. Through interviews with a very diverse group of people with lived experience, experts, and treatment providers, Stewards of Children® is one of the only award-winning, evidence-informed, adult-focused child sexual abuse prevention trainings in the United States proven to increase knowledge and change behavior.

This training will be presented simultaneously in both meeting rooms in English and Spanish. Registration is requested for planning purposes, so please click the link above to register.

Shenandoah Documentary Showing 
Thursday, June 25, 2026
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Join us for a documentary on Shenandoah National Park by Virginia Public Media. Discover the majesty of Shenandoah National Park. Nestled in the ancient Appalachians, this wilderness is alive – shaped by ongoing formations, migrations, and transformations. Dive into an ever-changing world of hidden caverns and boundless forests. Here, wildlife, geology, and humanity converge to sustain the extraordinary life and land at the heart of this vital sanctuary.

Crochet a Granny Square
Saturday, June 27, 2026
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Village Library - Broadway

Adults (ages 18+): Learn to crochet a granny square with MRL's own Director of Advancement, Megan Medeiros! Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot.

Canning and Freezing Basics
Saturday, June 27, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
North River Library - Bridgewater

Adults (ages 18+): join us for a presentation from Becky Gartner at the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office to learn about pressure canning, water bath canning, and freezing as ways to preserve food. We'll discuss safe methods for food preservation and the equipment needed for each process!

Notebooks
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
10:00 am - 11:30 am
North River Library - Bridgewater

Do you write: poetry, short stories, or are you working on a memoir, fiction, non-fiction? Judith Dreyer, MS, BSN has over 20 years of experience developing workshops and classes, public speaking, and writing. Judith will help stimulate creativity, offer support and talk about the publishing world. She will give helpful tips, and create a positive networking environment.

Jewelry Making: Wire-Wrapped Earrings
Thursday, July 9, 2026
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Adults (18+): Join Stephani Tusing, a local jewelry designer and small business owner, for a fun class in learning how to make wire wrapped earrings! Clip on earrings will be also available for those participants without pierced ears. Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot.

Archaeology with the Frontier Culture Museum
Thursday, July 9, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Adults (18+): Join us for an interactive program from the Frontier Culture Museum that will introduce you to the fascinating field of archaeology. Until we invent a time machine, archaeology is one of the best ways to “travel” to the past. This program will explore how archaeologists find things, and what can we learn from the bits and pieces they dig up.

Intro to Nature Journaling @ Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
Friday, July 10, 2026
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, 780 University Blvd, Harrisonburg, VA 22807

Adults (18+): Join us for an introduction to nature journaling led by Kelli Hertzler, a nature journaler, artist, naturalist, and Arboretum staff member! Kelli will give a quick introduction to nature journaling and then jump right in to studying specimens with guided lessons. Everyone will be given art supplies, including a journal to take home. At the end of the program, there will be time to explore the Arboretum for additional subjects. This program will emphasize the importance of recording our experiences with drawing, writing and quantifying. Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot!

Book Bag Embroidery
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Adults (18+): Want a different way to track the books you read this year? Rebecca Laura, MRL's Director of Information Technology, will teach us how to embroider on a tote bag!

We'll provide some symbols you can use to represent your recent reads, or you can draw your own! Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot. On the registration form, tell us three books you have read this year and a symbol that would make you think of the book (ex. Fourth Wing=dragon; Homegoing= Ghana's flag; Winnie the Pooh= bear).

Clay Diffuser Discs
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Elkton Community Library

Adults (18+): Join us for a hands on creative session where you'll craft your own custom oil diffuser using air dry clay! Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot.

Library Learners: Cookie Decorating
Thursday, July 16, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

At July's meeting of Library Learners, adults (ages 18+) can join us for a cookie decorating class with Jessica from Cookie Palette! Each person can decorate two delicious cookies. Registration is required, so click the link above to save your spot.

Christmas in July: Book Page Wreaths
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Adults (18+): Let's be festive in July and cool off inside while learning how to make paper wreaths! We'll turn books into decorative works of art. Registration is required, so click the link above to save your spot.

Mystery Game Night
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Adults (18+): Do you like solving fictional crimes? Join us for a mystery game night at the library! Registration is required, so click the link above to save your spot.

Bookmark Diamond Painting
Thursday, July 23, 2026
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Elkton Community Library

Adults (ages 18+): Add a touch of sparkle to your reading and craft corner bookmarks with us using the diamond painting method. Whether you're a seasoned diamond painter or a total beginner, you'll enjoy a relaxing evening of crafting with others. Registration is required, so click the link above to save your spot.

Death's Introduction: A Play
Friday, July 24, 2026
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Adults (18+): Join us for an after-hours play, presented by Elizabeth Eby and Noah Miller!

Death's Introduction summary: The Grim Reaper has a PR problem and would like you, the audience, to understand that they aren't as bad as everyone thinks. Grim themself is inviting you to join them in this philosophical comedy which will have you thinking a lot about death. But, like, in a funny way.

Shenandoah Documentary Showing
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Elkton Community Library

Join us for a documentary on Shenandoah National Park by Virginia Public Media. Discover the majesty of Shenandoah National Park. Nestled in the ancient Appalachians, this wilderness is alive – shaped by ongoing formations, migrations, and transformations. Dive into an ever-changing world of hidden caverns and boundless forests. Here, wildlife, geology, and humanity converge to sustain the extraordinary life and land at the heart of this vital sanctuary.

Wonderland Murder Mystery
Saturday, July 25, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Adults & Teens: Do you like solving fictional crimes? Join us for a mystery game night at the library! Game description: Alice has been bored since her return from Wonderland. She finds herself curious about the reason everyone in Wonderland has gone mad and throws herself down the rabbit hole again. The Knaves trial is still going on when the Cheshire Cat interrupts with the news that The Caterpillar has been found dead - he was poisoned! Who in Wonderland is responsible and what is driving all the residents mad?

Summer Sand Art Necklaces
Saturday, June 6, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Village Library - Broadway

School-age kids: drop in any time during normal operating hours to create sand art necklaces, while supplies lasts.

Toads, Turtles, and Snakes
Monday, June 8, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Page Public Library - Luray

Kids and teens: learn about the many toads, turtles, and snakes that make the Shenandoah Valley their home! Special guest Megan Goin, Chief Ranger at Shenandoah River State Park, will bring actual reptiles!

Make a Card for Your Role Model
Thursday, June 11, 2026
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Kids of all ages: Do you have someone special you'd like to make a card for this month? You're invited to visit the library and we'll supply card making materials for you to make a special card.

Registration is required, so make sure to save your spot.

Worm Wonders
Saturday, June 13, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
North River Library

All ages: want to create a compost indoors? An expert from the Central Shenandoah Valley Master Gardeners will teach us all about vermicomposting - a method that uses earthworms to break down food scraps into nutrient-rich fertilizer!

This class will take away any confusion and show you the science behind it all! You will leave prepared to keep your compost indoors with a vermicomposting bin and all the knowledge you need to successfully create rich compost.

Please note: anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.

Summer Break Chapter Book Club 
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Shenandoah Community Library

Kids ages 6-11: join your friends at Shenandoah Community Library for our limited-time Summer Break Chapter Book Club! We'll choose exciting chapter books for Ms. Becky to read aloud, with no required reading at home!

Summer Break Chapter Book Club is taking place each Thursday of the week from June 18th to July 16th, and every reading minute counts towards our Summer Reading Challenge.

• Thursday, June 18, 2026
• Thursday, June 25, 2026
• Thursday, July 2, 2026
• Thursday, July 9, 2026
• Thursday, July 16, 2026
• Thursday, July 23, 2026

Dinosaur Science
Thursday, June 18, 2026
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Kids (ages K-5th grade): Come learn about our prehistoric friends through this STEM program! You will make a salt dough fossil, dig for dino bones, and make your very own dinosaur egg!

Super Science
Thursday, June 18, 2026
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Let your curiosity go wild while conducting exciting science experiments! Super Science is geared towards kindergarten through 5th grade youth.

Archaeology with the Frontier Culture Museum
Saturday, June 20, 2026
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg 

Kids (K-5): Come and discover a world of fun archaeological activities with interpretive staff from the Frontier Culture Museum!

Virginia Stones
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Village Library - Broadway

School age children: come learn about stones native to Virginia with Rich Ruozzi, co-owner of Horizon Gifts and Board Games!

Kids' Stitching: Learn to Embroider a Cowgirl Boot
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Kids and teens ages 10-17: Learn to embroider as you create a cowgirl boot on a mini canvas in a 3-inch hoop! Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot.

Summertime Letter and Card Writing for Kids
Thursday, June 25, 2026
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Kids of all ages: Come beat the heat while writing a letter or card! Whether you're just learning to write, want to practice your handwriting or cursive skills, or even practice typing a letter, we'll provide what you need to have fun writing! If you do not have someone to write to, feel free to write a card or letter "from a library friend," and we'll deliver cards and letters to Page One right here in Shenandoah to be shared in the community.

Join us every other Thursday until August 20 for this fun opportunity to practice your letter writing skills!

Seashell Crafts
Thursday, June 25, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Page Public Library - Luray

Kids ages K-5: Come make fun crafts out of seashells and learn about their origins in nature in the process!

Dinosaur Science
Saturday, June 27, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Kids (ages K-5th grade): Come learn about our prehistoric friends through this STEM program! You will make a salt dough fossil, dig for dino bones, and make your very own dinosaur egg!

Cooking Program for Ages 5-8
Monday, June 29, 2026
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Page Public Library - Luray

Kids ages 5-8: join us to learn how to prep and make two delicious recipes! This program is intended to introduce 5-8 year old kids to the wonderful world of cooking, in partnership with the Virginia Cooperative Extension and the 4-H Club.

Registration is required, so click the link above and make sure to list any food allergies on the form! Please note that registration will close on June 22 so that we can choose the recipes and shop for them.

Cooking Program for Ages 9-11
Monday, June 29, 2026
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Page Public Library - Luray

Kids ages 9-11: join us to learn how to prep and make two delicious recipes! This program is intended to introduce 9-11 year old kids to the wonderful world of cooking, in partnership with the Virginia Cooperative Extension and the 4-H Club.

Registration is required, so click the link above and make sure to list any food allergies on the form! Please note that registration will close on June 22 so that we can choose the recipes and shop for them.

Toads, Turtles, and Snakes
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Kids and teens of all ages: Join us to learn about the many toads, turtles, and snakes that call the Shenandoah Valley their home! Shenandoah River Park Chief Ranger, Megan Goin, will bring real reptiles to the library for you to see.

Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show
Thursday, July 9, 2026
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Page Public Library - Luray

Kids (pre-K-5th grade): step into the prehistoric world with "Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show" presented by Bright Star Children's Theatre! Led by the quirky and curious Dr. Sarah Tops, this action-packed adventure uncovers fascinating dino facts that will wow even the biggest dino fans. Featuring life-like, colorful dinosaur puppets that stomp, roar and charm their way into every heart, this show blends science, storytelling and imagination in the style of your favorite nature programs. It’s an unforgettable field trip through time—without ever leaving your seat!

Summertime Letter and Card Writing for Kids
Thursday, July 9, 2026
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Kids of all ages: Come beat the heat while writing a letter or card! Whether you're just learning to write, want to practice your handwriting or cursive skills, or even practice typing a letter, we'll provide what you need to have fun writing! If you do not have someone to write to, feel free to write a card or letter "from a library friend," and we'll deliver cards and letters to Page One right here in Shenandoah to be shared in the community. Join us every other Thursday until August 20 for this fun opportunity to practice your letter writing skills!

Unearth Your Dinosaurs
Thursday, July 9, 2026
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Elkton Community Library

Kids (ages 6-10): Ready to dig in and unearth your very own dinosaur from an egg fossil? Learn about how paleontologists dig up bones and make salt dough fossil impressions with a set of mini dinosaurs or foot prints! Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot!

Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show
Thursday, July 9, 2026
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Grottoes Branch Library

Kids (pre-K-5th grade): step into the prehistoric world with "Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show" presented by Bright Star Children's Theatre! Led by the quirky and curious Dr. Sarah Tops, this action-packed adventure uncovers fascinating dino facts that will wow even the biggest dino fans. Featuring life-like, colorful dinosaur puppets that stomp, roar and charm their way into every heart, this show blends science, storytelling and imagination in the style of your favorite nature programs. It’s an unforgettable field trip through time—without ever leaving your seat!

Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show
Friday, July 10, 2026
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Elkton Community Library

Kids (pre-K-5th grade): step into the prehistoric world with "Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show" presented by Bright Star Children's Theatre! Led by the quirky and curious Dr. Sarah Tops, this action-packed adventure uncovers fascinating dino facts that will wow even the biggest dino fans. Featuring life-like, colorful dinosaur puppets that stomp, roar and charm their way into every heart, this show blends science, storytelling and imagination in the style of your favorite nature programs. It’s an unforgettable field trip through time—without ever leaving your seat!

Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show
Friday, July 10, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
North River Library - Bridgewater

Kids (pre-K-5th grade): step into the prehistoric world with "Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show" presented by Bright Star Children's Theatre! Led by the quirky and curious Dr. Sarah Tops, this action-packed adventure uncovers fascinating dino facts that will wow even the biggest dino fans. Featuring life-like, colorful dinosaur puppets that stomp, roar and charm their way into every heart, this show blends science, storytelling and imagination in the style of your favorite nature programs. It’s an unforgettable field trip through time—without ever leaving your seat!

Let's Get Gardening
Saturday, July 11, 2026
10:00 am - 11:30 am
North River Library - Bridgewater

All ages are invited to explore the North River Library Pollinator Garden in full bloom! Enjoy stations for learning, painting, music, and STEM creativity about all things pollinator including butterflies!

Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery
Saturday, July 11, 2026
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Village Library - Broadway

Kids (pre-K-5th grade): step into the prehistoric world with "Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show" presented by Bright Star Children's Theatre! Led by the quirky and curious Dr. Sarah Tops, this action-packed adventure uncovers fascinating dino facts that will wow even the biggest dino fans. Featuring life-like, colorful dinosaur puppets that stomp, roar and charm their way into every heart, this show blends science, storytelling and imagination in the style of your favorite nature programs. It’s an unforgettable field trip through time—without ever leaving your seat!

Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show
Saturday, July 11, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Kids (pre-K-5th grade): step into the prehistoric world with "Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show" presented by Bright Star Children's Theatre! Led by the quirky and curious Dr. Sarah Tops, this action-packed adventure uncovers fascinating dino facts that will wow even the biggest dino fans. Featuring life-like, colorful dinosaur puppets that stomp, roar and charm their way into every heart, this show blends science, storytelling and imagination in the style of your favorite nature programs. It’s an unforgettable field trip through time—without ever leaving your seat!

Dinosaur Finger Painting
Thursday, July 16, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Kids (ages 3-10): Let's paint some dinosaurs with finger paint! Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot.

Super Science
Thursday, July 16, 2026
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Let your curiosity go wild while conducting exciting science experiments! Super Science is geared towards kindergarten through 5th grade youth.

Origami Madness
Saturday, July 18, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Kids grades K-5: Join Miss Stephani for a fun morning making paper origami masterpieces!

Fish and Feathered Friends
Monday, July 20, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Page Public Library - Luray

Kids (grades K-5): Join us for two crafts and learn all about our fish and feathered friends with Megan Goin, a Shenandoah River State Park Chief Ranger! Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot.

Summertime Letter and Card Writing for Kids
Thursday, July 23, 2026
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Kids of all ages: Come beat the heat while writing a letter or card! Whether you're just learning to write, want to practice your handwriting or cursive skills, or even practice typing a letter, we'll provide what you need to have fun writing! If you do not have someone to write to, feel free to write a card or letter "from a library friend," and we'll deliver cards and letters to Page One right here in Shenandoah to be shared in the community. Join us every other Thursday until August 20 for this fun opportunity to practice your letter writing skills!

Diamond Dino Christmas in July Keychains
Saturday, July 25, 2026
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Village Library - Broadway

Kids and teens (ages 8 and up): Join us to make a Christmas themed dinosaur keychain using the diamond painting technique! Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot.

Penelope Rex Meet-and-Greet
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
North River Library - Bridgewater

Join us to meet the dinosaur, Penelope Rex! Penelope will be hanging out waiting to meet her fans, take a picture, give a high five, or just say "Hello." Penelope Rex is the title character in a series of books by Ryan T. Higgins. Her books are available at Massanutten Regional Library.

Dino Shadow Box Craft
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Village Library - Broadway

School aged kids: Join us to make a dinosaur themed shadow box! Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot.

Penelope Rex Meet-and-Greet 
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Join us to meet the dinosaur, Penelope Rex! Penelope will be hanging out waiting to meet her fans, take a picture, give a high five, or just say "Hello." Penelope Rex is the title character in a series of books by Ryan T. Higgins. Her books are available at Massanutten Regional Library.

Dinosaur Science with Penelope Rex
Thursday, July 30, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Page Public Library - Luray

Kids (K-5th grade): Come learn about our prehistoric friends through this STEM program! You will make a salt dough fossil, dig for dino bones, and make your very own dinosaur egg! Plus, you'll get to meet the dinosaur, Penelope Rex! Penelope is the title character in a series of books by Ryan T. Higgins. Her books are available at Massanutten Regional Library.

Dinosaur Stomp Dance Party
Saturday, August 1, 2026
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Kids (up to age 10): Let's do the dinosaur stomp (hint: it involves bubble wrap)! Come stomp and dance to some music to celebrate the end of summer! Older siblings and adults are welcome to join in the fun, too.

Mammal Mania
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Kids and teens: discover the differences between all kinds of mammals, from foxes and beavers to muskrats and more! Shenandoah River State Park Chief Ranger, Megan Goin, will answer all of your mammal questions.

Teen Craft and Chat
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Teens and tweens ages 11-17 can craft and make new friends! We'll enjoy a new art or craft project every 1st Wednesday of the month.

Teen Craft and Chat is one of four programs for ages 11-17 each month, called the Weekly Whatever. The other three programs include:
- Teen Open Gaming Night every 2nd Wednesday
- Teen Graphic Novel Club every 3rd Wednesday
- Writer's Club for Teens every 4th Wednesday

Weekly Whatever programs are subject to change - keep an eye on our website and social media for updates!

Morse Code Jewelry and Wearables for Teens
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Teens ages 11-17: what word represents you? Do you need a daily reminder or motivation? Use Morse code - a series of dots and dashes - to create something wearable, from bracelets and lanyards to necklaces and more! Spell out a secret message or word so only those who know Morse code will be able to decipher it.

• Thursday, June 4, 2026: Shenandoah Community Library
• Tuesday, June 9, 2026:  Page Public Library - Luray
• Thursday, June 11, 2026: Elkton Community Library
• Tuesday, June 16, 2026: Grottoes Branch Library
• Thursday, June 18, 2026: Central Library - Harrisonburg
• Thursday, June 25, 2026: North River Library - Bridgewater

Nature Journaling @ Elk Run Trails
Thursday, June 4, 2026
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Elk Run Trails, 20593 Blue and Gold Dr, Elkton, Va, 22827

Ages 12 and up: join us outside to learn about nature journaling and create your own journals with Heather Roberts, a certified Virginia Master Naturalist with the Shenandoah Chapter! Please bring water, as we'll be sitting outside to enjoy the lovely weather. Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot!

Toads, Turtles, and Snakes
Monday, June 8, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Page Public Library - Luray

Kids and teens: learn about the many toads, turtles, and snakes that make the Shenandoah Valley their home! Special guest Megan Goin, Chief Ranger at Shenandoah River State Park, will bring actual reptiles!

Teen Open Gaming Night
Wednesday, June 10, 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Teens and tweens ages 11-17 are invited to Open Gaming Night every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Play board games, card games, or start your own tabletop role-playing game with your friends, all while enjoying free snacks!

Teen Open Gaming Night is one of four programs for ages 11-17 each month, called the Weekly Whatever. The other three programs include:
- Teen Craft and Chat every 1st Wednesday
- Teen Graphic Novel Club every 3rd Wednesday
- Writer's Club for Teens every 4th Wednesday

Weekly Whatever programs are subject to change - keep an eye on our website and social media for updates!

Teen Graphic Novel Club
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Teens and tweens ages 11-17 can discuss their favorite graphic novels, share their love of art and music, and possibly watch some anime every 3rd Wednesday of the month!

Teen Graphic Novel Club is one of four programs for ages 11-17 each month, called the Weekly Whatever. The other three programs include:
- Teen Craft and Chat every 1st Wednesday
- Teen Open Gaming Night every 2nd Wednesday
- Writer's Club for Teens every 4th Wednesday

Weekly Whatever programs are subject to change - keep an eye on our website and social media for updates!

Writer's Club for Teens
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Teens and tweens ages 11-17: join us every 4th Wednesday of the month for our free Writer's Club! We welcome all writing styles and skill levels. Enjoy some coffee and work on your writing in a safe, judgment-free space!

Writer's Club for Teens is one of four programs for ages 11-17 each month, called the Weekly Whatever. The other three programs include:
- Teen Craft and Chat every 1st Wednesday
- Teen Open Gaming Night every 2nd Wednesday
- Teen Graphic Novel Club every 3rd Wednesday

Weekly Whatever programs are subject to change - keep an eye on our website and social media for updates!

Teen Craft and Chat
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Teens and tweens ages 11-17 can craft and make new friends! We'll enjoy a new art or craft project every 1st Wednesday of the month.

Teen Craft and Chat is one of four programs for ages 11-17 each month, called the Weekly Whatever. The other three programs include:
- Teen Open Gaming Night every 2nd Wednesday
- Teen Graphic Novel Club every 3rd Wednesday
- Writer's Club for Teens every 4th Wednesday

Weekly Whatever programs are subject to change - keep an eye on our website and social media for updates!

Make Your Own Book
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Teens and tweens (ages 11-17): make your own book from scratch, from binding the pages to attaching the covers! This program will take most of the 2 hours, so come early if you want to go through the whole process.

• Thursday, July 2, 2026: Shenandoah Community Library
• Thursday, July 9, 2026: Elkton Community Library
• Tuesday July 14, 2026: Page Public Library - Luray
• Thursday, July 16, 2026: Village Library - Broadway
• Tuesday, July 21, 2026: Grottoes Branch Library
• Thursday, July 23, 2026: North River Library - Bridgewater

Toads, Turtles, and Snakes
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Shenandoah Community Library

Kids and teens of all ages: Join us to learn about the many toads, turtles, and snakes that call the Shenandoah Valley their home! Shenandoah River Park Chief Ranger, Megan Goin, will bring real reptiles to the library for you to see.

Teen Open Gaming Night
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Teens and tweens ages 11-17 are invited to Open Gaming Night every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Play board games, card games, or start your own tabletop role-playing game with your friends, all while enjoying free snacks!

Teen Open Gaming Night is one of four programs for ages 11-17 each month, called the Weekly Whatever. The other three programs include:
- Teen Craft and Chat every 1st Wednesday
- Teen Graphic Novel Club every 3rd Wednesday
- Writer's Club for Teens every 4th Wednesday

Weekly Whatever programs are subject to change - keep an eye on our website and social media for updates!

Teen Graphic Novel Club
Wednesday, July 15, 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Teens and tweens ages 11-17 can discuss their favorite graphic novels, share their love of art and music, and possibly watch some anime every 3rd Wednesday of the month!

Teen Graphic Novel Club is one of four programs for ages 11-17 each month, called the Weekly Whatever. The other three programs include:
- Teen Craft and Chat every 1st Wednesday
- Teen Open Gaming Night every 2nd Wednesday
- Writer's Club for Teens every 4th Wednesday

Weekly Whatever programs are subject to change - keep an eye on our website and social media for updates!

Writer's Club for Teens
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Teens and tweens ages 11-17: join us every 4th Wednesday of the month for our free Writer's Club! We welcome all writing styles and skill levels. Enjoy some coffee and work on your writing in a safe, judgment-free space!

Writer's Club for Teens is one of four programs for ages 11-17 each month, called the Weekly Whatever. The other three programs include:
- Teen Craft and Chat every 1st Wednesday
- Teen Open Gaming Night every 2nd Wednesday
- Teen Graphic Novel Club every 3rd Wednesday

Weekly Whatever programs are subject to change - keep an eye on our website and social media for updates!

Diamond Dino Christmas in July Keychains
Saturday, July 25, 2026
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Village Library - Broadway

Kids and teens (ages 8 and up): Join us to make a Christmas themed dinosaur keychain using the diamond painting technique! Space is limited, so click the link above to save your spot.

Wonderland Murder Mystery
Saturday, July 25, 2026
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Central Library - Harrisonburg

Adults & Teens: Do you like solving fictional crimes? Join us for a mystery game night at the library! Game description: Alice has been bored since her return from Wonderland. She finds herself curious about the reason everyone in Wonderland has gone mad and throws herself down the rabbit hole again. The Knaves trial is still going on when the Cheshire Cat interrupts with the news that The Caterpillar has been found dead - he was poisoned! Who in Wonderland is responsible and what is driving all the residents mad?

Penelope Rex is the title character in a series of books by Ryan T. Higgins. Her books are available at Massanutten Regional Library.

Story Time with Penelope Rex

Join us for a special Story Time with the dinosaur, Penelope Rex! Penelope can't wait to meet her fans, take a picture, give a high five, or just say "Hello."

• Elkton Community Library: Monday, July 27, 2026 | 10:30 am - 11:30 am
• Shenandoah Community Library: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | 11:00 am -12:00 pm | Shenandoah VFW, Post 8613 Avis O. Comer, 1102 Varina Ave., Shenandoah, VA 22849
• Grottoes Branch Library: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | 10:00 am - 10:30 am
• Village Library - Broadway: Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Penelope Rex Meet-and-Greet

Join us to meet the dinosaur, Penelope Rex! Penelope will be hanging out waiting to meet her fans, take a picture, give a high five, or just say "Hello."

• North River Library - Bridgewater: Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
• Central Library - Harrisonburg: Wednesday, July 29, 2026 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Dinosaur Science with Penelope Rex
Thursday, July 30, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Page Public Library - Luray

Kids (K-5th grade): Come learn about our prehistoric friends through this STEM program! You will make a salt dough fossil, dig for dino bones, and make your very own dinosaur egg! Plus, you'll get to meet the dinosaur, Penelope Rex!

The below author talks are offered virtually through Library Speakers Consortium. The views expressed by presenters are their own and their appearance in a program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Massanutten Regional Library.

Virtual Author Talk: Mary Savig
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

Join us for a fascinating discussion with Smithsonian Curator Mary Savig on the history and significance of craft at state fairs—from blue-ribbon quilts to sculpted butter cows, and so much more!

A Dolly Parton crop art portrait. Size-96 cowboy boots. A button quilt. State Fairs: Growing American Craft features more than 100 photos of extraordinary and unconventional crafts from state and tribal fairs, including needlework, basketry, jewelry, ceramics, crop art, butter sculpture, and saddles. The catalog highlights personal stories and regional and cultural traditions, creating a vibrant portrait of American life. Come one, come all! State Fairs has a little something for everyone.

Register now to hear about the fascinating (and often surprising) world of American state fair crafts!

About the Author:

Mary Savig is The Fleur and Charles Bresler Curator-in-Charge of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s Renwick Gallery. She holds a PhD in American Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Virtual Author Talk: Dr. Ezekiel J. Emanuel
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

Join us for an empowering conversation with health expert Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel as he shares his vision for living well and aging with purpose. In Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life, he explores how to embrace health, happiness, and longevity without falling for quick fixes or unrealistic promises.

Everyone wants to live a full and healthy life―and every day brings a tidal wave of attention-grabbing misinformation, faddish ideas from “wellness” influencers, and bizarre advice from news outlets. The “Wellness Industrial Complex” prescribes conflicting and complicated regimens while promising us more time to enjoy in the future―though it sure is demanding a lot of time right now. But what actually matters most to our health and longevity?

In Eat Your Ice Cream, renowned physician Ezekiel J. Emanuel argues that life is not a competition to live the longest and that “wellness” shouldn’t be difficult; it should be an invisible part of one’s lifestyle that yields maximum health benefits with the least work. Dr. Emanuel cuts through the noise with wit and good humor, giving readers just what they need: simple, high-impact, evidence-based guidelines on such issues as alcohol consumption, food and nutrition, exercise, sleep, and social engagement.

Resisting the tide of the latest trends to extend life at all costs, Eat Your Ice Cream reveals that many of the tools for a long, healthy and meaningful life are already within reach.

Register now to hear incredible tips on living a full and healthy life.

About the Author:

Ezekiel J. Emanuel, MD, PhD, is the Vice Provost for Global Initiatives, the Co-Director of the Healthcare Transformation Institute, and a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine.

Emanuel is an oncologist and world leader in health policy and bioethics. He is a Special Advisor to the Director General of the World Health Organization, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, and member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He was the founding chair of the Department of Bioethics at the National Institutes of Health and held that position until August of 2011.

Dr. Emanuel is the most widely cited bioethicist in history. He has over 350 publications and has authored or edited 15 books. He regularly contributes to the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic.

Virtual Author Talk: Matt Dinniman
Thursday, June 11, 2026
7:00 - 8:00 pm

Hold onto your heart-patterned boxers! Matt Dinniman, New York Times bestselling author of the wildly popular (and just plain wild) Dungeon Crawler Carl series, joins us to chat about his latest book, A Parade of Horribles.

As chaos and mass panic spread outside the dungeon in the wake of Faction Wars, Carl and Donut find themselves on the tenth floor, where they’re forced to compete in a surprisingly normal set of tasks. Well, normal for the dungeon.

Races. Get from point A to point B, and don’t come in last. After each race, they pick an upgrade for their vehicle and the track gets more challenging. It all seems a little too normal, a little too simple.

Ignore those strange glitches that are occurring with increasing frequency. Don’t listen to those whispers about what’s happening on the mysterious eleventh floor, something the system AI calls A Parade of Horribles. Nobody, not even the showrunners, knows what that means. Just that the AI has ominously dubbed it “a coming-out party for the ages.”

Everything is fine, Crawler. I repeat, everything is fine.

Carl hates that it’s business as usual. The rules of this floor have taken away his agency. That just will not do.

So Carl is planning a party of his own. It’s a plan so dangerous, so insane, he can’t even consult his friends lest the AI put a stop to it. Because if it goes wrong, it’s not just the end of Carl and Donut. No. The stakes are higher than they’ve ever been.

Register now for a fun-filled discussion you won’t want to miss!

About the Author:

Matt Dinniman is a writer and artist from Gig Harbor, Washington. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling Dungeon Crawler Carl series along with several other books about the end of the world.

He doesn’t really hate Cocker Spaniels, and he plays bass in one band.

Virtual Author Talk: Zaila Avant-garde
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
7:00 - 8:00 pm

Join us for an uplifting virtual conversation with bestselling author and Scripps National Spelling Bee champ Zaila Avant-garde as we discuss her new picture book, Weird and Wonderful You, in which she encourages young readers to embrace what makes them different.

We are the weird. The wonderfully weird, that is. When others blend in, we stand out.

Young readers will find joyful encouragement in this empowering celebration of individuality and self-acceptance. Through a motivating message and a series of inspiring quotes and affirmations, this book encourages readers to embrace their unique quirks and see them as strengths. It’s a colorful manifesto for anyone who has ever felt out of place or different, urging them to stand out, be proud, and stay true to themselves.

This book is a perfect gift for anyone who needs a reminder that being weird is wonderful, from one of America’s most exciting and unique young voices.

Register today for a joyful reminder on staying true to ourselves.

About the Author:

Zaila Avant-garde is a multi-talented powerhouse and a New York Times bestselling author, with success springing from all her endeavors. She was named SportsKid of the Year 2021 by Sports Illustrated Kids. She won the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee, making her the first African-American to win in almost 100 years of the competition. Avant-garde holds two Guinness World Records for her basketball prowess.

Her success has been celebrated by the likes of Barack and Michelle Obama, LeBron James, and Dr. Jill Biden. Since winning the Bee, Zaila has appeared in a cameo role in Netflix’s “HUSTLE”, as well as NBA on TNT, and Peacock’s “Kid’s Tonight Show”. You can also see her displaying her basketball skills in brand campaigns for Carnival Cruise Lines, BYJU, Xbox, and Gymshark.

Virtual Author Talk: Ted Page
Thursday, June 18, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

Join us in virtual conversation with storyteller and popular blogger Ted Page as we chat about his book Good Grandpa: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood. This heartfelt book highlights his journey to bring together the stories and wisdom of grandfathers from all walks of life—all with a mission to nurture the next great generation.

When author Ted Page found out he was going to be a grandpa, he did a web search to learn more about the experience in store for him, but all he could find were references to the movie Bad Grandpa. He couldn’t help but wonder, “Where are the good ones?” Page started a blog, GoodGrandpa.com, and set out to talk with grandfathers across a diverse spectrum. This included an NFL pro athlete, a priest, a rabbi, an imam, newsman Tom Brokaw, comedy legend John Cleese, Chinese and Indians, physicians adapting to disability, an air force general, a Vietnam combat vet, and many more—plus his Aunt Lois and the Dalai Lama, because why not?

Along the way, Page delved into family histories—his own and those of the grandpas he interviewed—to reveal fascinating stories and lessons for living a good life. In every conversation he asked grandpas for their number one most important piece of wisdom—one thing that could help our grandchildren grow to become the greatest generation of all time. Would the collective wisdom Page gathered turn out to be one singular idea, or a constellation of north stars that illuminate a path toward a better future? A unified and unforgettable picture does in fact emerge.

Good Grandpa is inspiring, uplifting, evocative, and filled with genuine emotion. It is a recipe of hope for a divided America, and the book that will be on every grandparent’s reading list.

Register today and find out why Ted Page says “our greatest generation is to come.”

About the Author:

Ted Page is a storyteller and performer. He is the author of Good Grandpa: Stories from the Heart of Grandfatherhood (Regalo Press) featured on NBC’s The TODAY Show, NPR and in Forbes Magazine. His nonfiction stories have appeared in Boston Magazine and the Boston Globe Magazine, and his comedy screen credits include work with John Cleese and Florence Henderson. His blog for grandfathers—GoodGrandpa.com—has been featured in The New York Times. Ted’s book of true family stories, The Willoughby Chronicles, was published in 2017. He lives in New England and has a bunch of grandchildren.

Virtual Author Talk: Sana Javeri and Asha Loupy
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

Join us as we chat with Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy about The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook, which celebrates beautiful, simple, and seasonal cooking with 85 recipes adapted from India and Sri Lanka’s best family spice farms.

Diaspora Spice Co. sources the most flavorful, fresh spices in the world from 150 regenerative farms across South Asia—from elders, indigenous communities, young changemakers, and brilliant multi-generational farming families across India and Sri Lanka who are leading the way in sustainable and climate change–resistant agriculture. Filled with culinary storytelling, The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook highlights these farmers and their spices with profiles and evocative photography, plus 85 recipes for simple, seasonal, and powerfully delicious meals.

CEO and founder Sana Javeri Kadri and recipe writer Asha Loupy realized that eating with the people who grow our spices unveils a whole new dimension in our cooking. Adapted for a global pantry, these recipes share the warmth of true South Asian home cooking at its truest and tastiest.

Sana and Asha also note which recipes are the most beginner friendly, freezer friendly, good for a dinner party menu (like a Diwali feast!), and which lend themselves to be pantry building blocks, all for a super easy-to-navigate cookbook.

Register now to learn more about Diaspora Spice Co., the progressive spice company rooted in flavor and equity.

About the Authors:

Sana Javeri Kadri is the founder and CEO of Diaspora Co., a farm-to-table spice company that puts equity, transparency, and high-quality products at its forefront. Sana founded the company in 2017 with just a turmeric blend; now her company sources 30 single origin spices from across 150 farms across India and Sri Lanka. A third-generation native of Mumbai, she now lives in Oakland, California.

Asha Loupy is a recipe developer and writer with more than a decade of experience in the specialty food industry, from cheese monger to grocery buyer and e-commerce manager. She’s written for Bon Appétit, Food52, Epicurious, and more. She’s based in Oakland, California.

Virtual Author Talk: Mark Wolynn
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
 2:00 - 3:00 pm

How do the experiences of our ancestors influence our thoughts and behaviors today? In his award-winning book, It Didn’t Start with You, author Mark Wolynn shares compelling evidence that the roots of our anxiety, phobias, and chronic pain may not reside in our immediate life experience or in chemical imbalances in our brains but in the lives of our parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents.

Register today to join our virtual conversation and learn more about how inherited family trauma impacts your health and how to break the cycle. 

About the Author: 

Mark Wolynn (accent on “l‎‎ynn”) is a leading expert in the field of inherited family trauma. He’s the director of The Family Constellation Institute in the US and is renowned for his work that bridges epigenetics, neuroscience, and somatic healing, and shows how the traumas of our parents, grandparents, and even great grandparents, can live in our bodies as unexplained depression, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, and chronic health conditions. His book It Didn't Start with You is an international bestseller, which has sold more than three million copies worldwide. It won the Silver Nautilus Book Award for Psychology and has been translated into 40 languages. Mark has just released the 2025 revised edition of It Didn’t Start with You and The Official It Didn’t Start with You Workbook.

Virtual Author Talk: Rachael DeVaux
Thursday, July 9, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

Join us for an energizing virtual conversation with Rachael DeVaux, New York Times bestselling author of Rachael’s Good Eats. Her newest book, The High Protein Plate, shows how anyone at any stage of life can easily incorporate protein into their diet. Whether you’re focused on building lean muscle, balancing blood sugar, boosting energy, or just feeding your family well you need protein. The High Protein Plate makes it simple and delicious to get enough every day.

Register today to learn delicious ways you can incorporate protein into your meals!

About the Author:

Rachael DeVaux is the author of the instant New York Times bestseller Rachael’s Good Eats. A registered dietitian, certified personal trainer, and entrepreneur, she has built a loyal audience of over a million people through her website and Instagram by sharing practical, science-backed guidance on food, fitness, and feeling good. She lives in Seattle, Washington, with her husband and young son. Visit RachaelsGoodEats.com and find her on instagram @rachaelsgoodeats to learn more.

Virtual Author Talk: Karin Slaughter
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
7:00 - 8:00 pm

Join us for a thrilling evening with acclaimed author Karin Slaughter as we chat about her North Falls series, consisting of We Are All Guilty Here, in which two teenage girls vanish in rural Georgia, and her upcoming sequel, The Secrets We Hide.

Register now to take part in the discussion, and for an exclusive sneak peek of The Secrets We Hide, coming out August 11, 2026!

About the Author: 

Karin Slaughter is one of the world’s most popular storytellers. She is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty-five novels, including the Edgar nominated Cop Town and standalone novels Pretty Girls and False Witness. An international bestseller, Slaughter is published in 120 countries with more than 40 million copies sold across the globe. Pieces of Her, based on her novel, debuted at #1 worldwide on Netflix as an original series in 2022. Her bestselling thriller series, Will Trent, is now a television and streaming sensation in its 4th season. The Good Daughter has been adapted into a limited series starring Rose Byrne and Meghann Fahy, and further projects are currently in development for film/TV.  Karin Slaughter is the founder of the Save the Libraries project, a nonprofit organization established to support libraries and library programming. A native of Georgia, she lives in Atlanta.

Virtual Author Talk: Reyna Grande
Thursday, July 16, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

In her ambitious new memoir, Migrant Heart: Essays About Things I Can’t Forget, beloved bestselling author Reyna Grande illuminates the hidden cost of the American Dream and the complex journey of healing that follows survival.

With her signature blend of sophistication and raw honesty, Grande interrogates how living between two nations, two languages, and two identities has shaped the woman, mother, and writer she has become. Register today for this virtual talk if you identify as a seeker, a dreamer, or “anyone who believes in the enduring, transformative power of finding one’s voice.”

About the Author:

Reyna Grande is an award-winning author, motivational speaker, and writing teacher. As a young girl, she crossed the US–Mexico border to join her family in Los Angeles, a harrowing journey chronicled in The Distance Between Us, a National Book Critics Circle Award finalist. Her other books include the novels A Ballad of Love and Glory, Across a Hundred Mountains, and Dancing with Butterflies, the memoirs Migrant Heart, The Distance Between Us: Young Readers Edition, and A Dream Called Home, and the anthology Somewhere We Are Human: Authentic Voices on Migration, Survival, and New Beginnings. She lives in Woodland, California, with her husband and two children. Visit ReynaGrande.com for more information.

Virtual Author Talk: Dr. Marisa Franco
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

Join us in an online conversation with bestselling author Dr. Marisa Franco, one of the world’s leading experts in human connection. Her book, Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make–And Keep–Friends, explores the science of different attachment styles and how they impact our relationships–often in ways we don’t realize!

Platonic provides a clear and actionable blueprint for forging strong, lasting connections with others—and for becoming our happiest, most fulfilled selves in the process. Register today to learn more about how to harness the science of human connection to create cultures of belonging. 

About the Author: 

An enlightening psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, and TED speaker, Dr. Marisa G. Franco is known for digesting and communicating science in ways that resonate deeply enough with people to change their lives.

Dr. Franco works as a professor at The University of Maryland and authored Platonic: How The Science of Attachment Can Help You Make – and Keep – Friends. She writes about friendship for Psychology Today and has been a featured connection expert for major publications like The New York Times, The Telegraph, and Vice.

Dr. Franco speaks on belonging at corporations, government agencies, non-profits, and universities across the country, including Harper Collins Publishers, Cisco, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and The Department of State.

Virtual Author Talk: Katherine Rundell
Thursday, July 30, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

Katherine Rundell’s award-winning Impossible Creatures soared to instant stardom, quickly earning the spot as one of the most popular children’s fantasy books in the 2020s. Now you can tune-in online to hear directly from the author (and ask your own questions about Christopher and Anya’s adventures) as we dive into the sequel, The Poisoned King!

Register now to go behind-the-scenes of the making of the Impossible Creatures books–just in time for The Neverfear’s (Book #3)’s release on September 1, 2026!

About the Author: 

Katherine Rundell is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Impossible Creatures and The Poisoned King. Her other books for children include Rooftoppers, Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms, The Wolf Wilder, The Explorer, and The Good Thieves. For adult readers, Rundell has written Vanishing Treasures: A Bestiary of Extraordinary Endangered Creatures and Super-Infinite: The Transformations of John Donne, which won the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction. She has received the British Book Award for Book of the Year and Author of the Year. She grew up in Zimbabwe, Brussels, and London, and is currently a Fellow of St. Catherine’s College, Oxford.

Virtual Author Talk: Paula J. Johnson
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

Join us for a conversation that’s sure to warm your heart (and make your stomach rumble), as we delve into the legacy of cooking icon Julia Child with Smithsonian curator and public historian Paula J. Johnson, author of Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools, Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space. The book includes interviews with chefs who knew Julia well, commentary on her favorite culinary tools and kitchen gadgets, and a stunning array of photos.

About the Author: 

Paula J. Johnson is a curator and public historian at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, DC. She conducts research and collects objects relating to the history and culture of American food and serves as the Director of the Smithsonian’s Food History Project. Johnson was one of the curators who collected Julia Child’s home kitchen in 2001 and led the team that created FOOD: Transforming the American Table, a multi-layered exhibition that explores the major changes in food production, distribution, and consumption in the United States since the 1950s. She has shaped and contributed to many public programs on food history and leads the annual “Food History Weekend.” Johnson is the author of many articles and three books, including Julia Child’s Kitchen: The Design, Tools Stories, and Legacy of an Iconic Space (2024). She received the Smithsonian Distinguished Scholar in the Humanities Award in 2020.

Johnson began her museum career at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, Maryland, and has worked at the Smithsonian since 1991. She is a member of the Association for the Study of Food and Society and Les Dames d’ Escoffier. She serves on the editorial collective for Gastronomica: The Journal for Food Studies.

Virtual Author Talk: Holly Capelle
Thursday, August 6, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

Connect with your food like never before by diving into the art of preserving. In her new book, Preserving the Seasons, author and cook Holly Capelle offers a comprehensive guide to canning, jamming, infusing, drying, dehydrating, pickling, and more!

Register today to learn about enhancing your recipes with delicious preserving ideas!

About the Author:

Holly Capelle is a passionate home cook, dedicated food preservationist, and advocate for sustainable living. She is the founder of @BigFamilyLiving, an online community for people who like to preserve, create, cook, and garden. With more than three decades of culinary experience, Holly Capelle has mastered the art of combining traditional preservation techniques with modern-day practicality. Together with her husband Kevin and their six children, she has transformed their suburban home into a thriving mini-homestead, where they grow, harvest, and preserve their own food. She lives just outside Portland, Oregon. Preserving the Seasons is her first book.

Virtual Author Talk: Dannah Eve
Thursday, August 13, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

From the mindset you move with, to the habits you create and the tools you carry. Join us to learn how to stay sharp, stay ready, and stay safe in every aspect of your daily life with Dannah Eve’s book, Street Smarts: Trust Your Instincts, Outsmart Danger, and Stay Safe in a World That Isn’t. In an unpredictable and often frightening world, Dannah Eve shows you how to weaponize your intuition and back it up with real-world safety tactics that actually work. Because when you build confidence, you operate with authority, and that ripple effect can protect more than just you. 

Register now to take part in this empowering discussion.

About the Author:

Dannah Eve is a trusted safety expert and digital creator known for her sharp instincts, real-world expertise, and engaging content that empowers women to navigate life with confidence. As a former D1 athlete and Summa Cum Laude graduate in Criminology and Psychology, she combines academic knowledge with street smarts to deliver life-saving insights to millions of followers across her social media platforms. Dannah’s content is equal parts informative and relatable, making safety feel approachable rather than overwhelming. Her motto, live aware, not in fear, is the foundation of her mission. 

Virtual Author Talk: G. Neri
Thursday, August 20, 2026
7:00 - 8:00 pm

Celebrated author G. Neri invites readers for a journey through the U.S. in his funny and heartfelt book, My Bicentennial Summer. The year is 1976, and America is throwing its biggest birthday party ever—its bicentennial. What better way to celebrate than with an eight-thousand-mile road trip? Young Greg is entranced by the variety of accents, strange foods, natural wonders, and historical attractions, from the Grand Canyon to the Statue of Liberty. And he glimpses the darker side of traveling as a family of color, pondering whether “We the People” includes people like him.

About the Author:

G. Neri is the bestselling author of books for young people, including such notable titles as My Bicentennial Summer, Yummy, Tru & Nelle, My Antarctica and Ghetto Cowboy, which was made into the Netflix movie, Concrete Cowboy, starring Idris Elba. His stories have garnered a Michael L. Printz award, a Coretta Scott King Honor Award, an ALA/SLJ Young Adult Literary Award, a Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award, as well as being honored by the Simon Wiesenthal Center and the Museum of Tolerance. His books have been translated into multiple languages in over 25 countries. In 2017, he was awarded the first of two National Science Foundation grants that sent him to Antarctica; he is currently co-chair of the Antarctic Artists and Writers Collective. In 2023, he received an honorary doctorate degree from SUNY for his literary and science outreach. He writes full-time while living on the Gulf Coast of Florida with his wife. You can find him online at www.gneri.com.

Virtual Author Talk: Beronda Montgomery
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

The histories of trees in America are also the histories of Black Americans. Pecan trees were domesticated by an enslaved African named Antoine; sycamore trees were both havens and signposts for people trying to escape enslavement; poplar trees are historically associated with lynching; and willow bark has offered the gift of medicine. In When Trees Testify, award-winning plant biologist Beronda L. Montgomery explores the ways seven trees—as well as the cotton shrub—are intertwined with Black history and culture.

About the Author:

Beronda L. Montgomery, PhD, is a writer, researcher, and scholar who pursues a common theme of understanding how individuals perceive, respond to, and are impacted by the environments in which they exist. Her primary laboratory-based research has been focused on the responses of photosynthetic organisms (i.e., plants and cyanobacteria) to external light cues. Additionally, Beronda pursues this theme in the context of effective mentoring and leadership of individuals, and the role of innovative leaders in supporting success.

Beronda is author of two books When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy (2026, Henry Holt and Co.) and Lessons From Plants (2021, Harvard University Press).

Virtual Author Talk: Lucy Foley
Thursday, August 27, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 pm

Join us for a thrilling conversation with acclaimed author Lucy Foley as we delve into her brand-new Miss Marple mystery, Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel. High in the Swiss Alps, accessible only by a single, winding railway, stands the luxurious Grand Alpine Hotel. But not everyone is here for a winter holiday. Beneath the champagne and furs, dark histories simmer; old grudges emerge like cracks in the ice. And someone is watching from the shadows. 

About the Author:

Lucy Foley is a No.1 Sunday Times, Irish Times and New York Times bestselling author. More than 10 million copies of her books are in print worldwide, and several are currently being adapted for the screen. She is a Waterstones Thriller of the Month author, a three-time nominee at the British Book Awards, and The Guest List was a Reese’s Book Club selection and winner of the Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery Thriller. As a life-long Agatha Christie fan, Lucy has drawn immeasurable inspiration from the Queen of Crime. She was one of 12 writers to contribute to Marple, a collection of short stories featuring the beloved detective. And in Murder at the Grand Alpine Hotel, she was inspired to transport Miss Marple – her favorite Christie creation – to the glamorous post-war setting of the Swiss Alps, in a mystery that feels gloriously escapist yet utterly relevant to our times.