SARASOTA, Fla. — Sarasota County Libraries is hoting its annual Off the Page literary celebration that started November 1 and runs through November 20, featuring bestselling authors, writing workshops, and book signings at all 10 county libraries.
The month-long event opened Saturday, November 1, with Publishing Day at Selby Library. The free one-day conferencebroughtg together publishing experts, author panels and instructors from Ringling College of Art and Design.
On Friday, November 7, the Riverview Performing Arts Center will welcome Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club, at 7 p.m. Tan will discuss her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles. Organizers anticipate strong attendance and ask that no flash photography be used.
Family Day follows on Saturday, November 8, at Fruitville Library. Author Ben Clanton, known for the Narwhal and Jelly series, will lead story time, activities and sign books for young readers starting at 10 a.m.
Science writer Sam Kean, author of The Disappearing Spoon, will appear Monday, November 10, at Gulf Gate Library at 6 p.m. to discuss his newest release, Dinner with King Tut, which combines history, science and storytelling.
On Saturday, November 15, bestselling novelist Chris Bohjalian will speak at Selby Library at 3 p.m., offering insight into his work including The Flight Attendant, the inspiration for the HBO Max series of the same name.
Annabelle Tometich will discuss her memoir The Mango Tree on Tuesday, November 18, at Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library at 2 p.m. The book was named one of the Best Books of 2024 by The Washington Post and NPR.
The following day, Wednesday, November 19, Janet Evanovich and her daughter Alex Evanovich will appear at Shannon Staub Library at 3 p.m. to share stories, humor and writing advice.
The celebration concludes Thursday, November 20, at William H. Jervey, Jr. Venice Library at 6 p.m., where Fiona Davis will speak about her journey from actress to bestselling author of historical fiction.
More details and registration links are available through Sarasota County Libraries’ website.
