SARASOTA — Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources will present the “Off the Page Literary Celebration” throughout November, featuring a lineup of acclaimed authors, writing workshops, and book signings at library and community venues across the county.
The celebration opens with Amy Tan, bestselling author of “The Joy Luck Club” and “The Bonesetter’s Daughter.” Tan will discuss her creative journey and her latest work, “The Backyard Bird Chronicles,” on Friday, November 7, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Riverview Performing Arts Center, 1 Ram Way, Sarasota. No registration is required; seating is first come, first served.
Lisa Daily, a USA Today bestselling author and book coach, will present “How to Write Romance That Sizzles” on Tuesday, November 11, from 7 to 8 p.m. at Ringling College of Art & Design, 2700 North Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Admission is free. For details, email aleuck@scgov.net
Art crime detective Robert K. Wittman, founder of the FBI’s National Art Crime Team, will appear on Wednesday, November 12, from 3 to 4 p.m. at the William H. Jervey Jr. Venice Library, 300 Nokomis Avenue South, Venice. Wittman will share stories from his bestselling memoir “Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures.” Admission is free.
Award-winning naturalist and author Stan Tekiela will present his wildlife photography and insights from decades of field research on Friday, November 14, from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Jervey Jr. Venice Library. Admission is free and open to adults and seniors.
Bestselling novelist Chris Bohjalian, known for “Midwives” and “The Flight Attendant,” will appear on Saturday, November 15, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Selby Library, 1331 First Street, Sarasota. He will discuss his latest work, “The Jackal’s Mistress.” A book signing will follow.
Fans of the macabre can join members of the Florida chapter of the Horror Writers Association for readings and discussions on Monday, November 17, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Port Library, 13800 Tamiami Trail, North Port. No registration is required.
Annabelle Tometich, author of “The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida, and Felony,” will speak on Tuesday, November 18, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Library, 4143 Woodmere Park Boulevard, Venice. The event is presented with support from Florida Humanities and the Jacarlene Foundation.
Mother-daughter duo Janet and Alex Evanovich will discuss their writing process and Janet’s new novel, “The King’s Ransom,” on Wednesday, November 19, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Shannon Staub Library, 4675 Career Lane, North Port. A book sale and signing will follow.
The celebration concludes with Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of “The Magnolia Palace” and “The Lions of Fifth Avenue.” Davis will speak on Thursday, November 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Jervey Jr. Venice Library.For full details about “Off the Page” events, call 941-861-1110 or visit scgovlibrary.librarymarket.com.
