I Love Libraries! And will be at one on Friday...

Libraries are such amazing places (I know I’m preaching to the choir here). When I was young Lori—my nickname growing up—I remember going to my local North Berkeley Library branch and bringing home HUGE stacks of books. These were magical journeys, each one ready to take me somewhere new and exciting. And I got to pick them myself!

The North Berkeley branch is still there, with the same shelves and shelves of books. The Berkeley Public Library system’s multiple branches provide books, computers, training, classes, events, and even a tool lending library!

So I couldn’t be more excited to have an event this Friday at the downtown main branch of the library. The fourth floor houses even MORE shelves of books, from picture books to fiction to nonfiction, with books in many languages mixed in and a play area for littles. I’ll be reading my book with an enlarged version on screen, followed by the craft activity I’ve offered at recent events.

This activity is fun for ALL ages. And it’s the last event I currently have scheduled for reading the book and leading the activity. So come along if you are able to make it at 4 pm on a Friday!

We had a fun group of kids and families for story time and craft activities at the Linden Tree Books event. If you are anywhere near Los Altos, definitely make your way to this gorgeous children’s bookstore. It’s clearly beloved, as the store was full of kids and families buying books, puzzles, and hanging out at the tables out front where we read the book together.

Next, I’ll be at Fairyland on September 20th for their Children’s Book Festival as one of the over 30 creators attending. I also grew up going to Fairyland, so being part of this feels really special. That dragon slide! The Alice in Wonderland maze! The key to make stories like the Three Little Pigs come to life (with real pigs there as well)! I sure am grateful this magical place (inspiration for Disneyland) is still here and thriving.

I’ll be signing books and have the craft activity at my table from 11:20-12:30. This is a BIG event (they expect over 1400 to come) so if you can take public transport or get dropped off, that’s the way to go. Fairyland is 75 years old this year, so it’s an extra great time to come and celebrate books and this Bay Area treasure.

Then I’ll be at CALIBA in late September. That’s the California Independent Booksellers Alliance. So if you are attending come by on Wednesday, September 17 at 4 pm to get free books from The Collective Book Studio booth.

My publisher, The Collective Book Studio, has been doing a bang up job to make these events happen, with a special shout out to Kaitlynn Lutes who was recently promoted to Marketing Associate. It really does take a collaborate effort between publisher and author to research and schedule events. Had I self-published, my original plan, I would have had to do all of this hustle myself. Which is possible! But having a publisher who attends events and pitches my book makes a big difference.

I look forward to seeing whoever can make it. And continue to hold deep gratitude for community.

Hugs,

Laura