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From book clubs, to open mics, to author readings, Thurston County is home to a vibrant literary community with its many independent bookstores and local authors. There’s constantly something happening when it comes to writers and books. This month, ThurstonTalk gives you a roundup of the upcoming readings happening in Olympia and the surrounding areas for fans of books and the literary arts.

Christine Day: “I Can Make this Promise”

Lacey Timberland Library
500 College Street SE
January 30, 2020 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Local author Christine Day is a writer of young adult and middle grade books. Her debut novel “I Can Make This Promise” was released earlier this fall to good reviews and received a Charlotte Huck Award for Outstanding Fiction for Children 2020. The event will feature the author answering questions about her book and signing personal copies. There’s going to be a speaking portion related to the book and content. This author event is perfect for readers ages 12-18. To register for the reading, contact either the Olympia or Lacey Timberland Regional Libraries and grab a seat at this wonderful author event that is a part of the Native Voices program, highlighting Native American culture, history and artists.

Corey Snow: Listen Here

Lacey Timberland Library
500 College Street SE
January 3, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Olympia Timberland Library
313 8th Avenue SE
February 7, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
March 6, 2020 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Voice actor and narrator Corey Snow holds an hour-long reading every first Friday of the month. Though Snow focuses on other authors’ work, reading excerpts and short stories, his dramatic readings of classic and new literature are aimed to entertain and delight all readers of every level and age. Snow has worked as an audio narrator and voice-over actor in Olympia for several years, bringing authors’ works to life. Snow normally reads at the Olympia Timberland Regional Library except for in January due to the construction that has that branch closed until February. Join Snow as he dazzles and amazes listeners with the lively prose of the greats.

Olympia Timberland Library artful welcome
The beautifully carved Olympia Timberland Library sign showcases the rich artistry that the Northwest produces. Photo credit: Aigner Loren Wilson

Corinna Luyken: ‘Weird Little Robots’

Olympia Timberland Library
313 8th Avenue SE
March 25, 2020 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

“Weird Little Robots” is the newest book illustrated by local author and illustrator Corinna Luyken. Luyken provides fun and interesting drawings to author Carolyn Crimi’s young reader book. “The Book of Mistakes” and “My Heart” are Luyken’s books that she has both illustrated and written. The event at the Olympia Library will feature the artist and writer talking about her new book, drawing and giving tips to other creatives on the process. This is an event perfect for readers and artists between the ages of 6-18.

Elena Taylor and Cari Davis

Browsers Book Shop
107 Capitol Way N
April 24, 2020 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Browsers Book Shop in Downtown Olympia presents a night of murder and intrigue with Elena Taylor (author of “All We Buried” and “Three Strikes, You’re Dead”) and Cari Davis (author of “Fool’s Gold”). Murder Yesterday and Today will be a conversation between the two authors. Taylor and Davis are both local to the area and so are their books, which feature such locations as Leavenworth. There will be pre-orders for the authors’ books, a signing, discussion, and a question and answer time at the end of the event.

Mireya Mayor

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts
512 Washington Street SE
May 19, 2020 7:30 p.m.

Mireya Mayor is a professional who wears many hats as a writer, explorer, anthropologist, TV host and more. This upcoming May, she will be speaking on her travels and her book “Pink Boots and a Machete.” The book explores her life growing up and follows her as she becomes an NFL cheerleader and continues to focus on her career working as an explorer with National Geographic. Mayor will be regaling audience members with tales of her travels and the exciting places and people she has met along the way. This is a perfect event for explorers, travelers and hikers of many ages.

This year, like every other before, the Washington Center will host numerous events geared toward readers, writers and the literary community. Don’t hesitate to grab a seat, book a reservation or purchase a ticket for one of these fine events that is sure to delight goers of all ages.

Thrifty Thurston highlights inexpensive family fun in Thurston County. The weekly series focuses on family-friendly activities throughout our community. If you have a suggestion for a post, send us a note at submit@thurstontalk.com. For more events and to learn what’s happening in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and the surrounding area, visit our complete events calendar.

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