Visiting Author: Dashiel Carerra
Saturday, October 8
4 pm
Don’t miss Dashiel Carerra’s reading from his novel The Deer and a conversation with the editor, Chad Post.
About the Novel
The Deer is a rhythmic, surrealist psychological thriller about a physicist who hits — what appears — to be a deer. As he returns from the scene of the accident to his childhood home, long-forgotten memories flood his consciousness, and he must come to terms with the fact that his past, and reality as he knows it, are not what they appear. Part experimental film, part jazz record, but always lyrical, luminous, and austere, The Deer is a poignant meditation on familial love, loss, and the mystery at the heart of existence.
About the Author
Dashiel Carrera is a writer, musician, and media artist from Newton, Massachusetts. He received his BA from Brown University in Literary Arts and is currently a PhD student in Human-Computer Interaction at the University of Toronto. The Deer is his first novel.
Visiting Author: Uzma Aslam Khan
Saturday, September 24
4 pm
Please join us in welcoming our first visiting author, Uzma Aslam Khan as she reads from her latest book The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali published by Deep Vellum. Khan will be signing books as well.
About the Author
Uzma Aslam Khan is the author of five novels translated worldwide to critical acclaim. These include Trespassing, recipient of a Commonwealth Prize nomination in 2003; The Geometry of God, a Kirkus Reviews’ Best Book of 2009; Thinner Than Skin, nominated for the Man Asian Literary Prize and DSC Prize for South Asian Literature, and winner of the French Embassy Prize for Best Fiction at the Karachi Literature Festival 2014.
Khan’s new novel, The Miraculous True History of Nomi Ali, first published in 2019 by Context/Westland India, is now available in the US and UK from Deep Vellum Publishing. The novel was shortlisted for the Tata Literature Live! Best Book of the Year Award for Fiction 2019 and won the 9th UBL Literary Awards English Language Fiction category 2020 as well as the Karachi Literature Festival-Getz Pharma Fiction Prize 2021. It was one of The New York Times’ “Books for Summer 2022.”
Opening Reception: New Art by Flour Pail Kids
Thursday, September 15
6–8 pm
Join us as we welcome an art show titled “Guys are Dolls,” presented by Flour Pail Kids. We’ll have a Q&A session with the artists, lift a Genny Beer together, and our special guest J.R. Taylor will share his personalized typewriter poems.
Visiting Author: Justin Murphy
Tuesday, August 30
6–7 pm
Veteran journalist Justin Murphy makes the compelling argument that the educational disparities in Rochester, New York, are the result of historical and present-day racial segregation. Education reform alone will never be the full solution; to resolve racial inequity, cities such as Rochester must first dismantle segregation.
Drawing on never-before-seen archival documents as well as scores of new interviews, Murphy shows how discriminatory public policy and personal prejudice combined to create the racially segregated education system that exists in the Rochester area today. Alongside this dismal history, Murphy recounts the courageous fight for integration and equality, from the advocacy of Frederick Douglass in the 1850s to a countywide student coalition inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement in the 2010s.
Mutual Aid Open Mic: Back-to-School Theme
Thursday, August 25
5–7 pm
Our mutual aid open mic is back! This time, Rochester Rolling Library and Akimbo are working with B.O.O.K.B.A.G.S. Express, for a back-to-school theme, helping Rochester’s youth and families get ready for the upcoming school year!
So yes, come share your poems, songs, rants, ideas, short stories, essays — whatever you have — and remember to bring school supplies to donate, particularly backpacks, if you can.
Learn more at bookbagsexpress.org.
Opening Reception: Artist Brittany M. Reid
Saturday, August 13
4 pm
We are thrilled to announce that our August artist will be Brittany Reid! Brittany will be showcasing her collage work including original work, prints, and never-before-seen pieces.
Follow her on Instagram at @brittany.m.reid.
The BID Teach-In
Wednesday, August 10
5 pm
Join us for a teach-in regarding the Business Improvement District being proposed by the City of Rochester. This teach-in will address local concerns and discuss what BID’s have looked like in other communities.
Closing Reception: Artists Martin Hawk and Elora Kang
Tuesday, August 9
6–8 pm
We had a full house for the opening reception of the First Image Series by Elora Kang and Martin Hawk — and several of you asked for one more Q&A before the series leaves the shop.
On Tuesday August 9th we’re doing just that. Final Q&A and last chance to purchase from the series. 6–9 PM. Remember to wear a mask.
Drop-In Art Session with June Gervais
Thursday, August 4
4–6 pm
Join us for a drop-in art session with author June Gervais! June will be reading from her book Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair and signing copies as well.
Bring your own art supplies… but we will have some, too!