Sourcing clarity in the fog of ideas. Lighting your way to ideas.
In-person and across the Bay.
The Bay's intellectual scene is rich, varied, and hard to find.
Burnoff brings it into view. Expand your horizon.
147 upcoming talks and events in the North Bay. 35 are in the next seven days; the list is updated daily.
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By format Lectures 58Book talks 72Workshops 32
Meet paranormal romance novelist Marilyn Vix at Copperfields Books Calistoga, celebrating the omnibus edition of Thankful in Vegas. A casual drop-by meet-and-greet with the author.
Learn to write effective prompts for AI image generation in this hands-on workshop. AI expert Bridget Burke teaches visual basics, style selection, and prompt-writing techniques to help you create clearer, more accurate results with tools like DALL-E and Midjourney. Explore how to describe layout, mood, and visual style; compare simple versus detailed prompts; and learn what to check before sharing or printing. No art, design, or technical skills required—just curiosity and imagination. This is Class 1 of a 3-part series.
An eye-opening guide to understanding and appreciating poetry. John Timpane, author of *Poetry for Dummies*, 2nd Edition, explores how to read, analyze, and write poetry for anyone from curious beginners to practicing writers and devoted poetry lovers. Perfect for aspiring poets and anyone interested in deepening their engagement with the form.
A conversation about Harold Pinter's play Betrayal with Carey Perloff, artistic director of American Conservatory Theater, and Larry Eilenberg, contemporary theatre expert. The discussion explores the themes and dramatic structure of one of Pinter's most celebrated works.
Learn about the diversity of pollinators in the Bay Area and how native plants and gardening practices can support them. Margaret Flaherty, a California Native Plant Society member and certified California Naturalist, draws on her experience volunteering at Native Here Nursery and leading ecological restoration projects in the Berkeley hills. She brings practical knowledge from her recent Ecological Restoration Field class and her work teaching plant biology to local students.
A hands-on workshop with award-winning author and non-financial retirement coach Larry Jacobson on designing a retirement centered on meaning and fulfillment. Jacobson, a sought-after speaker and circumnavigator, works with participants to develop a purposeful next chapter beyond financial planning.
A hands-on workshop at Mill Valley Public Library where adults learn needle felting techniques for mending knitwear. Bring a worn hat or sweater, or practice on provided scraps. Limited registration required.
A panel discussion with three accomplished YA horror writers — Yuvashri Harish, Stephanie Kuehn, and Hannah Jayne — exploring their work in the genre. Held at Copperfield's Books just before Halloween.
A workshop for aspiring authors seeking to improve their chances of publication with a literary agent or publisher. John Geoghegan, a publishing professional, guides participants through manuscript preparation, agent query strategy, and the submission process for memoirs, novels, and nonfiction works. Hands-on and Q&A focused.
A public science talk on sea lion biology, behavior, and global diversity hosted by the Marine Mammal Center, a leading marine research and conservation organization in the Bay Area. Learn about these charismatic marine mammals, their ecological roles, and the challenges they face in ocean ecosystems worldwide.
An open house at the Headlands Center for the Arts' Marin County campus offering a seasonal chance to visit artist studios, meet residents and fellows, view works in progress, and attend screenings, performances, and readings. Tour the various buildings, see current installations in the Project Space, and enjoy lunch at the Mess Hall. Limited parking; carpooling and biking encouraged.
Examining the rise and fall of the Voting Rights Act from its triumphant passage in 1965 to its recent evisceration by the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais decision, Kevin T. Morris explores the ongoing struggle to protect voting rights in America. Morris contextualizes the landmark 1965 legislation within decades of civil rights history and analyzes the legal and political forces that have systematically dismantled its protections.
A double panel discussion featuring participants from the Jack Mason Museum's ongoing oral history projects. The first panel explores Growing New Food Systems: Innovative Agriculture and Land Conservation in West Marin County; the second, Building Community: Young People Transform West Marin in the 1970s. Panelists include Dennis and Sandy Dierks and other local participants whose lived experience shaped the region's agricultural and social landscape. Hosted by The Dance Palace and moderated by Dewey.
Open house at Winslow House Project featuring the exhibition 'Truth Burial: Text It from the Tub', with artists Quim McLauchlan, Isabella Marie Garcia, Dana Morrison, Maria Dolores A. Matienzo, and Kris Goodie. RSVP to kim@winslowhouseproject.org.
Comedian and Monty Python founder Eric Idle discusses his memoir *Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme*, an equal-parts memoir and travelogue exploring his time in the French countryside. In conversation with author Dave Eggers, Idle reflects on a life of comedy, creativity, and misadventure. Hosted by Book Passage.
A hands-on introductory workshop on Mac computers and Apple services, led by Jon Hartman of Option-Click Consulting. Part of a series covering Macs, iPhones, and Apple ecosystem basics for beginners.
Blake J. Harris discusses his authorized biography of Larry David, the legendary comedian and co-creator of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The book draws on exclusive interviews with David himself and explores his career, creative process, and cultural impact. Harris is a bestselling author and cultural critic.
Emily Ogden discusses her biography *Darkness Becomes Bright: On the Brief Life and Immortal Art of Edgar Allan Poe* (Viking) in conversation with Point Reyes Books owner Stephen Sparks. Ogden explores Poe's life and enduring influence on American literature and culture.
Twenty writers pitch their unpublished books in one-minute rounds, judged by publishing professionals Arielle Eckstut and David Sterry. Modeled on American Idol but gentler, Pitchapalooza gives aspiring authors direct feedback on their pitch and a chance to connect with agents, editors, and fellow writers. Open to writers at any stage of development.
Daniel Peña, Pushcart Prize-winning writer and Associate Professor at the University of North Texas, discusses his essay collection How to Look Away, which explores how fringe elements of his Texas childhood—AM radio, conspiracy theories, post-Cold War paranoia—came to dominate American political discourse and enabled tolerance for human rights abuses against Latin American migrants. Through journalism, cultural criticism, and memoir, Peña reflects on American citizenship, belonging, and complicity, asking: what compels us to look away from these abuses, and how do we wake ourselves into action?
A monthly gathering for local women committed to democratic participation and community action. Democracy Hour provides a space for thoughtful conversation, shared learning, and collective organizing around civic issues. The program features inspiring speakers, film screenings, issue spotlights, and action sessions. Bring your lunch; free and open to all.
The Information's annual summit for women in tech, media, and finance — what the initials stand for — held over two days at a Yountville resort. The format is onstage interviews with chief executives across the three industries, together with panels, breakout sessions, and networking; published topics include AI agents, the changing shape of SaaS, robotics, crypto financing, and AI in creative work. Tuesday runs as an evening reception and dinner, with the main interview programme on Wednesday. Speakers had not been announced at the time of listing.
Julie Orringer, bestselling author of *The Invisible Bridge*, discusses her new novel *Luna, Phoenix, Queen*—a work exploring infidelity, literary provenance, and storytelling's transformative power. Orringer's fiction is known for its intricate narratives spanning continents and eras, weaving together historical and contemporary themes. This is an opportunity to hear directly from the author about her creative process and the ideas animating her latest work.
Learn how to craft a powerful pitch to land an agent, secure a book deal, or succeed at self-publishing. Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, co-authors of *The Essential Pitch*, share strategies for one of publishing's most critical but underestimated tools. Ideal for aspiring and established writers seeking to navigate the publishing landscape.
Poet, author, filmmaker, and educator Amber Allen-Peirson reads from her poetry collection *The Unrooted Bloom*, exploring race, biracial identity, motherhood, family, grief, love, ancestry, and belonging. The intimate, lyrical poems move through the spaces between identities and expectations, asking where we belong, who we are when freed from others' needs, what we've inherited, and what we choose to carry or release. Throughout the reading, audience members are invited to turn these questions toward their own lives and identities.
Prof. Thomas Targett separates fact from fiction in depictions of outer space, examining how Hollywood's portrayals in Star Trek, Star Wars, and other films and television shows compare to actual astronomy. A fun and informative exploration of where science and entertainment intersect.
Regenerate Conference explores the intersection of ranching and grassland bird conservation. Hosted by Point Blue Conservation Science, the conference brings together land managers, conservationists, ranchers, and ecologists to discuss sustainable grazing practices and habitat restoration that support bird populations and ecosystem health across working rangelands.
Celebrate Día de los Muertos through Ecuadorian traditions with Chef Pastora. Learn about and taste colada morada, a traditional drink prepared for this season, as the chef explains its ingredients, preparation, and cultural significance. Participate in an interactive activity decorating guaguas de pan, the sweet bread traditionally enjoyed alongside the drink. A hands-on, family-friendly program blending food education with cultural celebration.
Author Mary R. Thompson presents and reads from her work exploring the intersection of human language and natural world expression. The evening begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by the reading at 6:00 p.m. at Readers Books.
Join poet and bookseller Haley Hutchinson for a reading and conversation about her debut collection *Her Womanhood of Mine*, a lyric chronicle of girlhood, embodiment, and becoming. Rich with sensory detail and emotional nuance, the poems explore domestic life, relationships, and the raw grittiness of self-discovery. Hutchinson is a graduate of Middlebury College, editor at Gal Pal Media, and bookseller at Russian Hill Bookstore.
Parini Shroff, bestselling author of *The Bandit Queens*, discusses her new novel *Some People*, a witty and poignant story about a man on the brink of divorce forced to care for his injured future-ex-mother-in-law. Over seven days of recuperation, Nathan Whitlock navigates complex family dynamics, cultural misunderstandings, and unresolved tension with Malti Patel while her daughter is away. Shroff explores themes of love, forgiveness, and the search for understanding and acceptance amid personal upheaval.
A recurring writers' group where participants share works in progress and receive peer critique from fellow writers and facilitator Michael Coffino, an author. Members read their work aloud (up to 1,500 words, double-spaced) and gather written and verbal feedback from the group. Submit pieces to jhooker@cityofmillvalley.gov at least one week before the meeting.
A four-week workshop led by Jenny Jedeikin, a former Rolling Stone journalist, humor writer, and comic strip artist, teaching students how to produce their own personal narrative graphic stories. Participants will learn techniques for translating life experiences into sequential art across four Thursday sessions.
Paul Rogat Loeb discusses his anthology *The Impossible Will Take a Little While*, which collects powerful voices from around the world to inspire ordinary citizens to keep working for change in an age of despair. The collection celebrates hope, courage, and sustained activism, offering readers inspiration and practical wisdom for long-term social engagement.
Retired LAPD detective Harry Bosch returns in this thriller from #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly. Connelly will discuss The Hollow, which delves into the darkest chapter of his protagonist's past, with the author.
A four-week workshop exploring how descriptive writing in memoir reveals character and truth. Led by Connie Josefs, this course examines how sensory detail, imagery, and the craft of description transform personal narrative into compelling storytelling. Participants will study published memoir excerpts, practice descriptive techniques, and develop their own writing. Held at Book Passage Corte Madera, Saturdays October 31–November 21, 2026.
A hands-on workshop on using AI to transform information into clear visual formats. Bridget Burke, an AI expert with 30+ years in technology, teaches practical methods for creating charts, diagrams, timelines, roadmaps, and planning tools that make complex information easier to understand and communicate. Participants will create real-world examples, experiment with prompts, and learn to verify accuracy in numbers and relationships. Part 2 of a 3-class series. Free at Mill Valley Public Library.
Opening reception for Paul Harris: The Boy Sews Like An Angel, a retrospective of the artist and longtime Bolinas resident (1925–2018). The exhibition spans six decades of Harris's work, bringing together artworks and archival materials. Remarks at 1 PM.
Jacob Weisberg, editor of Slate and author of *Profiles in Cowardice*, examines the people and institutions that failed to resist Trump's agenda. Drawing on the book's devastating reckoning with political and moral capitulation, Weisberg explores how leaders across government, media, and business abandoned democratic principles when it mattered most. A sharp inquiry into institutional failure and the cost of silence.
What if Earth came with a user manual? David Gottfried, founder of the Living Building Challenge and author of *Regen360*, argues that humanity's environmental crisis stems not from a lack of care but from a broken operating system. He introduces the Earth Code, a practical framework for regenerative living and systemic change. Gottfried explores how rethinking our relationship with planetary systems can address climate, biodiversity, and resource challenges.
Julianna Glasse, founder and CEO of This Is What Happens When Women Read, discusses her memoir about leaving a life as a Christian pop star and MLB wife to pursue education and autonomy. The book traces her transformation after discovering forbidden literature—works by de Beauvoir, Dickinson, Emerson, and others—that challenged her faith and marriage. Glasse holds a master's from Oxford and now runs a global organization providing scholarships to women leaving restrictive religious communities.
The Short Plays Festival returns with new work from Playwrights Lab writers exploring AI, neighborhood etiquette, a dog aspiring to sing opera, a grandmother's sex advice to her granddaughter, and a king's quest to secure his legacy. Performed by Bay Area actors and directors. In collaboration with the Playwrights Lab.
Wildfires, atmospheric rivers, power outages—emergencies can strike at any time. This emergency preparedness series brings together local first responders, government officials, and community members to help families plan for everything from inclement weather to manmade disasters. This month's session covers preparing the whole family, from young children to elders, for resilience in crisis. Presented by the City of Mill Valley Emergency Preparedness Commission, Southern Marin Fire District, and Neighborhood Response Groups.
A science talk on shark biology and behavior, debunking myths about these animals as villains. Learn how large sharks actually eat, their lifespans, migration patterns, and ecological roles. Presented by Wonderfest, a Bay Area science education nonprofit.
Richard Louv, author of the influential *Last Child in the Woods*, discusses his new book *Noticing: Intimate Encounters with the Natural World*. Louv explores how paying attention to nature restores focus, reduces stress, and deepens our connection to the living world—a counterpoint to the nature-deficit disorder he documented in his earlier work. Drawing on research and personal observation, he reflects on the power of noticing as a practice and a path to well-being.
Join Kristen Naiman, Chief Brand Officer at The RealReal and co-author of *Real Style*, for a discussion of her book. Rather than a traditional style guide, *Real Style* reimagines how we think about fashion and personal expression in the contemporary moment.
Mark Danner, one of America's foremost political thinkers and author of *Crossing the Rubicon*, discusses essays spanning fascism, the war on terror, Abu Ghraib, Dick Cheney, the Iraq War, and the Bush-Gore and Trump elections. A wide-ranging exploration of power, democracy, and the defining crises of the post-9/11 era from a leading voice in political journalism and analysis.
A 200-year history of Mill Valley's baylands, from Miwok settlement through agricultural and post-war residential transformation. Curt Oldenburg, a Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory scientist and long-time Mill Valley resident, traces how the Sycamore area between Locust and Camino Alto evolved from tidal marshland to farmland to suburban community, examining the creeks, sloughs, and human communities that shaped the landscape.
An intimate fireside conversation with Melissa Gonzalez, entrepreneur and author of *The Purpose Pivot*, exploring what it means to pivot toward purpose after life's pivotal moments. Hosted by Grace Kraaijvanger, the evening features honest discussion about fear, grief, clarity, and the courage required to rebuild around what matters most, followed by a live reflection workshop exercise designed to help attendees get clear on their own crossroads and next steps. Light bites from 6:30 PM, conversation at 7 PM.
Meet graphic novelist Judd Winick, creator of the New York Times bestselling Hilo series, at a special event celebrating the first-ever Hilo Holiday Special. In this graphic novel, Hilo and friends must solve the mystery of a giant, grumpy snowman crashing their holiday celebration. Winick is also the author of the acclaimed graphic memoir Pedro and Me and the spinoff series The Mighty. Perfect for families and fans of action-packed, heartfelt storytelling.
Two poets explore how ordinary moments—conversations, gardens, kitchen tables—reveal extraordinary belonging. Prartho Sereno, Poet Laureate Emerita of Marin County and author of *Starfall in the Temple*, *Indian Rope Trick*, and *Causing a Stir*, draws on 4 years in an Indian ashram and her work as a counseling psychologist and poet-in-schools educator. Michelle Latvala brings her own lyric exploration of domestic rhythms and spiritual practice. Together they read and discuss how poetry transforms the familiar into invitations to wonder, finding wisdom in the everyday patterns that shape us.
Chad Harbach, bestselling author of *The Art of Fielding*, discusses his new novel *The Brightness*, an urgent story of friendship, art, love, and grief following two young women navigating transformative life moments.
A monthly breakdown of significant AI news stories and their real-world implications, led by Bridget K. Burke, an AI expert with 30 years of global technology experience and a degree from Columbia University. Burke distills complex developments into accessible analysis, exploring what's happening in AI, why it matters, and how it might affect daily life. Designed to encourage critical thinking and discussion around breakthroughs, controversies, and emerging trends. Free, friendly, and open to anyone curious about how artificial intelligence is shaping the future.
A one-mile walking tour of downtown Novato exploring new housing developments, transit connections, and infrastructure improvements for walking and biking. Led by Jessie Rountree, Marin Resilience Manager at Greenbelt Alliance, the tour offers a firsthand look at existing, proposed, and in-progress developments while discussing how to build a safer, more connected community focused on climate solutions. Participants will observe real urban change and contribute ideas for neighborhood improvement.
Restaurateur, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author Danny Meyer discusses his leadership philosophy and the tools he uses to build energized, cohesive teams. Meyer, founder of Shake Shack and Union Square Hospitality Group, draws on decades of experience in the restaurant industry to explore how leaders can cultivate purpose-driven cultures and unlock human potential in their organizations.
A listening night celebrating 1966 music and memories, hosted at Mill Valley Public Library with Gary Scheuenstuhl of Mill Valley Music and DJ Jim Welte. Bring your favorite song from that year on vinyl or choose from the library's collection to play for the group, then share the song's meaning to you. Doors open at 6pm; dancing, drinks, and snacks included.
A conversation celebrating Rosanne Annoni's debut memoir *Unfolding the Heart*, which explores spiritual practice and personal transformation through the lens of psychotherapy and contemplative practice. Annoni, a psychotherapist and spiritual teacher, discusses her journey with Sandra Maitri, bringing together insights from both the therapeutic and wisdom traditions. Hosted at Copperfield's Books in Petaluma.
A hands-on writing workshop exploring how to unlock and share the stories of your life. Britta Stromeyer guides participants through exercises designed to help you move from idea to page, drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou's insight that untold stories carry a unique burden. Ideal for writers at any stage seeking to translate lived experience into narrative.
A screening of Stacey Gordon's multigenerational novel *The Pearl Farmers*, which follows three sisters upholding their family's Tennessee pearl farm legacy. Gordon explores themes of family history, inheritance, and resilience through the symbolism of pearls—beauty born from struggle.
Kirk Lombard discusses his epic children's novel *The Shadow Stream*, a throwback to family reads of yesteryear following a troubled boy and a host of hilariously vexed animals who must save a river before it's dammed—and save themselves.
A workshop exploring hybrid, small press, university, and self-publishing paths with author and publisher Albert Flynn DeSilver. Participants will analyze case studies, complete writing exercises, and learn strategies for navigating the modern publishing landscape beyond traditional routes.
Three She Writes Press memoirists—Robin Rosenbluth, Rosanne Annoni, and Georgine Hodgkinson—discuss reckoning with the past and self-discovery through memoir writing. The panel explores how writers transform formative relationships with mothers and daughters into narrative, navigating memory, family dynamics, and personal truth.
New York Times bestselling author Lucy Foley returns to Sonoma County for the kickoff event of her first U.S. book tour, joined by author Amy Meyerson for conversation. Foley's appearance follows a sold-out 2024 event. Hosted by Copperfields Books at Sebastopol Community Cultural Center.
Artist and bestselling author Lea Redmond explores gift-giving as an act of relational care and human connection. Rather than reducing gifts to consumer products, Redmond proposes that thoughtful gift-giving honors the spaces between us and practices our best humanity. She shares her vision from *This Is for You*, her latest book, and leads an interactive workshop with practical gift ideas ahead of the holiday season. Redmond is author of *Knit the Sky*, *Wonder Hunt*, *Paint Chip Poetry*, and the bestselling *Letters to My…* keepsake journal series, and runs the World's Smallest Post Service.
Jennifer Liss discusses her middle-grade novel Wide Eye, a heartwarming adventure about a 10-year-old girl spending summer at her grandfather's quirky monster museum on Wide Eye Lake, where she uncovers a long-buried family secret while navigating friendship and the power of imagination. Liss is an educational publishing veteran and regional coordinator for the Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Wide Eye was a London Times Children's Book of the Week.
A series of classes on digital literacy and technology safety led by Digital Services Librarian Franklin Walther at Mill Valley Public Library. Designed to help participants navigate rapidly changing technology, avoid cybersecurity risks, and develop practical competency with digital tools and platforms.
A reading and conversation with graphic novelist Emil Wilson about his debut graphic novel *The Nightingales*, hosted by graphic novelist Sophie Yanow. The story follows Lou Miller in spring 1985 as her family takes in Jim, a recently evicted coworker, and his two dogs. As Jim's arrival disrupts their small-town Oregon household, Lou discovers an unlikely bond with him while her mother grows uneasy. A tender exploration of compassion, resilience, and how one person's life can alter another's.
Four authors share their publishing journeys—covering both traditional and self-publishing paths—and offer insider tips on getting books to market. Kier Holmes and guests answer audience questions about the routes, timelines, and strategies behind successful publication.
Paul Wagner, author of the mystery novel *A Murderous Vintage*, discusses his latest book set in Napa Valley. When a winemaker is found dead in a tank of fermenting Pinot Noir, a local newspaper editor becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation that threatens both his life and livelihood. Wagner, who taught viticulture and enology at Napa Valley College for over thirty years, brings authentic wine-country expertise to this page-turner filled with quirky characters and intriguing riddles.
Andy Richter presents his oral history of the beloved holiday film Elf, drawing on his firsthand experience on set. Richter shares behind-the-scenes stories and anecdotes from the making of the movie, offering fans an intimate look at the film's production and the on-set dynamics that shaped this cultural touchstone.
A hands-on workshop on recognizing and transforming everyday moments into authentic content. Led by Alex Duvall, this mini-class teaches participants to identify content ideas from conversations, lessons, and workday experiences, then craft them without overthinking or mimicking others. Attendees will practice together and leave with two specific content ideas plus a realistic one-hour creation plan. Bring your lunch.
A Death Café gathering hosted by EOLPeace at Book Passage to explore death, dying, and mortality through facilitated community conversation. Death Cafés are small, intimate discussion circles designed by Jon Underwood where participants gather to reflect on life, death, and what matters most — not a somber event, but a space for honest, meaningful dialogue. Christine Comaford facilitates.
Kate Doerge presents her guide Reimagining Grief, which reframes the traditional stages of grief into five actionable healing practices. Drawing on personal experience, Doerge offers a compassionate roadmap for navigating loss and finding meaning in the aftermath of darkness.
A reflective poetry workshop led by poet, author, filmmaker, and educator Amber Allen-Peirson, drawing from her collection *The Unrooted Bloom*. Participants explore identity, belonging, and the conditions that allow authentic self-expression through guided writing prompts and introspection. Topics include where you feel seen and safe, how you adapt to belong, what you've inherited, and what parts of yourself are ready to emerge. No prior poetry or writing experience required; all are invited to write honestly and share only what they choose.
A monthly romance book club for readers of all subgenres—historical, paranormal, enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, and more. This month discusses *The Isle in the Silver Sea* by Tasha Suri. The club meets the second Thursday of each month in person at Mill Valley Library. Audiobook and Large Print editions available upon request.
Devon Halliday discusses *To Stay, To Stay, To Stay*, exploring love's central contradiction—how it generates both bewilderment and clarity simultaneously. The book examines how love ultimately transcends this paradox through hard-earned understanding.
An exploration of the craft of children's picture book writing with Monica Wesolowska. The session examines the structural and stylistic conventions that govern picture books and how creative constraint can actually fuel imaginative storytelling. Learn both the established rules and the strategies for breaking them effectively.
Spurred by Christopher Nolan's film *Oppenheimer*, Phil Cousineau explores Homer's *Odyssey* as a timeless meditation on heroism, journey, and homecoming. Drawing on classical scholarship, film, and contemporary resonance, Cousineau illuminates how ancient epic speaks to modern questions of purpose and transformation. A talk for anyone drawn to literature, mythology, and the enduring power of storytelling.
Learn to create and edit images using AI tools in this hands-on workshop. Bridget Burke, an AI expert, guides participants through practical projects including event graphics, photo restoration, room makeovers, and creative image transformation. Explore how AI can remove or add objects, change backgrounds, and reimagine images in new visual styles. No design experience required—just bring curiosity and ideas.
Tom Singer, a Jungian analyst, psychiatrist, and author, reflects on a lifetime of writing, scholarship, and creative exploration in psychology, myth, and culture. He traces the emergence of "recombinant visionary mythology"—a creative practice of discovering new meaning through the continual recombination of experience, symbol, and story. Singer, a 2023 Milley Award recipient, has published more than a dozen books and spent decades illuminating how stories, symbols, and imagination shape both inner life and contemporary culture. Part of the Creative Practice Series, featuring Mill Valley Milley Award recipients exploring creativity across the arts.
Isabel Allende, New York Times-bestselling author, discusses her children's book *Perla and the Princess*, the third in her series about Perla the mighty dog. The story follows Perla as she saves her human brother Nico Rico and his friend from danger.
A workshop and book signing with Alejandra Siroka on using language intentionally to deepen relationships and cultivate authenticity. Siroka explores how the words we choose shape our emotional connections and communication patterns, offering practical tools for more peaceful and genuine interactions. Book signing and refreshments provided.
Copperfield's Books welcomes local author Teri Roche Drobnick to discuss her memoir *Our Long Goodbye: A Daughter, a Father, a Best Friend*, a deeply moving exploration of family and loss.
At its heart, The Wild Scribe invites us to open a dialogue with the more-than-human world. Blending the beauty of nature writing with the immediacy of guided practice, this book speaks to anyone w...
A reading by LeeAnn Pickrell from her novel Tsunami, exploring the natural disaster through narrative. Organized by the Left Coast Writers and hosted by Book Passage.
A hands-on workshop for writers exploring memoir and personal narrative. Melissa Cistaro leads participants through practical exercises designed to unlock creative voice and develop the discipline of memoir writing. The workshop addresses the tension between creative aspiration and the time and commitment required to realize it.
A recurring weekly writing workshop exploring craft fundamentals through close reading and generative practice. Each session focuses on a specific element—setting, point of view, dialogue, tension—using published excerpts from novels, stories, essays, or memoirs as models. After discussion, participants engage in prompt-based writing, then have the option to share drafts and receive feedback from instructor Tanya Žilinskas (MFA, USF; author of work nominated for the Pushcart Prize) and fellow writers. Open to writers of all levels seeking practical skill-building and community.
Biologist and environmentalist Spencer R. Scott, cofounder of Solar Punk Farms in Guerneville, explores how we might envision a more hopeful collective future amid ecological crisis. Weaving memoir and scientific inquiry, Scott chronicles his transition from biotech research to building a queer regenerative community and education hub, reframing capitalism as an adaptive environment and documenting the process of re-adapting to ecological reality. He argues that only through community and collective action can we create survival—and joy—beyond capitalism. A free public talk at Mill Valley Public Library.
A conversation with Sarah Cavanaugh, author of *Peaceful Exit*, exploring how we communicate about illness, caregiving, grief, loss, and aging. Cavanaugh, a writer, award-winning film producer, and founder of the Peaceful Exit movement, draws on her podcast interviews with figures like Anne Lamott and Alua Arthur to offer practical insights on planning, care, and navigating life's transitions. In conversation with Grace Kraaijvanger, founder of The Hivery.
A monthly workshop series for women building sustainable fitness practices. Each session combines guided strength and mobility work with group discussion on topics like habit building, recovery, and consistency in a full life. Hosted by Surbhi Adora at The Hivery, these recurring gatherings create space to try new approaches and adjust with the same community. All fitness levels welcome; those managing chronic pain or injury can participate in the discussion without the workout. November topic forthcoming.
An evening exploring local government through poetry, storytelling, and conversation. Featuring Jim Schutz, Mai-Ling Garcia, and Tonia Lediju.
A monthly one-hour mini-workshop for young storytellers in 4th grade and up, led by Anna Gonzalez. Participants gather on the third Thursday of each month for a welcoming creative writing and storytelling experience designed to nurture emerging voices.
A recurring writers' group where members share work in progress and receive peer critique. Participants read their work aloud to the group for written and verbal feedback. Facilitated by author Michael Coffino. Submissions (under 1,500 words, double-spaced) are due one week before the meeting; stories are shared with group members via email.
Actor and director Edward Burns discusses his novel *The Marlboro Road Gang*, which follows a teenager's idyllic summer shadowed by growing responsibility and recognition of adult fallibility. Burns brings his filmmaking sensibility to literary storytelling.
Legal scholar and Strict Scrutiny podcast host Melissa Murray discusses her New York Times bestselling guide to understanding the U.S. Constitution for contemporary readers. Murray, Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law at NYU Law School and coauthor of *The Trump Indictments*, explains how to read the Constitution as a document that places sovereignty in the people, with each amendment annotated with historical context and modern applications. The talk explores how citizens can engage with constitutional interpretation as courts shape its meaning and the nation's future.
Award-winning botanical artist Kristin Jakob explores how careful observation becomes creative practice through artwork, stories, and demonstrations. The afternoon includes an all-day studio workshop where participants practice observational drawing with individual coaching using natural specimens; all materials provided. Jakob, a Marin County resident and Mill Valley Milley Award recipient (2013), combines scientific accuracy with artistic sensitivity in watercolor and pen-and-ink drawings of California's native plants. Her work has been illustrated in books on California monocots and exhibited at the San Francisco Botanical Garden and throughout the Bay Area.
Acclaimed author Charles Finch discusses his latest novel, *Midnight in the House of Commons*, in which amateur sleuth Charles Lenox investigates the murder of a Parliament member amid the glamorous high society of Victorian London.
A hands-on workshop on five essential iPhone skills led by Jon Hartman of Option-Click Consulting. Participants will learn to navigate the iPhone interface, customize settings, and use Siri for voice commands through interactive demonstrations and practice.
A monthly gathering for women committed to democratic participation and community action. Democracy Hour provides a free, supportive space for thoughtful conversation, shared learning, and collective organizing around civic issues. The program features inspiring speakers, film screenings, issue spotlights, and action sessions. Hosted at The Hivery in Mill Valley. Bring your lunch; all are welcome.
How does the brain construct conscious visual experience from patterns of light and neural activity? This talk explores perception as 'controlled hallucination' — the brain's active inference process that shapes what we see based on expectations, attention, and prior experience. Presented by Wonderfest at HopMonk Tavern.
Nicole Nelson discusses her debut novel *Family Language*, which follows an ambitious academic navigating motherhood and the structural misogyny embedded in the question of whether women can 'have it all.' Nelson explores the tensions between intellectual ambition and caregiving in contemporary life.
Learn needle felting fundamentals and create 3D soft sculptures. This hands-on workshop covers basic techniques for forming shapes and shaping wool. All materials provided. Registration required.
Mona Chalabi, Pulitzer Prize–winning data journalist and artist, discusses her visually striking exploration of money and poverty in America through the lives of ten individuals. The book combines data visualization with narrative to examine economic inequality and lived experience across the country.
A monthly emergency preparedness series co-hosted by the City of Mill Valley Emergency Preparedness Commission, Southern Marin Fire District, and Neighborhood Response Groups. This session focuses on assembling and updating your emergency go bag to prepare for wildfires, atmospheric rivers, power outages, and other local hazards. Local first responders, government officials, and active community members lead the discussion on practical disaster-readiness strategies relevant to the time of year and recent incidents.
Rebecca Handler presents her new novel *In the Round*, a metafictional work that nests a play within a novel within a larger narrative structure. Handler is the award-winning author of *Edie Richter is Not Alone*. She appears in conversation with Daniel Handler.
A history of the Tamalpais Valley Improvement Club, one of a dozen civic improvement organizations that flourished in early 20th-century Marin County. Built on marginal land in 1920 from lumber salvaged from a military rifle range, the clubhouse became the community's social and political center, particularly vital before municipal government arrived. Lissa McKee, former state architectural historian, draws on independent research into Tamalpais Valley's transportation and ranching history to explore how this modest building shaped local civic life across generations.
An monthly AI news briefing and discussion with Bridget Burke, an AI expert with 30+ years in technology. Burke breaks down significant headlines in artificial intelligence—breakthroughs, controversies, emerging trends—into accessible pieces, exploring their real-world implications and impact on daily life. Designed to foster critical thinking about rapidly evolving technologies, the session encourages attendees to understand not just what is happening in AI, but why it matters and how it might shape the future.
Author and podcast host Keltie Knight discusses her memoir *The F*ck Them Theory*, a guide to building confidence and living authentically on your own terms.
Willow Older discusses her illustrated gift book *Get Off That Screen!*, a humorous and candid guide for adults raising and educating children in the digital age. With delightful illustrations and wit, the book addresses the challenges of screen time and parenting in the modern world. Older appears in conversation with Erin Gordon at Book Passage.
AI expert Bridget Burke explores the rapidly expanding world of artificial companions—from chatbots and virtual assistants to robotic pets and social robots. Drawing on research into human attachment and AI design, Burke examines why people develop genuine feelings for artificial entities, what these relationships reveal about human loneliness and connection, and whether AI companionship widens or replaces real human bonds. The discussion considers both benefits (practicing difficult conversations, comfort for isolated individuals) and deeper questions about what we lose when we outsource intimacy to machines.
Learn practical tips for preparing beds, soil, and timing to achieve a bountiful summer harvest. Presented by Jenine Stilson, UC Marin Master Gardener and long-time member of the Edibles Guild, and Keri Pon, UC Marin Master Gardener and Edibles Guild veteran. Both are contributing writers for Backyard to Belly and have extensive experience with edible gardening in Marin County.
A richly illustrated lecture on traditional ocean navigation in the Pacific Islands, where navigators rely solely on stars, ocean swells, winds, and other natural phenomena to traverse vast distances without modern instruments. Steve Thomas explores this ancient maritime knowledge system largely unknown to Western audiences, documenting the practices and wisdom of master navigators. Hosted at Book Passage in Corte Madera.
New York Times bestselling author Cara Black discusses her novel *Huguette* and the research process behind it. Black will share images and stories from her Paris research, including locations like Boulogne-Billancourt and family-run cafés that inspired the novel. Attendees will learn how to incorporate setting detail into their writing, conduct on-site research, and create believable narratives across time. Black is author of the Aimée Leduc series and WWII thrillers *Three Hours in Paris* and *Night Flight to Paris*, and has won the Médaille de la Ville de Paris and multiple award nominations.
A joyful, mischievous, heartfelt picture book for children ages 6–10 and the adults in their lives. Jennifer Levi discusses her illustrated work with the Live Like Braun Foundation.
A series of classes on technology literacy and cybersecurity in everyday life, led by Digital Services Librarian Franklin Walther. Learn how to navigate rapidly changing digital tools, understand their societal implications, and protect yourself from cyber threats.
A weekly creative writing workshop exploring craft elements like setting, point of view, dialogue, and tension through published excerpts from novels, stories, essays, and memoirs. Each session begins with close reading and discussion of an illustrative text, followed by generative writing prompts designed to deepen understanding of the week's craft focus. Participants then have the option to share their work and receive feedback from instructor Tanya Žilinskas and fellow writers. Žilinskas is a novelist and essayist whose work has appeared in numerous publications and been nominated for the Pushcart Prize; she holds an MFA from the University of San Francisco.
Matt O'Hara, in conversation with Rebecca Herman, discusses *The Flying Death*, a narrative history of how a modern pharmaceutical was born from Amazonian sources. The book traces the intersection of natural history, medicine, and indigenous knowledge, combining compelling storytelling with historical research.
Two accomplished poets explore how their writing cultivates belonging through compassion, presence, and attentiveness to the present moment. Jane Hirshfield, an acclaimed poet, essayist, translator, and Zen practitioner, has received a Guggenheim Fellowship, the Academy of American Poets Fellowship, and in 2024 became the first English-language writer and first woman to receive the Zhongkun International Poetry Award. Colleen Morton Busch, author of the debut collection *Smolder* and *Fire Monks: Zen Mind Meets Wi-Fi*, brings her own practice of mindfulness to contemporary verse. Together they discuss how poetry and spiritual practice intersect in the work of attending fully to life.
A Death Café gathering hosted by EOLPeace at Book Passage to explore death, dying, and end-of-life questions in an intimate, structured dialogue format. Death Cafés, created by Jon Underwood in London, bring small groups together around tables to discuss mortality, grief, and meaning in a confidential, non-judgmental space. Led by Christine Comaford, this community event invites participants to reflect on death and dying through thoughtful conversation.
A discussion of *Bogland*, a book exploring peatlands, climate change, and ecological science. Merritt R. Turetsky, a leading researcher on permafrost and peatland ecology, discusses her work with science journalist Ed Yong, author of *An Immense World*. The event combines environmental science expertise with accessible science communication.
A recurring romance book club for readers of all preferences—enemies to lovers, fake dating, forbidden love, historical, paranormal, and everything in between. This month the group discusses *An Offer From a Gentleman* by Julia Quinn. Meets the second Thursday of each month in person. Alternate formats (audiobook, Large Print) available upon request.
An immersive exploration of transhumanism and human enhancement technologies—from genetics and AI to neural interfaces and longevity science. Hosted by technology strategist Bridget K. Burke with special guests, this event examines both the promise and the ethical questions raised by emerging technologies that could treat illness, restore abilities, or reshape normal human differences. When does treatment become enhancement? Who decides what counts as a limitation worth overcoming? The discussion invites critical thinking about the future of human bodies, brains, and identity.
What happens when AI preserves—or recreates—a life after death? Join AI expert Bridget Burke for an exploration of digital afterlife technologies: memory boxes and archives, AI-assisted memoirs, recreated voices, digital avatars, and robots. The talk asks critical questions about digital identity ownership, family consent and privacy, and where preservation ends and invention begins. Burke will discuss practical ways to preserve what matters and the ethical implications of AI versions of ourselves speaking in our voices, answering questions posthumously, or appearing as avatars. Come ready to think imaginatively about memory, technology, and what we want to survive us.
Multi-award-winning mystery author Rhys Bowen presents her latest work in the acclaimed Royal Spyness series, To Crown It All, featuring Lady Georgiana Rannoch in a new adventure.
Mitochondria — ancient bacterial organelles present in nearly every human cell — supply the energy that powers life and maintain critical cellular functions. Researchers have identified mitochondrial dysfunction as a key driver of aging. This talk explores how these cellular powerhouses work, why they fail with age, and what their dysfunction reveals about the aging process itself. Hosted by Wonderfest, a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to public science engagement.
An evening of holiday storytelling with award-winning comedian and storyteller Don Reed, creator of Redwood Nights: Storytelling Under the Stars and author of the forthcoming memoir Here's Donnie! A cast of gifted storytellers will share true stories celebrating the joy, surprises, mishaps, and meaning of the holiday season—some hilarious, some deeply moving. For adults and high school students only.
Zen teacher, poet, and author Norman Fischer discusses his new essay collection *The Great Road*, exploring what it means to engage fully in spiritual practice and embody our deepest aspirations. Fischer brings decades of experience in Zen Buddhism and contemplative writing to a meditation on practice, meaning, and transformation.
Learn essential Mac skills with Jon Hartman of Option-Click Consulting in this hands-on workshop series covering macOS, iPhones, Apple services, and related topics.
A science talk exploring recent news about primates — from legislative changes protecting apes in England to fascinating animal behavior stories, like the power dynamics within Japanese macaque troops. Part of Wonderfest's public science lecture series.
A memoir of resilience, love, and self-discovery by Sarita Sarvate. Named after a freedom fighter, protagonist Aruna must fight for her own liberation in this moving exploration of identity and personal transformation.
Greg Orfalea discusses his memoir *Wonder and Shame*, which follows Frank's quixotic mission to teach baseball to traumatized orphans in a refugee camp of half a million people. The book explores how to hold onto fair play, honesty, and respect in the face of overwhelming human suffering and displacement.
Veteran China expert and journalist Orville Schell discusses his investigation into China's prison labor network, the personal costs of reporting on state repression, and the enduring implications for human rights and press freedom. Schell brings decades of reporting experience and deep expertise in Chinese politics and society to bear on one of the most pressing geopolitical and humanitarian issues of our time.
A generative poetry workshop led by Marin County Poet Laureate Francesca Bell. Participants discuss poems and poetic devices, then write together to imaginative prompts. Bell is author of *Bright Stain* (finalist for the Washington State Book Award) and *What Small Sound*, and translated Max Sessner's *Whoever Drowned Here* from German. Her work appears in ELLE, Los Angeles Review of Books, New England Review, and other major publications. Held monthly in collaboration with the Marin Poetry Center.
A hands-on workshop for aspiring authors seeking guidance on developing a book idea from concept to first steps. Diane Conway, a writing coach praised by Anne Lamott for her intelligence, spiritual wisdom, and humor, leads participants through brainstorming techniques and practical next steps for turning a story concept into a publishable project. Ideal for writers at any stage who need direction and encouragement.
Dr. Giulietta Octavio reads from and discusses her book Code Calm: How to Stand Your Ground Without Losing Yourself, exploring how cultivating greater awareness and self-understanding can help readers maintain boundaries and authenticity in challenging situations.
A memoir exploring spiritual longing and the search for an end to suffering through the author's experience as a Tibetan Buddhist nun. Paldrom Catharine Collins recounts both transcendent experiences and moments of disillusionment in her journey toward enlightenment.
A celebration of Phoebe Thompson's debut novel *Girls Our Age*, which follows three women navigating their late twenties together. Thompson discusses her literary exploration of friendship, ambition, and growing up in contemporary life.
Where, when, and why do auroras appear? A Wonderfest talk exploring the Northern Lights and Southern Lights, the special geomagnetic conditions that recently made them visible across California, and when and where they might appear again.
A four-week workshop on writing family history, led by Laurel Hilton. Learn how to begin researching, decide when to stop gathering material and start writing, and develop your own family narrative. Meets Wednesdays, January 20–February 10, 2027. Hosted at Book Passage.
Wilderness guide Hannah Hindley discusses her luminous debut essay collection, which weaves together natural history and personal stories across eighteen lyrical pieces. The work explores encounters with aquatic life and the human connection to wilderness, blending scientific observation with lyrical reflection on nature, love, and belonging.
Christy Scott Cashman discusses her debut novel *What Happened in Beulah*, a coming-of-age mystery in which a teenage girl uncovers dark secrets of her Smoky Mountain town while searching for a missing classmate. Perfect for fans of *Where the Crawdads Sing*.
Award-winning nature writer Marina Richie discusses her book *Feathered Forest*, which entwines the lives of birds with a hidden vertical world of wild trees. The work blends narrative, perception change, and memoir to explore the interconnected ecosystems of the forest canopy.
A lecture on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and the methods used to detect alien life. Since 1960, radio telescopes have been the primary tool for searching for ET signals, but decades of silence raise questions: are we looking in the wrong places, using the wrong methods, or making anthropocentric assumptions about how alien intelligence would communicate? Hosted by Wonderfest at HopMonk Tavern.
Can we understand biology at the atomic level using electron microscopy? Most human macromolecules are too small to image clearly in conventional noisy, low-contrast photographs. Researchers have now adapted a 1930s breakthrough in light microscopy—phase contrast—for use in electron microscopy, enabling unprecedented visualization of a cell's molecular machinery. Hosted by Wonderfest, a Bay Area nonprofit dedicated to public science.
A workshop on imagery as a foundational technique for writing deep, meaningful fiction. Nina Schuyler explores how images function in prose — doing double or triple duty under pressure — and guides writers through craft strategies for deploying imagery to strengthen their work.
Why do people so often fail at pursuing happiness, despite it being a universal human goal? This talk explores what modern psychology reveals about the gap between our happiness aspirations and actual outcomes, and whether the pursuit itself might be the problem. Hosted by Wonderfest, a Bay Area science lecture series.
An exploration of creative potential and reinvention for women and non-binary people in midlife and beyond, examining how to challenge societal narratives of invisibility and creative limitation. Two authors discuss their own journeys of artistic growth and the possibilities for deepening creative practice at any life stage.
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