Workshops and classes in the North Bay — 32 upcoming

Start with the Right Prompt: Visual Basics, Styles, and Methods with Bridget Burke

Science & Tech Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Sat, Oct 24 ·11:00 am ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Larry Jacobson - Retiring with Purpose and Fulfillment

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Sat, Oct 24 ·2:00 pm ·Book Passage Corte Madera ·Corte Madera

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.

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Adult Arts & Crafts: Visible Mending

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Sat, Oct 24 ·3:00 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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How to Get Your Book Published with John Geoghegan

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Sun, Oct 25 ·10:00 am ·Book Passage Corte Madera ·Corte Madera

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.

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Getting Started on Your Mac with Jon Hartman

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Mon, Oct 26 ·12:30 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Dia De Los Muertos - Ecuadorian Traditions & Treats

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Wed, Oct 28 ·3:30 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Write About Your Life in a Comic Strip with Jenny Jedeikin: 4 Meetings

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Thu, Oct 29 ·5:30 pm ·Book Passage Corte Madera ·Corte Madera

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.

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How We See: Description in Memoir with Connie Josefs

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Sat, Oct 31 ·10:00 am ·Book Passage Corte Madera ·Corte Madera

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.

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Turn Information into Visuals: Charts, Diagrams, and Planning with Bridget Burke

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Sat, Oct 31 ·11:00 am ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Downtown Novato Housing & Transit Tour

Civics & PowerCommunity & Practice Lecture / ForumWorkshop / Practice

Fri, Nov 6 ·4:00 pm ·Novato ·Novato ·$0–$76.54

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.

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Write Your Heart Out with Britta Stromeyer

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Sat, Nov 7 ·10:30 am ·Book Passage Corte Madera ·Corte Madera

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.

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Beyond Traditional Publishing with Albert Flynn DeSilver

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Sat, Nov 7 ·2:00 pm ·Book Passage Corte Madera ·Corte Madera

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.

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Lea Redmond - This Is for You

Culture & Humanities Book TalkWorkshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Sun, Nov 8 ·2:00 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Digital Literacy: Taming Big Tech

Science & Tech LibraryWorkshop / Practice Free

Mon, Nov 9 ·2:00 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Wait. That's the Post. — Alex Duvall

Business & Economy Workshop / Practice

Thu, Nov 12 ·12:00 pm ·The Hivery ·Mill Valley ·$40

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.

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Where We Bloom: A Poetry Workshop on Identity, Belonging & Becoming

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Thu, Nov 12 ·6:00 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Visuals with AI: Create, Customize, and Transform with Bridget Burke

Science & Tech Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Sat, Nov 14 ·11:00 am ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Alejandra Siroka - Language Alchemy: Cultivating Peace and Authenticity in Our Relationships

Culture & Humanities Book TalkBookshopWorkshop / Practice

Sat, Nov 14 ·4:00 pm ·Book Passage Corte Madera ·Corte Madera

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.

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The Memoir Writer's Workout with Melissa Cistaro

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Sun, Nov 15 ·4:00 pm ·Book Passage Corte Madera ·Corte Madera

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.

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From Draft to Craft: Dialogue vs. The Unsaid

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Mon, Nov 16 ·5:30 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Sustainable Strength: Build a Fitness Routine that Sticks

Community & Practice Workshop / Practice

Tue, Nov 17 ·12:00 pm ·The Hivery ·Mill Valley ·$40

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.

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The Author's Club: Monthly Meetups for Youth with Anna Gonzalez

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Thu, Nov 19 ·4:30 pm ·Book Passage Corte Madera ·Corte Madera

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.

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Seeing, Drawing, and the Botanical World with Kristin Jakob

Culture & HumanitiesCommunity & Practice Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Sat, Nov 21 ·10:30 am ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Five Essential Skills on the iPhone with Jon Hartman

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Mon, Nov 23 ·12:30 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Adult Arts & Crafts: Needle Felted Ornaments

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Sat, Nov 28 ·3:00 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Digital Literacy: Decoding Devices

Science & Tech Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Mon, Dec 7 ·2:00 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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From Draft to Craft: Surface and Subtext

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Mon, Dec 7 ·5:30 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Five Essential Skills on the Mac with Jon Hartman

Community & Practice Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Mon, Dec 21 ·12:30 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Poems to Love, Prompts to Try

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeLibrary Free

Tue, Jan 12 ·6:30 pm ·Mill Valley Public Library ·Mill Valley

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.

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Brainstorm Your Book with Diane Conway

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Sat, Jan 16 ·10:30 am ·Book Passage Corte Madera ·Corte Madera

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.

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Laurel Hilton - Writing Your Family History: 4-Week Workshop

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Wed, Jan 20 ·3:30 pm ·Book Passage Corte Madera ·Corte Madera

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.

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The Power of Imagery with Nina Schuyler

Culture & Humanities Workshop / PracticeBookshop

Sat, Feb 20 ·10:30 am ·Book Passage Corte Madera ·Corte Madera

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.

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