Gwinnett County Public Library Adult Programs

Join Dhayana Alejandrina, author of Creative Stillness and founder of The Creative Writing Hour, for an intimate author talk and writing workshop.

This workshop explores stillness as an active creative practice—one that invites reflection, patience, and deeper listening. It will feature a special reading by Eunice, a contributor to Creative Stillness, whose long-form poem explores the necessity of taking space, pausing, and reconnecting with the self. Eunice will read her poem, share about her creative process, and guide participants through a writing exercise inspired by moments of stillness, reflection, and letting go—inviting them to access their own inner landscapes and creative flow.

Join Young Adult author Allison Blanchard as she discusses her newest novel, Heir of Grief, a no-spice, dark romantasy set in New York City where secret societies, morally gray mentors, and ancient magic hide.

Sixteen-year-old Mari has learned how to survive loss—but not how to live with it. After the death of her nana uproots her life, Mari is thrust into a world she doesn’t understand: wealth, secrets, and an ancient magic tied to grief itself. When she begins sensing forces no one else can see, Mari learns she is a Bloodwright—someone whose power is forged through loss. As supernatural factions close in and the truth a|bout her family begins to unravel, Mari must decide whether grief will consume her… or become the very thing that saves her.
The Bloodwright Chronicles is a young adult fantasy romance series blending supernatural intrigue, slow-burn romance, and themes of grief, belonging, and identity. Across the series, Mari will unravel the mysteries of her family’s past, navigate fragile alliances, and confront the dangerous truth of what it means to be both human and something more.

Learn more about chess in education and play a match with a chess master.

Meet Dr. Alexey Root, national master with a peak US Chess rating of 2260 and the 1989 U.S. Women's Chess Champion, as she discusses her latest book, United States Women's Chess Champions, 1937–2020, and plays 10 chess games simultaneously against library patrons on a first come, first to play basis!
There will be chess sets and boards available for casual play among attendees.