English Books & Literature

Join us for a special Friday night improv drop-in with Iwan Dam, focusing on the playful overlap between improv theatre and musical theatre. This workshop is open to everyone and is a great way to explore musical improv in a relaxed, low-pressure setting. You do not need any acting or singing experience, and you definitely do not need to be a trained singer. Musical improv is about playfulness, connection, and storytelling first. The singing comes from supporting each other and committing to the moment, not from sounding perfect. This workshop is especially suitable if you are curious about the Musical Improv Theatre course Iwan is teaching for Improv Utrecht this January, but want to try it out first in an easy, welcoming way. What to expect A fun and supportive improv workshop in English Simple musical and non-musical exercises that ease you in gently A focus on confidence, play, and ensemble rather than performance Lots of laughter and shared discoveries As always, the group is a mix of first-timers and regulars. Expect around 12 to 22 people, with several joining for the very first time. Practical information Doors open between 19:50 and 20:00. Please enter together with the group. The entrance is on the side of the building, via Troelstralaan. Workshop time is from 20:00 to 22:00. Full details can be found at [https://bit.ly/iudropin](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fiudropin%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR47s8ybxWZatpAjlsWrEYXEnHWVaWkjI1424e68ci6oex2vGYAb-0cOSn2plA_aem_yEDTwvRv1fmwY1MrKu0DSw&h=AT2XbwCsqfJ894aJximxfVrXyTziESuzJo4D61Z-shHQtj-AzQMrx0DxoRs2W8m37BhJHAvsaRN-ppsriR00n-wEj5gIv3Uy-qUS3EZtpJICGT5zWtkcAroifQ_I-020i3bNbtWQw5kSVU2873Q&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0_DoGsfm-IX09YmtFSWfCBg4b48013CEcgAIA_Uxa7jz7H087pH6D-YJ7L-Y7jvZf1NH0tuPyC1DNdIWX2APhHo90K8qeIPebU9NEmmFsa3ZoSSqFNnU-qzrq5edwDkuM2JXV9rpHiXHDGzYwq6lz--IT42QwAgbI) After the workshop, many people head together to the Irish pub O’Leary’s to chat and wind down. How to sign up Please mark yourself as attending via [https://bit.ly/iudropin](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Fiudropin%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5YztAe8pS-LHf6WZJeXqZzcWDs2-pFmK6RFzCRBqtxtJpGDMSUizeJ1D_EVA_aem_6dcC7683uQxCJ9yQG1sYmA&h=AT2XbwCsqfJ894aJximxfVrXyTziESuzJo4D61Z-shHQtj-AzQMrx0DxoRs2W8m37BhJHAvsaRN-ppsriR00n-wEj5gIv3Uy-qUS3EZtpJICGT5zWtkcAroifQ_I-020i3bNbtWQw5kSVU2873Q&__tn__=q&c%5B0%5D=AT0_DoGsfm-IX09YmtFSWfCBg4b48013CEcgAIA_Uxa7jz7H087pH6D-YJ7L-Y7jvZf1NH0tuPyC1DNdIWX2APhHo90K8qeIPebU9NEmmFsa3ZoSSqFNnU-qzrq5edwDkuM2JXV9rpHiXHDGzYwq6lz--IT42QwAgbI). If you can no longer attend, remember to remove your signup so someone else can take your place. Please also send your contact details to Marieke at info@theatersportworkshops.nl so we can reach you if needed. Price Suggested donation €10 to €20, payable in cash or via Tikkie. If you are not able to pay much, you are still very welcome. Pay what you can or what you felt the workshop was worth. Contributions help cover the room and the professional teachers. Interested in going further? This drop-in is a perfect introduction to the Musical Improv Theatre course taught by Iwan Dam at Improv Utrecht this January. You can find more information and tickets via [https://www.improvutrecht.nl](https://www.improvutrecht.nl/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR53uSDQDI4JJxYHA-KWutS6K09oUCpwbPff-o_uPCOuORsKBMS_WUkuyd761A_aem_dEhlmtW3zVkRltRU1muoNw) and [https://improv-utrecht.weticket.com](https://improv-utrecht.weticket.com/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7RPPZzaPgMIuVkB4Jq__Y8iBNBq0t-ZIHhj5ynGrFZxZcmF7L2U17a13wnkA_aem_fYdBW_w_k_Xu5wnBXK_BxQ) Follow Improv Utrecht Meetup [https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-improv-theater](https://www.meetup.com/utrecht-improv-theater?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYzVUWUpNcUx3Qmxyc0tCNnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7RPPZzaPgMIuVkB4Jq__Y8iBNBq0t-ZIHhj5ynGrFZxZcmF7L2U17a13wnkA_aem_fYdBW_w_k_Xu5wnBXK_BxQ) Instagram @improvutrecht Facebook ImprovUtrecht

**You're Invited: Bite by Bite Project First Workshop!** **Transform your plate, transform the planet.** Join us for an inspiring and interactive evening dedicated to healthy, sustainable food, and hands-on cooking. This is the first of three workshops for the Bite by Bite Project, aimed at fostering dialogue and action around sustainable food in the Utrecht city and campus communities. **What to Expect:** * Inspiring Talks: Hear from experts on the connection between food choices and well-being, the impact of coffee and cocoa, and social impact through food with Julieth Uriza (Nutritionist/Planetary Diet), and The Pit (Students let food stall). * Hands-On Cooking: Share your favourite traditional recipe! We'll provide healthy, local ingredients to co-create and improvise delicious, nutritious meals together. (Ready food will be available for participants who are fasting). * Networking: Connect with like-minded individuals over dinner and become part of a community making positive changes. * Contribute: Your co-created recipes will be featured in the project's booklet! **Event Details:** * Date & Time: Friday, 13 March, 2026, 17:00 – 22:00 * Location: Rosa Buurtcentrum, Malakkastraat 6, 3531 HM Utrecht * Audience: Utrecht residents, Utrecht Science Park, and International Campus (UCU) communities. * Cost: Free! Just bring your recipe and enthusiasm. **Ready to make an impact?** **[Please make sure to fill in the registration form to secure your spot!](https://forms.gle/xX2tAmy4S8KjMToN7)** The Bite by Bite project is a partnership between Utrecht University Medical Centre, Utrecht University College, The Pit, and Being Well Catalysts, funded by the Planetary Health Seed Grants.

Kom gezellig een avondje samen Warhammer of D&D miniaturen schilderen! We gaan schilderen in de Nieuwe Bibliotheek Almere in Almere-Stad. Ik stuur voor deze avond een bericht met uitleg en route. Wij (de lokale Warhammer club Warmere) zorgen voor alle benodigde materialen zodat je je creativiteit de vrije loop kunt laten. Of je nu een ervaren schilder bent of een beginner, deze meetup is de perfecte gelegenheid om nieuwe technieken te leren, tips uit te wisselen en in contact te komen met de lokale hobby- en gaming communities: Warmere als je Warhammer 40k of Age of Sigmar speelt, of GameMere voor D&D of bordspellen! Neem je eigen materialen mee of gebruik mijn verf en materialen. Als je een miniatuurtje nodig hebt, kun je er die dag een kopen of je kan er gratis eentje kiezen uit de gedoneerde miniatuurtjes, met dank aan clubgenoten van Warmere en www.restorehammer.eu ! Leeftijd: 12+ Let op: Deze samenkomst vindt plaats in een bibliotheek tijdens openingstijden. Houd rekening met andere bezoekers en materialen. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for an evening of painting Warhammer or D&D miniatures alongside fellow enthusiasts! Hosted at de Nieuwe Bibliotheek Almere in Almere-Stad. Before this evening I will send a message with explanation and route. We (the local Warhammer club Warmere) will provide all necessary materials for you to unleash your creativity. Whether you are a seasoned painter or a beginner, this meetup is the perfect opportunity to learn new techniques, share tips, and connect with the local hobby and gaming communities: Warmere if you like Warhammer 40k or Age of Sigmar, or GameMere if you like D&D or boardgames! Bring your own materials, or use my paint and materials. If you need a miniature you can buy one, or choose one for free from the donated miniatures, thanks to members of Warmere and www.restorehammer.eu ! Age: 12+ Take notice: This get-together takes place in a library during business hours. Mind the other patrons and materials.

**Meer snelheid, betere output én verantwoord gebruik van AI in je dagelijkse werk.** Je hebt de **AI Essentials** onder de knie. Je experimenteert met prompts, ziet de potentie en gebruikt AI inmiddels regelmatig. Maar je voelt ook: dit kan scherper, sneller en bewuster. In deze **AI Next Level-workshop** zetten we de volgende stap. Geen herhaling van de basis, maar verdieping. Meer grip op prompting én meer inzicht in wat verantwoord AI-gebruik in de praktijk écht betekent. **Wat houdt deze workshop in?** Deze interactieve dag bestaat uit twee nauw verbonden onderdelen: **1\. Prompting like a Pro** Je gebruikt al een basisstructuur voor prompts — nu is het tijd om door te schakelen. In dit deel leer je: * Geavanceerdere promptstructuren die sneller tot betere output leiden * Hoe je minder hoeft te “stoeien” en gerichter kunt werken * Hoe je AI effectief inzet als denkpartner bij complexere vraagstukken * Hoe je context, rol en doel zó meegeeft dat je output direct bruikbaar wordt Het resultaat: **meer snelheid, meer kwaliteit en meer vertrouwen in wat je terugkrijgt.** **2\. Using AI Responsibly** Minstens zo belangrijk — en vaak onderschat. AI is krachtig, maar niet neutraal en niet zonder risico’s. Hoe ga je daar professioneel mee om? Je leert onder andere: * Welke informatie je wel en juist niet in prompts moet verwerken * Hoe om te gaan met privacy, vertrouwelijkheid en bedrijfsinformatie * Hoe AI-modellen zijn getraind en wat dat betekent voor de antwoorden * Hoe je bias, aannames en “mooie maar onjuiste” output herkent Dit deel helpt je om **bewuster, veiliger en professioneler** met AI te werken — voor jezelf én je organisatie. **Hoe werken we?** Net als bij de Essentials-workshop geloven we niet in zenden, maar in **samen ontdekken**. * Praktisch en interactief: werken met je eigen cases * Creatief en laagdrempelig: leren door te doen * Leren van elkaar: verschillende rollen, contexten en perspectieven * Geen technische training, geen tool-overzicht * Wel: denken, beoordelen, toepassen en verbeteren De ervaring leert **dat de groep een groot deel van de waarde bepaalt** — en dat hoor je terug in de feedback. **Wat neem je mee na afloop?** Na deze workshop: * Werk je sneller en gerichter met AI * Weet je welke prompts écht werken voor jouw werk * Kun je AI-output beter beoordelen en bevragen * Ga je bewuster om met data, privacy en betrouwbaarheid * Weet je concreet wat je maandag anders doet En: **Drie weken later organiseren we een vrijblijvende terugkom-call,** waarin deelnemers ervaringen delen en leren van elkaars praktijk. **Voor wie is deze workshop bedoeld?** Deze workshop is bedoeld voor: * Professionals en managers zonder technische achtergrond * Deelnemers van de AI Essentials-workshop (of vergelijkbare basiskennis) * Mensen die AI al gebruiken, maar daar meer rendement en zekerheid uit willen halen * Iedereen die AI professioneel, bewust en verantwoord wil inzetten **Pilot & praktische informatie** Deze workshop is opgezet als **Next Level-pilot**. Dat betekent: kleinschalig, persoonlijk en met ruimte voor feedback om de training verder te verfijnen. 📅 Datum: vrijdag 13 maart ⏰ Tijd: 09:30 – 14:30 (Inloop 9:00) ⏱ Duur: 5 uur (incl. lunch) 📍 Locatie: Computerweg 37, Amersfoort 💶 Prijs: €99,- ex btw 👥 Groepsgrootte: 8-12 deelnemers 📍 Vorm: interactief, fysiek ☕🍴 Voorzieningen: koffie, thee en lunch inbegrepen 👥 Begeleiding: Edgar Stormbroek & Ziryan Salayi **Aanmelden op:** https://www.eventbrite.nl/e/tickets-ai-next-level-prompting-as-a-pro-and-using-ai-responsibly-1982428964398?aff=oddtdtcreator

*Since the guided meditations for this event are in Dutch, this description is too.* Wil je je drukke week afsluiten en ontspannen aan het weekend beginnen? Dan ben je geheel vrijblijvend welkom bij de vrijdagavond meditatie van [Jewel Heart](https://www.jewelheart.nl/). Deze meditatieavond heeft een licht en open karakter. De meditaties bestaan uit drie delen. We beginnen met het gewaarworden van je lichamelijke sensaties. In een korter deel twee doen we een loopmeditatie en in deel drie is er een eenvoudige, geleide visualisatie meditatie. Het geheel wordt afgesloten met een gesprek onder het genot van een kop thee, voor wie daar zin in heeft. 📍[Jewel Heart, Hatertseveldweg 284, Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FzqLbkaqs2JNDG8). Loop de oprit op en dan is de ingang aan je rechterzijde 🕒Zaal open vanaf 19.30 uur, meditatie van 20.00 tot 21.00 Je bent van harte welkom! Aan deze activiteit kun je per keer meedoen. Er zijn geen verplichtingen. Op vrijwillige basis kun je op de avond zelf een donatie doen. Kijk ook naar onze -[Open activiteiten](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/open-activiteiten/) -[Cursussen](https://www.jewelheart.nl/nl/cursussen-overzicht/)

Japanese talk-night. Your Japanese level must be high enough to have a conversation. Japanese people are very welcome! I will bring some different materials to start the conversation. Looking forward to meeting everyone! 😊

Stuck behind a desk all week? Time to climb some walls instead! No skills needed, just good vibes. Join us this evening at **Grip Boulderhal** for a fun and relaxed bouldering session! Whether you're a seasoned climber or wanna try it for the first time, everyone is welcome. We’ll meet outside at the entrance, warm up a bit, and then hit the walls. Afterward, there’s always the option to grab a drink and chat. **Details:** * **Where:** [Grip Boulderhal, Kamerlingh Onnesstraat 35, 6533 HK Nijmegen](https://maps.app.goo.gl/gQCQjqKDHhDL7ieYA). We will be waiting outside, near the entrance. If it's raining we are waiting up the stairs near the reception desk. * **Experience needed:** None! (Bring your own climbing shoes if you have them. Rentals are also available.) * **Vibe:** Casual, fun, supportive Let’s climb, laugh, and maybe even impress ourselves a little! For more information on pricing of day passes and gear rentals, check out [this](https://gripnijmegen.nl/boulderhal/en/explore/prices-opening-hours/) page on the Grip website. First time? No problem! [Some information here](https://gripnijmegen.nl/boulderhal/en/first-visit/). And if you have any questions, just let us know. ⚠️ Disclaimer: Participants are responsible for their own safety.

**Sunday, March 15th – 13:00** **Meeting point:** Bus stop *Donderberg*, Leersum For the third edition of **Real Estate**, our series dedicated to exploring some of the most fascinating villas, estates and historic residences in the Netherlands, we head to the green heart of the Utrechtse Heuvelrug to discover **Kasteel Broekhuizen**. Hidden among forests and rolling landscapes near Leersum, Broekhuizen is a country estate with **medieval roots and a turbulent history**. Over the centuries, it has known periods of prosperity, destruction and reconstruction — and today it stands as a quiet witness to how history, landscape and architecture continuously reshape each other. During our walk, we’ll explore the **estate and its surrounding park**, uncovering stories about: * the rise and fall of the estate * its phases of destruction and rebuilding * hidden corners and forgotten traces in the landscape * and the role of the **Van Nellesteyn family** in shaping its history This is not just a visit to a beautiful country house, but a journey through **layers of time**, where nature and history are deeply intertwined. ### Practical information * **Walk length:** approx. 3.4 km * The route goes through parkland and forest paths, so comfortable shoes are recommended. ### After the walk We’ll finish at **Bistro LOF**, the café/restaurant located within the castle estate itself, where we can enjoy a drink together — and for those who wish, also stay for something to eat — in a setting that perfectly complements the atmosphere of the place. A hidden estate. A story of loss and renewal. A walk through history in the landscape.

*A young couple builds a flawless, carefully curated life only to find that perfection leaves very little room to breathe.* 🕒 **HOW IT WORKS** This is a relaxed, social meetup where readers come together to chat about our current book — *no spoilers are off-limits!* There are no formal rules — just good company, friendly conversation, and plenty of bookish tangents. 💬 **STAY CONNECTED** Join our WhatsApp Community to discover upcoming reads, take part in polls, and join our bookish chats. 👉🏽 [Join here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/LWEUqDWrMZSLCj1ThrAyVU) 📖 You can grab a copy at [The American Book Center](https://abc.nl/book-details/perfection/@9781804271049) ✨ **RSVP Reminder** Spots are limited — if you can’t make it, please update your RSVP so someone else can join. (Repeat no-shows may be waitlisted.)

🌸 **Free online gathering** **Next circle: March 15** After this, we will continue meeting on the **first Sunday of each month**. A space to begin the month by returning to yourself. This women’s circle is an invitation to give yourself one hour to pause, slow down, and reconnect with your body, your inner voice, and other women. A simple and caring commitment: beginning the month with meditation and journaling in community. You can think of it as a small personal ritual, creating the habit of listening to yourself, writing, and setting intentions for the month ahead. We meet online on Sunday afternoons to gently transition into a new week and a new month, creating a moment of presence, reflection, and intention. During this 1-hour session we will explore: ✨ a guided meditation to arrive in the body ✨ a journaling practice to connect with what is alive in you ✨ a space for sharing, where you are welcome to speak or simply listen No previous experience is needed. You are welcome just as you are. Please have a notebook and a pen nearby, and join from a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted during the session. You are welcome to join once, or come back each month. The choice is yours. The first circles are offered for free in order to create community and open this space to more women. Participants who register for the event will receive the **Google Meet link** before the circle begins. It will be lovely to welcome you into this space 🌿

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This will be the first ever Book Club Meet up for this group! * We will be discussing Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose (if you would like a free EPUB copy of this book to read on kindle, message me & I can send you the ebook) * ***Changed the book from Daggermouth due to it being independently published and hard to find in print**** * Feel free to attend even if you haven't started or finished the book ◡̈ ! * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! * Even if the meetup event shows full, you are welcome to come. If you can no longer attend the event, no worries, just please try to update your status on meetup for it.

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

Welcome, readers! Our March read is **_The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver._** The story follows Taylor Greer, a young woman from rural Kentucky who leaves home for the West, only to find herself unexpectedly becoming the guardian of an abused Native American toddler named Turtle. In Tucson, Arizona, they form a makeshift family with a diverse group of people, including Guatemalan refugees and a single mother, exploring themes of motherhood, community, belonging, and finding hope in hardship. The story blends humor with serious issues, creating a story about finding family in unexpected places. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Join us for our March Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *The Manor of Dreams* by Christina Li in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Let’s meet and discuss this fun but moving collection of wildly creative short stories. (Photo credit: TimesNowNews.com)

This month we’ll be ready The Fifth Season by NK Jemisin. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the bookk!