Literature

May dublin book club meet up! The book for this month is Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke. This is a **social book club**, the point of this is for lighthearted conversations about shared interests. We will also use the meet up to select next months book so if you've any that you'd like to see on the list of potentials, please let me know! **Please RSVP as soon as possible!** Fees help us ensure people show up and also cover costs of running the book club. You also have a tea/coffee included when attending. So don’t order your coffee straightht away. **Please don't click attending if you're not coming, you're taking someone else's slot.**\***\*** Unfortunately you can't use RSVP for another event. There is a one week cancellation period on every event to allow someone else time to read the book in order to take a vacated spot. Please let me know asap if you are cancelling so we have record of the time. We do not move RSVPs to different events. Also, it is compulsory to RSVP for this event as there is limited space. You will be asked to leave if you have no RSVP. These rules are to ensure we have enough space, to ensure our costs are covered and to not take up space in a venue that we don't need so we can keep going back! Any questions, let me know! For some reason, there seems to be a slight delay from when people pay and it showing them attending. Don’t pay twice! (Of course I’ll refund if ya do) It should come through but if you have any problems just send me a message. Lastly, if you haven't been to the book club before but you're considering coming along, do it! It's not too late to join, **new members are always welcome.** See you there

The goal of this group is simple: to support and encourage each other to write more (myself included). I love writing short stories, but too often life gets in the way and I find excuses not to do it. This monthly group gathers together on the last Tuesday of every month in the lovely *Third Space* cafe in Smithfield to share and get feedback on our work. We’ll each get the chance to share an extract from a piece we’ve written, read it aloud and get feedback (in a nice quiet creative space). Any form of writing is great – whether screenwriting, poetry, flash fiction or something else. We pride ourselves in promoting a really friendly, safe space to share freely, but if you’d prefer to listen for the first while, that’s cool too. If you fancy coming along: * RSVP to an event * Come along to a session * Get added to our WhatsApp group once you're there * Add a copy of your piece to our shared drive (so we can follow along as you read) * You'll get 4 mins to read your work, and 4 mins of feedback We have lots of regulars but always love welcoming new people, perspectives and writing, so do feel free to come along and I hope you enjoy it!

It's been said that knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but wisdom is knowing **not** to put it in a fruit salad. How do we reckon the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Is it possible to have one without the other, or does one depend upon the other? Does wisdom always arrive with age? Is more and more knowledge of any value in our post-information culture? Consider these and other questions at Socrates Cafe in Dun Laoghaire; buy a drink at the bar and add your voice, your point of view, to this important conversation.

**📚 Literary Meetup: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig · Come As You Are** We're holding space to explore and discuss Matt Haig's The Midnight Library in a friendly low-key environment, and the whole evening is centred around the book and each other. Discussion flows wherever the group takes it — with every reader given room to share what mattered to them, and even familiar readers find new angles in a good group discussion. Come having read whatever you managed, and bring whatever part of the book you want to talk about, and bring your interpretations — since genuine impressions beat polished opinions every time. This is an open group and new faces are always a good thing — and the group tends to make first-timers feel at ease very quickly, bring your reactions and leave the rest to the discussion, and the discussion gets richer with every new reader who joins. --- **Worth having on hand:** - An open mind and a willingness to debate - A list of moments or lines you want to discuss - A copy of The Midnight Library to reference during discussion **What happens:** 1. Arrive, grab a seat, and introduce yourself if you are new — no icebreakers, just conversation 2. The group digs into the book and the conversation goes wherever it leads 3. The session wraps with a quick note on next month's book 💡 **Helpful hint:** jot down one question you are genuinely curious about, so you have something concrete to anchor your contribution, and the rest of the conversation will take care of itself. --- 🎭 The conversation is always worth the read — join the session and bring your honest take and the conversation is always worth showing up for. See you at the session. 🎭

It's been said that knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but wisdom is knowing **not** to put it in a fruit salad. How do we reckon the difference between knowledge and wisdom? Is it possible to have one without the other, or does one depend upon the other? Does wisdom always arrive with age? Is more and more knowledge of any value in our post-information culture? Consider these and other questions at Socrates Cafe in Dun Laoghaire; buy a drink at the bar and add your voice, your point of view, to this important conversation.

This is our first ML Dublin Meetup for quite a while now and we are delighted to be partnering again with Bank of Ireland. This meetup is part of Dublin Tech week and hosted in the Bank of Ireland branch in the Grand Canal area (beside the Bord Gais Energy Theatre). **AI Economy Ireland** (evening event focused on Ireland’s evolving AI economy, innovation, and ecosystem). We kick off at 4.45pm and finish up at 6.45pm. We will have speakers from IBM and from Trinity College: **Dr Baidyanath Biswas** is an Associate Professor in Business Analytics at Trinity Business School. Before joining Trinity, he was an Assistant Professor at the DCU Business School, Ireland. Baidyanath's research focuses on business analytics, cybersecurity and IT risk management. His work has appeared in several reputed management journals. Baidyanath is passionate about teaching and has teaching experience at the undergraduate and masters levels. Before joining academia, Baidyanath worked for nine years with Infosys and IBM as a mainframe and DB2 specialist. He will present the key findings from the recently published report (in collaboration with Microsoft): AI Economy in Ireland 2026, AI Adoption Index: Benchmarking and Impact Places are limited to 70 and will be on a first come first served. If you do secure a spot but then find that you cannot make it, please update your RSVP so that the spot can go to someone on the waiting list.

## Details The title of the event is a paradox! Read in silence and then discuss with like-minded folks! :-) Since the weather is expected to be sunny, let's meet in the Stephen's green near Band Stand or James Joyce Statue facing MoLI, [https://maps.app.goo.gl/DX2AX2xYNTkU88Vq7?g_st=ic](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DX2AX2xYNTkU88Vq7?g_st=ic) at 7, do silent reading for an hour. Then head to Bartley's. If you're unable to find us, message me in the meetup. If you prefer indoors, you can ask Bartley's staff and read. We will join at 8:15 PM. 📝 **How does this work?** We will meet in the Bartley's Restaurant area from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM for silent reading and followed up by discussion. **During silent reading, you're expected to remain silent and read.** Please bring your headphones and refrain from the discussion during the first one hour in the area. 👥 **Socialising** After an hour, at 8:15 PM, we'll discuss and socialize about the book you're reading. We highly encourage you to move between tables and strike up conversations with fellow book lovers. These discussions about literature and reading recommendations are often the highlight of the event! Feel free to join at any point during the event. The event is indoors, hopefully, we can continue the tradition of the silent reading in the winter! **📌 Helpful Tips and Notes** * Bring headphones to block out surrounding noise * I will post a comment on the event page when I arrive to indicate where we're seated, so everyone can find us * If you prefer to skip the silent reading, you can join directly at the bar at 8:15 PM ⚠️**Something Happened?** If something unpleasant happened to you, it may happen to others. It may be small but don't hesitate to reach out to me. Looking forward to meeting you all 😊

📚Reading books and discussing them are two distinct experiences! Conversations about books and sharing insights help us better appreciate literature and enrich our lives. Let's grab a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and discuss books we're currently reading or have recently enjoyed—whether poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. Bring your physical book or e-reader. There's no formal structure or agenda—just books and good conversation.💬 It's a perfect place to get book recommendations and rediscover your reading momentum if you've hit a slump. We welcome readers of all backgrounds and interests! ⚠️**Something Happened?** If something unpleasant happened to you, it may happen to others. Even if it seems minor, don't hesitate to reach out to me. 🔍 **How to find us?** * When I reach the venue, I'll leave a comment in the meetup where the group is seated. Normally, the booking is in my name, so you can ask the staff for the group. * If you're unable to find us, leave a comment in the meetup page. I'll be able to guide you. We highly encourage you to move between tables and strike up conversations with fellow book lovers. These discussions about literature and reading recommendations are often the highlight of the event! As an organizer, I'm always looking for feedback about the event and suggestions for new events, so feel free to suggest ideas to me. 💡 I look forward to seeing you all! 😊

Hello Everyone! Let's read something before coming to the event. It can be a few pages from a book, an article, a poem, an advertisement, a joke, a recipe, a quote, social media content - anything you find interesting. We meet and chat about it, as a starting point of conversation. Please feel free to bring books :)

Join us for a relaxed reading event in Bray. Shared Reading is a guided reading model developed by The Reader Organisation, a Liverpool-based charity. In each session, participants listen to poems read aloud, then explore them together through open and thoughtful conversation. You don’t need to be an avid reader to take part. The experience is meant to offer an inclusive and reflective space grounded in connection. Whether you enjoy reading or are simply curious to try something new, you are very welcome to join us in Bray! *Free to attend, tips welcome*

Join us for a Co-Writing session in Dún Laoghaire where we write alongside one another. It’s a relaxed, supportive space to explore ideas, experiment with words, and see what takes shape. You’re welcome to bring something you’re working on or just start fresh. The focus is on the process and writing in good company.

This month we are reading "The Chemist" by Stephanie Meyer and/or "We, The Drowned" by Carsten Jensen. Join us for chats about the book or anything else. Location TBC

**COST: FREE** **GET YOU TICKET ON EVENTBRITE FIRST** Join us as we explore the painted layers of Seamus Heaney through portraiture past and present. This talk examines how artists who knew, studied, or were inspired by Heaney's work captured his presence in portraiture. From early depictions to later, more reflective works, this talk traces a visual journey through Heaney's life—revealing how each artist approached not just his appearance, but his personality, character and mind. Featuring works by Edward McGuire, Barrie Cooke, Louis le Brocquy and more, we will showcases a wide range of artistic styles. Expect everything from finely detailed drawings to bold, expressive paintings, as well as sculpture and printmaking. Together, these works—spanning oil, charcoal, mixed media and more—offer a rich and varied portrait of one of Ireland’s most influential poets. **DETAILS:** 13:45: Meet just inside the Main Entrance 14:00: Lecture Begins 15:00 Lecture Ends **Check that you have your ticket before pressing attend.** **We only want people to sign-up who ACTUALLY COME!**

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

Let’s meet and share discussion of the James Baldwin short story collection, Going to Meet The Man.

By popular demand, the group wanted to read and discuss the semi-autobiographical novel by Henri-Pierre Roche, that inspired the Truffaut movie we watched last year. The book is available through the Columbus Library's interlibrary loan system. They reported there are twenty-eight copies available in the state of Ohio. If you have a library card, you can file an interlibrary loan request here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/library-services/ . There are also used copies available on Amazon and eBay for under twenty dollars. You may want to rewatch the movie after reading the book, so we can compare and contrast in our discussion. The Columbus Library has four copies on DVD, and it's streaming on HBOMax.

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.