BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//CalDiscovery//caldiscovery//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH DESCRIPTION:Discovered and maintained by CalDiscovery (https://caldiscover y.com). Event details belong to their publishers. Contains information fro m CalDiscovery\, which is made available under the ODbL 1.0. SOURCE:https://caldiscovery.com/des-moines-ia/literary.ics X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H X-WR-CALDESC:Discovered and maintained by CalDiscovery (https://caldiscove ry.com). Event details belong to their publishers. Contains information fr om CalDiscovery\, which is made available under the ODbL 1.0. X-WR-CALNAME:CalDiscovery - des-moines-ia (literary) BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:09-08 | Brian Goldstone DTSTART:20260909T003000Z DTEND:20260909T023000Z DTSTAMP:20260901T000359Z UID:15488-1788895800-1788895800@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Brian Goldstone\, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book Th ere Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America\, will deliver the fall Sussman lecture\, presented by The Harkin Institute for Public Polic y & Citizen Engagement in partnership with Anawim Housing. \nGoldstone’s presentation will highlight how the working poor have been pushed out of affordable housing in Atlanta and what risks the rest of our nation’s ca pital cities face as well. \nREGISTER HERE \nBeaverdale Books will have co pies of the book available for sale and signing\, following the event. \nC redit-Elaine-Brown-Goldstone\n  \nBrian Goldstone is a journalist and aut hor of There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America. Told thr ough the lives of five families in Atlanta\, the book traces the rise of A merica’s “working homeless\,” exposing the forces—gentrification\, racialized displacement\, precarious low-wage labor—fueling a growing h ousing insecurity crisis. The book was a finalist for the Carnegie Medal f or Excellence in Nonfiction\, was named one of the 10 Best Books of 2025 b y The New York Times and The Atlantic\, and was selected as one of Barack Obama’s favorite books of the year. LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T000359Z LOCATION:Sheslow Auditorium\, 2507 University\, Des Moines\, 50311\, Unite d States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/9-08-sussman-lecture-brian-goldstone / X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:09-11 | Meet the Poet - Aaron D. Wiegert DTSTART:20260911T233000Z DTEND:20260912T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260808T002623Z UID:15543-1789151400-1789156800@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A Portrait of Energy documents the quiet weight of Midwestern landscapes\, family lineages\, and physical labor. Grounded in domestic re alism and hard work\, these poems ask what it means to inherit a place\, r aise a family\, and stay connected with the soil under changing skies. Fro m early morning shifts to late-night domestic routines\, Aaron D. Wiegert traces the unspoken mechanics of endurance—balancing the gritty texture of daily strain against sudden\, striking moments of clarity and reverence . Unflinching\, lyrical\, and sharply observed\, this debut collection exa mines the unseen costs of keeping human machinery running\, offering an au thentic testament to the quiet strength of earning your keep in the heartl and. \nAaron D. Wiegert is a father and trail runner based in Des Moines\, Iowa. A finalist for the 2026 Poetry of the Plains & Prairies Award from North Dakota State University Press\, his work has appeared in South Carol ina Review\, The Tulane Review\, Slipstream\, Midwest Quarterly\, Poetry S alzburg Review\, and Lyrical Iowa. He served as poetry editor for Drunk Mo nkeys\, is a Best of the Net nominee\, and is currently at work on his sec ond full-length poetry collection. He lives in Beaverdale with his wife an d son. LAST-MODIFIED:20260808T002623Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/meet-the-poet-aaron-d-wiegert/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:!🎉 09-12 | Meet the Author - Liane Moriarty DTSTART:20260912T200000Z DTEND:20260912T220000Z DTSTAMP:20260730T230230Z UID:15082-1789225200-1789232400@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Beaverdale Books is proud to present a special event with best selling author Liane Moriarty.   PURCHASE your ticket HERE!  Ticket pri ce includes: admission for one person + a copy of her newest book + person alized book signing with the author!\n\n\nThe novel fans have been waiting over a decade for — Big Little Truths \nWhen Liane Moriarty’s Big Lit tle Lies was published in 2014\, it was an instant number one New York Tim es bestseller. Readers were captivated by this thrilling portrait of seemi ngly perfect suburban lives undone by secrets and scandal. Moriarty had al ready developed a reputation as a master of domestic drama which had caugh t the attention of Hollywood—but when Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidma n jointly optioned the rights to Big Little Lies for an HBO series of the same name\, few could have imagined the cultural phenomena that this whip- smart story about family and friendships would become. The limited series would re-define television drama\, while the novel that started in all wou ld go on to sell almost 4 million copies worldwide. \nNow\, over ten years later\, Moriarty reunites with that unforgettable circle of women in her first ever sequel: Big Little Truths. The last time we saw Madeline\, Cele ste\, Jane\, Renata\, and Bonnie\, their children were just five years old . But now the kids are in high school\, with all of the drama that accompa nies teendom (goodbye playdates\, hello drugs\, sex\, and alcohol). When a strange man lurks around the school asking supposedly innocent questions and the principal receives a severed human finger in the mail\, the commun ity is in an uproar. This tightly connected group will finally have to fac e the full repercussions of the big little truths they have—and haven’ t—shared with their kids\, with each other\, and with themselves. \nFor longtime fans\, Big Little Truths is a chance to reconnect with beloved ch aracters. For new readers\, it stands entirely on its own: a nuanced\, sha rply observed exploration of contemporary womanhood\, rich with insight in to human behavior and social dynamics—and laced with Moriarty’s signat ure wit. And for viewers of the series\, there’s more to come: Big Littl e Truths is set to be adapted as the third season of HBO’s Big Little Li es\, with the full cast expected to return. \nPhoto: Uber Photography 2024 \nLiane Moriarty is the author of the #1 New York Times bestsellers Big Little Lies\, Apples Never Fall\, The Husband’s Secret\, Truly Madly Guilty\, and Here One Moment\; the New York Times bestsellers Nine P erfect Strangers\, What Alice Forgot\, and The Last Anniversary\; The H ypnotist’s Love Story\; and Three Wishes. She lives in Sydney\, Austral ia\, with her husband and two children. \n\n  \n  \nNOTE:  This event w ill be held in the Franklin Center’s Theater located on the Southeast Co rner of the venue.  Doors will open at 2:30 pm.  Free parking is availab le South\, West\, and North parking lots.  Additional copies will be avai lable for purchase from Beaverdale Books.   Full refunds must be request ed 48 hours prior to the event.  Handicapped access is available at the N ortheast Entrance.  If unable to attend\, ticketed attendees may arrange to pick up their signed copy at Beaverdale Books during the week FOLLOWING the event. LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T230230Z LOCATION:Franklin Event Center\, 4801 Franklin Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/meet-the-author-liane-moriarty/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:09-14 Meet the Author - Heather Mylan-Mains DTSTART:20260914T233000Z DTEND:20260915T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260805T182757Z UID:15508-1789410600-1789416000@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Everyone carries something they haven’t forgiven — a paren t or partner who left\, a promise that broke\, a wound that never fully he aled. In Unwrapping Forgiveness\, Heather Mylan-Mains shares her own journ ey from a shattered four-year-old heart to a life marked by peace\, walkin g readers through the same forgiveness framework that changed her. With ho nesty and warmth\, she shows that forgiveness isn’t a single miraculous moment — it’s a practice\, learned one choice at a time. Rooted in fai th and real experience\, this book meets you wherever your story has taken you and offers a path toward light. \nJoin Heather for a conversation abo ut the book\, her journey\, and the gift forgiveness gives back to you. \n Heather Mylan-Mains is a speaker\, author with a PhD in life\, meaning she survived many pretty hard days. She lives and breathes the message that w e are shaped not by what happens to us\, but by how we choose to react. He r book\, Unwrapping Forgiveness: the Gift of Mercy and Grace\, weaves pers onal story\, faith\, and a practical seven step framework to guide readers from pain toward peace. She is an Iowa girl living in Des Moines where gr atitude is part of her daily life and it’s contagious. LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T182757Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/omeet-the-author-heather-mylan-mains / X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:09-15 | Meet the Author - Shadley Grei DTSTART:20260916T000000Z DTEND:20260916T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260804T002808Z UID:15439-1789498800-1789502400@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The West Des Moines Library is excited to welcome author Shadl ey Grei as part of the In the Stacks series. Shadley will share the story behind his latest book—from its beginnings as an old screenplay to the p andemic‑era process of transforming it into a novel and will discuss his choice to self‑publish the book on his birthday last year and reflect o n what it’s been like to see the story find its way into the world. Enjo y an inside look at creativity\, reinvention\, and the journey of bringing a long‑set‑aside project to life. \nShadley Grei wrote his first stor y in second grade and has been chasing words ever since. He lives in West Des Moines\, Iowa\, with his husband\, too many books\, and never quite en ough time to read. Before Closure is his first novel. \nBeaverdale Books w ill have copies of his book available for purchase and signing after the p rogram.  For more information about the event\, visit: In the Stacks: Sha dley Grei | West Des Moines Public Library LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T002808Z LOCATION:West Des Moines Library\, 4000 Mills Civic Pkwy\, West Des Moines \, IA\, IA\, 50265\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/09-15-meet-the-author-shadley-grei/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:09-15 | DMPL Fall Author Series - Eloisa James DTSTART:20260916T000000Z DTEND:20260916T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260822T180502Z UID:15617-1789498800-1789502400@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Des Moines Public Library kicks off its Fall Author Series with New York Times bestselling author and Shakespeare professor Eloisa James.   She has written more than thirty historical romances in twenty- eight languages\, with 7 million copies in print. She’ll discuss her new est book\, The Last Lady B\, a witty gothic romance that’s been describe d as Jane Austen meets White Lotus. \nEloisa James writes historical roman ces for HarperCollins Publishers. Her novels have been published to great acclaim. A reviewer from USA Today wrote of Eloisa’s very first book th at she “found herself devouring the book like a dieter with a Hershey ba r”\; later People Magazine raved that “romance writing does not get much better than this.” Her novels have repeatedly received starred revi ews from Publishers’ Weekly and Library Journal and regularly appear on the best-seller lists.\nAfter graduating from Harvard University\, Eloi sa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University\, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventuall y became a Shakespeare professor\, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her “d ouble life” is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise\, she’s written a New York Times op-ed defendin g romance\, as well as articles published everywhere from women’s magazi nes such as More to writers’ journals such as the Romance Writers’ Re port. \nBeaverdale Books will have copies available for sale and signing. \nMore information can be found at: Fall Author Series: Eloisa James | Des Moines Public Library LAST-MODIFIED:20260822T180502Z LOCATION:Central Library\, 1000 Grand\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50309\, United S tates URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/fall-author-series-eloisa-james/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Who Picked This Book? Club Altoona Public Library DTSTART:20260917T190000Z DTEND:20260917T210000Z DTSTAMP:20260821T182320Z UID:74d3b2328adadbd5c9740b050d0a333c CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:This month we're reading:\nTheo of Golden by Allen Levi\n\nWho picked this book? Club is our longest running book club. Participants are encouraged to pick up a book in advance and attend the in-person discussi on. Print copies are generally available to check out the day after the pr evious month's book club. For those living in Altoona or rural Polk county \, ebook and eaudiobook editions may also be available on Bridges or hoopl a.\n\nThe book is the same for both Who Picked this Book? Club and Booked for Lunch. To ensure we have space for all interested readers\, please pla n to attend one.\n\nNo registration required. LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T182320Z LOCATION:Altoona Public Library 700 8th St SW\, Altoona\, IA 50009 X-SOURCE-NAME:Providing Opportunity\, Encouraging Growth X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.altoonachamber.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:09-17 | Meet the Author - Ari Weinzweig DTSTART:20260917T220000Z DTEND:20260918T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260824T181827Z UID:15519-1789664400-1789671600@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:We’re honored to welcome Ari Weinzweig\, co-founder of Zinge rman’s Community of Businesses (Zingerman’s)\, to Beaverdale Books for a conversation about leadership\, dignity and the everyday practice of de mocracy.  Ari’s work has long influenced the way organizations think ab out culture\, hospitality and shared responsibility. His newest pamphlet\, “Why Democracy Matters\,” explores how principles like trust\, transp arency and agency can shape not only our communities but our workplaces an d daily lives.\n\nAri Weinzweig is CEO and co-founding partner of Zingerma n’s Community of Businesses\, which includes Zingerman’s Delicatessen\ , Bakehouse\, Creamery\, Catering\, Mail Order\, ZingTrain\, Coffee Compan y\, Roadhouse\, Candy Manufactory\, Events at Cornman Farms\, Miss Kim and Zingerman’s Food Tours. Zingerman’s produces\, sells and serves all s orts of full flavored\, traditional foods in its home of Ann Arbor\, Michi gan to the tune of $68\,000\,000 a year in annual sales. Ari was recognize d as one of the “Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America” by the 200 6 James Beard Foundation and has been awarded a Bon Appetit Lifetime Achie vement Award among many recognitions. \nAri is the author of a number of a rticles and books\, including Zingerman’s Guide to Good Eating\, Zingerm an’s Guide to Better Bacon (Zingerman’s Press)\, Zingerman’s Guide t o Giving Great Service\, Zingerman’s Guide to Good Eating (Houghton Miff lin)\, Zingerman’s Guide to Good Leading\, Part 1: A Lapsed Anarchist’ s Approach to Building a Great Business\, and Zingerman’s Guide to Good Leading\, Part 2: A Lapsed Anarchist’s Approach to Being a Better Leader . Zingerman’s Guide to Good Leading\, Part 3\; A Lapsed Anarchist’s Ap proach to Managing Ourselves\, Zingerman’s Guide to Good Leading\, Part 4\; A Lapsed Anarchist’ s Approach to the Power of Beliefs in Business w as released in summer of 2016. In 2017 Ari was named one of “The World ’s 10 Top CEOs (They Lead in a Totally Unique Way)” by Inc. Magazine. In 2018 he released the pamphlet\, “The Art of Business\; Why I Want to be an Artist.” Another pamphlet\, “Going into Business with Emma Goldm an” came out in June\, 2019. “Humility\; A Humble\, Anarchistic Inquir y” came out in October 2020. “Working Through Hard Times\; Life and Le adership Learnings from 2020” was published in the first weeks of 2021\; “The Story of Visioning at Zingerman’s: Four Visions\, Forty Years\, and a Positive Look Towards the Future\,” in 2022\; “A Taste of Zinger man’s Food Philosophy: Forty Years of Mindful Cooking and Eating” in 2 023. “A Revolution of Dignity in the Twenty-First Century Workplace” w as released in March of 2024. 2025 saw the release is the chapbook\, “Li fe Lessons I Learned from Being a Line Cook.” His newest publication is the pamphlet\, “Why Democracy Matters.” \nAri\, along with his partner Paul Saginaw\, founded Zingerman’s Delicatessen with a $20\,000 bank lo an\, a Russian History degree from the University of Michigan\, 4 years of experience washing dishes\, cooking and managing in restaurant kitchens a nd chutzpah from his hometown of Chicago. They opened the doors with 2 emp loyees\, a small selection of specialty foods\, and exceptional sandwiches . \nToday\, Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a nationally renowned food icon and the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses has grown to 11 businesses w ith over 800 employees and over $80 million in annual revenue. Aside from the Delicatessen\, these businesses include Zingerman’s Bakehouse\, Coff ee and Candy Company\, Roadhouse\, Mail Order\, ZingTrain\, Cornman Farms\ , Miss Kim\, Food Tours\, and Zingerman’s Service Network. No two busine sses in the Zingerman’s Community of Businesses are alike\, but they all share the same Vision and Guiding Principles and deliver “The Zingerman ’s Experience” with passion and commitment. \nAri regularly travels ac ross the country (and world) on behalf of ZingTrain\, teaching organizatio ns and businesses about Zingerman’s approach to business. He is a sought -after Keynote speaker\, having delivered keynotes for Inc. 500\, Microsof t Expo Spring Conference\, Great Game of Business Gathering of Games\, Pos itive Business Conference at the University of Michigan Ross School of Bus iness\, American Society for Quality (ASQ)\, and the American Cheese Socie ty. \nNotwithstanding the awards\, being engaged on a daily basis in the w ork of 10 businesses with 19 partners\, writing books on business and in-d epth articles on food for the Zingerman’s newsletter\, Ari finds time to be a voracious reader. He acquires and reads more books than he can find room for. Ari might soon find himself the owner of the largest collection of Anarchist books in Ann Arbor outside the Labadie collection at the Univ ersity of Michigan library! \n\nJoining Ari in conversation will be Mike D raper\, the founder and owner of RAYGUN\, which has been called ‘The Gr eatest Store in the Universe’ by RAYGUN. In business since 2005\, the co mpany has been steadily growing since then\, to surprise of just about eve ryone — Mike included. All in all\, he’s been able to do all sorts of neat things and meet all sorts of neat people without ever really leaving Des Moines.” LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T181827Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/09-17-meet-the-author-ari-weinzweig/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club DTSTART:20260917T220000Z DTEND:20260917T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260819T182553Z UID:19302-1789664400-1789668000@iowalibrary.blog CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Special request\, the Teen Book Club is back\, now we have add ed Tween Book Club to the mix! Your time to connect with other teens/tween s through Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club\, a welcoming and accessib le space to explore stories\, share perspectives\, and be creative! \n\nEa ch month features a unique theme\, a highlighted book title (with accessib le formats available)\, and an optional activity to inspire discussion and connection.\nParticipants can engage at their own pace and comfort level —perfect for casual readers and book lovers alike!\nReceive a Book List that will showcase each monthly Book of the Month!\n\nThursdays from 5:00- 6:00 PM “Exciting activities\, awesome reading all in a club that goes Beyond the Books!” LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T182553Z LOCATION:Online Event URL:https://iowalibrary.blog/event/beyond-the-book-teen-tween-book-club/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Iowa Library for the Blind X-SOURCE-URL:https://iowalibrary.blog/event/makerspace-monday-night-worksh op-sparkling-suncatchers-mug-cakes-and-literary-delights END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Booked For Lunch DTSTART:20260921T120000Z DTEND:20260921T140000Z DTSTAMP:20260821T182320Z UID:79e410fb9488b208773459fa9249205f CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:This month we're reading:\nTheo of Golden by Allen Levi\n\nBoo ked for Lunch is our newest book club! Grab your lunches and join us for a ll or some of the hour to discuss this month's book.\n\nParticipants are e ncouraged to pick up a book in advance and attend the in-person discussion . Print copies are generally available to check out the day after the prev ious month's book club. For those living in Altoona or rural Polk county\, ebook and eaudiobook editions may also be available on Bridges or hoopla. \n\nThe book is the same for both Who Picked this Book? Club and Booked fo r Lunch. To ensure we have space for all interested readers\, please plan to attend one.\n\nNo registration required. LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T182320Z LOCATION:Altoona Public Library 700 8th St SW\, Altoona\, IA 50009 X-SOURCE-NAME:Providing Opportunity\, Encouraging Growth X-SOURCE-URL:https://www.altoonachamber.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:09/21 | Book Launch - Rebecca Janni DTSTART:20260921T233000Z DTEND:20260922T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T181727Z UID:15697-1790015400-1790020800@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:arts,literary DESCRIPTION:At the beginning of all things\, God spoke\, and a family tree sprouted in the dust. Adam and Eve were the first branches\, but soon thi s beautiful tree came to include Noah\, Abraham\, Jesse\, King David\, and eventually Jesus… \nBranch retells the journey from sin to salvation th rough stirring poetry and a wonderfully accessible metaphor of trees\, gar dens\, and plants. Luminous art from Michelle Carlos overflows with striki ng Old and New Testament imagery\, which is explained further in back matt er notes from the author and illustrator. Whether readers are hearing this story for the first–or hundredth–time\, they’ll find something new to discover on this expansive journey from Genesis to Revelation. Branch  is an unforgettable book to share during all seasons\, especially around C hristmas and Easter. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPhoto Credit – Courtney Wil son\nRebecca Janni (pronounced Yawn-nee) goes by Rebecca on paper\, Becky in voice and sign language (sign name: B handshape\, tap opposite shoulder )\, and “Mom” to six adult and young adult children. She lives in Stil lwater\, MN with her husband James\, their youngest daughter Elizabeth\, a nd their two dogs Ollie and Louie.  \nYoung Becky learned early that biki ng was the best way to get around the neighborhood and reading was the bes t way to get around the world. On a bus ride home from school\, she confid ed to a friend that she was working on a novel about a girl and her horse. She never finished the novel\, but a horse of a different hoof shows up i n her Every Cowgirl series.  \nHer newest book\, Branch: A Resurrection S tory\, is her “heart on paper\,” exploring the connection between her faith and writing. For as long as she can remember\, her most profound mom ents of prayer and worship have happened with a blank sheet of paper and a pen. Whether she is journaling\, writing for ministry\, or creating a wor k of fiction\, writing feeds her faith and faith enriches her writing. \nR ebecca holds a BA in English and French from Iowa State University and an MAT in English Education from Boston University. She has enjoyed teaching both high school and college. In addition to writing children’s books\, Rebecca has written for Meredith Corporation publications\, local ministri es\, and education curricula. She loves visiting schools\, universities an d libraries\, offering story times and writing workshops. If you invite he r\, she might pedal into your neighborhood\, too! LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T181727Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/09-21-book-launch-rebecca-janni/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:!🎉 09-23 | Meet the Author - Jodi Picoult DTSTART:20260923T233000Z DTEND:20260924T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260730T230230Z UID:15087-1790188200-1790193600@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Don’t miss this chance to meet Jodi Picoult\, the #1 New Yo rk Times bestselling author of By Any Other Name\, as she returns to De s Moines!  Jodi had such a great visit in 2024\, that she requested to co me back again.  PURCHASE your ticket HERE!  Ticket price includes: admis sion for one person + a pre-signed copy of her newest book + a photo with Jodi!\n\nHollow Bones is a riveting novel about the risks we take to prot ect the ones we love in a world where crisis is always just around the cor ner.\n\nOn September 11\, 2001\, when Molly Fitzgerald was only two months old\, her mother went to an appointment at the World Trade Center and nev er came home. Her father and the stepmother who raised her couldn’t have loved her more\, but she still grew up with a healthy dread of disasters. \n\nNow an adult\, she runs the Rhode Island Department for Emergency Prep aredness\, mapping out ways to save lives during storms\, epidemics\, and airplane crashes. She and her husband\, Jesse—a police polygraph expert with his own history of crisis—have found a love that is a solace in a d angerous world. But then the unexpected upends their new marriage\, leadin g them both to question everything they thought they knew.\n\nMoving betwe en past and present\, Hollow Bones is an epic story of the lies we tell ourselves as we write the narratives of our lives\, the plans we design to protect ourselves at the worst moments\, and the ties that bind mothers a nd daughters.\n \n\nJodi Picoult is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twenty-nine novels\, renowned for combining richly drawn charact ers with timely and thought-provoking themes. Her 30th novel\, Hollow Bon es\, will publish on September 15\, 2026. Her books\, including Mad Honey  (co-written with Jennifer Finney Boylan)\, Wish You Were Here\, The Boo k of Two Ways\, A Spark of Light\, Small Great Things\, Leaving Time\, an d My Sister’s Keeper\, have been translated widely and have reached mi llions of readers around the world. She has also co-authored two young adu lt novels\, Between the Lines and Off the Page\, with her daughter Sam antha van Leer.\n\nPicoult’s work is celebrated not only for its emotion al depth and meticulous research but also for tackling complex moral and e thical issues with nuance and compassion. Whether writing about reproducti ve rights\, racism\, school shootings\, or end-of-life choices\, she invit es readers into intimate\, often controversial spaces that challenge assum ptions and spark conversation.\n\n\nIn addition to her literary achievemen ts\, Picoult is a passionate and vocal advocate for intellectual freedom a nd the freedom to read. She has emerged as one of our nation’s most outs poken opponents of book banning\, working with organizations such as PEN A merica and Unite Against Book Bans to defend the right to read. Her essays and speeches on the subject have resonated with educators\, librarians\, and readers nationwide. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKali White VanBaale will join Jodi as moderator for this event. She is the award-winning author of the n ovels The Monsters We Make\, The Good Divide\, and The Space Between. Sh e also writes and publishes short stories\, personal essays\, and articles . \n​Kali is the managing editor-at-large of the nonfiction literary jou rnal and anthology Past Ten  and is a core faculty member in the Linden wood University MFA in Writing Program where she was named adjunct profess or of the year.  \nShe lives in Iowa with her family and is a 2025 Iowa A uthor Award recipient. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nNOTE:  This event will be held in th e Franklin Center’s Large Auditorium located on the northwest corner of the venue.  Doors will open at 5:30 pm.  Free parking is available on th e north\, west\, and south parking lots.  All books will be pre-signed.  Additional copies will be available for purchase from Beaverdale Books.  A professional photographer will arrange for photos.  Full refunds must be requested 48 hours prior to the event.  Handicapped access is availabl e.  If unable to attend\, ticketed attendees may arrange to pick up their signed copy at Beaverdale Books the week FOLLOWING the event. LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T230230Z LOCATION:Franklin Event Center\, 4801 Franklin Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/9-23-meet-the-author-jodi-picoult/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:09-24 | Meet the Author - Jaime Zollars DTSTART:20260924T213000Z DTEND:20260924T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260730T230230Z UID:15396-1790267400-1790272800@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Simon is comfortable in his quiet house\, surrounded by famili ar sounds\, smells\, and sights. Outside is another story. Outside\, he imagines all the awful maybes that could be lurking in the unknown: Bullie s! Rattlesnakes! Martians! But when Simon is forced to venture from his ho me\, he sees that not everything is quite what he expected. If the worst t hing ever is out there waiting for him\, maybe the best thing ever is\, to o? \nIn this richly illustrated story about expectations and embracing new experiences\, Jaime Zollars offers young readers a way to explore feeling s of uncertainty—and reminds them that what if? is a question with man y happy answers. \nJaime Zollars creates picture books for curious readers . Through the conversation between words and pictures\, her stories invite children to look twice\, question first impressions\, and discover new la yers with every reading. Using visual metaphor\, humor\, and imagination\, Jaime explores courage\, uncertainty\, and the small shifts in perspectiv e that help us better understand ourselves and one another. She is the aut hor and illustrator of the Little\, Brown picture books The Truth About Dr agons and Maybe Monsters. A former illustration professor at the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)\, Jaime enjoys sharing the creative proces s with young readers and encouraging them to tell stories that only they c an tell. LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T230230Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/09-24-meet-the-author-jaime-zollars/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club DTSTART:20260924T220000Z DTEND:20260924T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260819T182553Z UID:19307-1790269200-1790272800@iowalibrary.blog CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Special request\, the Teen Book Club is back\, now we have add ed Tween Book Club to the mix! Your time to connect with other teens/tween s through Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club\, a welcoming and accessib le space to explore stories\, share perspectives\, and be creative! \n\nEa ch month features a unique theme\, a highlighted book title (with accessib le formats available)\, and an optional activity to inspire discussion and connection.\nParticipants can engage at their own pace and comfort level —perfect for casual readers and book lovers alike!\nReceive a Book List that will showcase each monthly Book of the Month!\n\nThursdays from 5:00- 6:00 PM “Exciting activities\, awesome reading all in a club that goes Beyond the Books!” LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T182553Z LOCATION:Online Event URL:https://iowalibrary.blog/event/beyond-the-book-teen-tween-book-club-2/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Iowa Library for the Blind X-SOURCE-URL:https://iowalibrary.blog/event/makerspace-monday-night-worksh op-sparkling-suncatchers-mug-cakes-and-literary-delights END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:An Evening with Harry Smith: His Reflections on America at 250 DTSTART:20260924T223000Z DTEND:20260925T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260827T000331Z UID:0-9744@star1025.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:We’re delighted to invite you to share an evening with one o f America’s most compelling storytellers. Acclaimed journalist and story teller Harry Smith will narrate American Mosaic at our Season Debut in September\, and he’s joining us for an exclusive dinner and conversation on Thursday\, September 24. Over dinner\, Harry will share his reflection s on America at 250 years\, offering his unique perspective on the people\ , moments and stories that have shaped our nation. Then\, on September 26 and 27\, experience his extraordinary gift for storytelling on stage as he narrates the complete American Mosaic\, a powerful musical celebration of America’s 250th birthday. LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T000331Z LOCATION:Walnut on Grand\, 6011 Grand Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50309\, U nited States URL:https://star1025.com/events/an-evening-with-harry-smith-his-reflection s-on-america-at-250/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Western Gateway Park X-SOURCE-URL:https://star1025.com/locations/western-gateway-park END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Books for Breakfast: Non-fiction book club DTSTART:20260925T143000Z DTEND:20260925T153000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T062103Z UID:tag:localist.com\,2008:EventInstance_53851154484443 CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:All faculty and staff are invited to join Drake's non-fiction book club\, Books for Breakfast\, as we read Zena Hitz's "Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life" (Princeton U. Press) this f all. \n\nOur first meeting will be Friday\, September 25 at 9:30am in the Howard Hall Faculty Lounge (Room 212) - no prior reading necessary\, this meeting is to pick up your copies of the text and meet your fellow readers . Coffee\, tea\, and a light breakfast will be available. \n\nMessage Bret Sikkink (bret.sikkink@drake.edu) in the Center for Teaching & Learning to reserve a physical copy of the text. Cowles Library also has a digital co py for no cost. LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T062103Z LOCATION:Howard Hall\, Faculty Lounge Room 212 URL:https://calendar.drake.edu/event/books-for-breakfast-non-fiction-book- club X-SOURCE-NAME:Drake University Calendar Calendar X-SOURCE-URL:https://calendar.drake.edu END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:09-25 | Meet the Author - John Henkels DTSTART:20260925T233000Z DTEND:20260926T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260730T230230Z UID:15358-1790361000-1790366400@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:In an alternate post–Civil War America\, Naomi\, a formerly enslaved woman of extraordinary intellect\, beauty\, and spiritual streng th\, inherits her white father’s vast Alabama plantation. The inheritanc e ignites fury in her embittered white half‑brother\, who believes the l and—and its power—should have been his. Stripped of privilege and desp erate for revenge\, he aligns himself with the newly formed Ku Klux Klan t o seize the plantation by force.  But Naomi is not alone. \nSam\, a forme r Marine and Special Operations soldier from the 2030s\, is sent back in t ime through a mysterious portal by Hope\, a divine messenger with a singu lar command: stop evil at its root. Armed with modern knowledge\, advanced combat skills\, and a fierce moral code\, Sam becomes Naomi’s protector and ally. Together\, they unite a small but determined band of formerly e nslaved men and women\, transforming the plantation into a fortress of res istance and hope.  As violent threats escalate\, Naomi’s leadership res hapes the balance of power. Each hard‑won victory strengthens her reputa tion\, sparking whispers that she may be more than a landowner—perhaps a prophet. Her influence soon reaches the Governor of Alabama and even Pre sident Abraham Lincoln\, who\, in this reimagined history\, survives an as sassination attempt. When Lincoln visits the plantation\, Naomi delivers a radical vision of equality—not only for Black Americans\, but for all w omen as well. When Lincoln warns that she asks for too much\, Naomi replie s\, “Mr. President\, too much has been taken.”\nHer words ignite a mo vement whose consequences stretch far beyond her lifetime. \nAt the heart of this transformation is the deep and improbable bond between Naomi and S am. In a quiet meadow far from violence and politics\, they share their st ories—the scars of slavery\, war\, orphanhood\, and loss. What begins as shared survival grows into a love that defies time itself\, bridging cent uries\, two worlds\, and the fragile hope of a new America. This is a swee ping\, genre‑bending novel of historical revision\, time travel\, faith\ , resistance\, and love—where justice is reclaimed\, destinies are rewri tten\, and one woman’s courage changes the future of a nation. \nJohn He nkels\, author of The Alabama Prophet\, wrote one previous book\, Samuel ’s Mission\, A Story of Extravagant Love\, (Artistic Endeavors Publishin g). It took great family tragedy for John\, a lifetime civil engineer\, to discover his passion for writing. Samuel’s Mission delivered not only h ealing but brought forth the awareness of the extravagant love that has bl essed his life. The father of three sons\nand\, of over thirty-years\, the adoring husband of Suzanne with her 1000-watt smile\, character\, intelli gence and passion for fun. After raising their family in the Cleveland\, O hio area\, John and Suzanne now reside in South Carolina near Hilton Head Island. John’s roots\, however\, remain planted in Central Iowa and arou nd the campus of Iowa State University. LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T230230Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/09-25-meet-the-author-john-henkels/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Botany Book Club DTSTART:20260928T223000Z DTEND:20260929T000000Z DTSTAMP:20260901T183155Z UID:10000619-1790616600-1790622000@dmbotanicalgarden.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Join our monthly book club nestled in the beauty of the Botani cal Garden. Enjoy refreshments and discussions about the latest read “W ild Chocolate: Across the Americas in Search Cacao’s Soul” by Rowan Ja cobsen. Registration includes meetings and refreshments (books not includ ed). Pre-registration required. Ages 12+. \n$12 Members | $15 Nonmembers \ nRegister Here LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T183155Z LOCATION:Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden\, 909 Robert D. Ray Dr\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50309 URL:https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/event/botany-book-club-9-28/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden X-SOURCE-URL:https://dmbotanicalgarden.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club DTSTART:20261001T220000Z DTEND:20261001T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260819T182553Z UID:19310-1790874000-1790877600@iowalibrary.blog CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Special request\, the Teen Book Club is back\, now we have add ed Tween Book Club to the mix! Your time to connect with other teens/tween s through Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club\, a welcoming and accessib le space to explore stories\, share perspectives\, and be creative! \n\nEa ch month features a unique theme\, a highlighted book title (with accessib le formats available)\, and an optional activity to inspire discussion and connection.\nParticipants can engage at their own pace and comfort level —perfect for casual readers and book lovers alike!\nReceive a Book List that will showcase each monthly Book of the Month!\n\nThursdays from 5:00- 6:00 PM “Exciting activities\, awesome reading all in a club that goes Beyond the Books!” LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T182553Z LOCATION:Online Event URL:https://iowalibrary.blog/event/beyond-the-book-teen-tween-book-club-3/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Iowa Library for the Blind X-SOURCE-URL:https://iowalibrary.blog/event/makerspace-monday-night-worksh op-sparkling-suncatchers-mug-cakes-and-literary-delights END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:10-01 | Meet the Author - Warren Haddock DTSTART:20261001T233000Z DTEND:20261002T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260821T180604Z UID:15625-1790879400-1790884800@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Least of These: An Archie Drexel Mystery #4 \nWhen a megachurc h on the outskirts of Winddale ignores the “thou shalt not kill” comma ndment\, the guys are thrust into a world where nothing and nobody are as they appear on the surface. Add in a meddling state senator\, three pastor s all named Phil\, tampered autopsies\, and a rogue motorcycle\, and this double murder will take more than just “thoughts and prayers” to solve . \nVirtually Any Man: An Archie Drexel Mystery #3 \n“Work is literally killing me!”  In Archie’s case\, the saying hits too close to home af ter a return-to-office order ruins the comfort of working remotely and put s him in the thick of his two least favorite things: cubicles and other hu mans. While Xander is busy fan-boying over a work-hating poet\, one of Arc hie’s coworkers is murdered during a late night at the office. Now Archi e\, Ted\, and Xander must battle their own workplace pasts\, inner demons\ , and imposter syndrome to figure out who’s a murderer versus who is jus t generally dislikeable. \nThe Archie Drexel Mystery series will have you turning pages to see what comes next\, all while wondering if Warren Haddo ck has been spying on you and your “normal\, every-day” life for inspi ration. These new releases follow previous stories\, Life After Death and Source of Truth\, featuring Archie Drexel\, a freshly minted widower. As he ponders his new uncertainty\, the last thing he expects is to become pa rt of a suburbanite “murder club.” \nWarren Haddock was raised in the Des Moines metro and still chooses to live there with his wife and two dog s. He has written business books under his alter ego as well as worked in the IT arena most of his career (surviving it with his sanity and sense of humor intact). Since he’s not allowed to kill people in real life\, he ’s chosen to bump them off in his Archie Drexel mystery novels. LAST-MODIFIED:20260821T180604Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/meet-the-author-warren-haddock-2026/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:10-02 | DMPL Fall Author Series - William Kent Krueger DTSTART:20261002T233000Z DTEND:20261003T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260823T001714Z UID:15389-1790965800-1790971200@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Des Moines Public Library continues its Fall Author Series with William Kent Krueger\, the New York Times bestselling author of Th e River We Remember\, with a new mystery in the wildly popular Cork O’Co nnor series. \nCork O’Connor\, preparing for a family trip into the Boun dary Waters\, is troubled by ominous visions about his future. Ignoring th e warnings\, he uncovers signs of violence while searching for his missing friend\, Cordell Bishop. Soon\, he is forced to negotiate with dangerous criminals\, the Kennedy brothers\, who are seeking their late father’s h idden stash. \nFacing escalating danger and difficult choices\, Cork grapp les with his darkest instincts as he helps others escape and eventually ta kes justice into his own hands. God’s Country is an action-packed thri ll ride that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. \n\n\nRaised in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon\, William Kent Krueger briefly attended S tanford University—before being kicked out for radical activities. After that\, he logged timber\, worked construction\, tried his hand at freelan ce journalism\, and eventually ended up researching child development at t he University of Minnesota. He currently makes his living as a full-time a uthor. He’s been married for over 40 years to a marvelous woman who is a n attorney. He makes his home in St. Paul\, a city he dearly loves. \nKrue ger writes a mystery series set in the north woods of Minnesota. His prota gonist is Cork O’Connor\, the former sheriff of Tamarack County and a ma n of mixed heritage—part Irish and part Ojibwe. His work has received a number of awards\, including the Minnesota Book Award\, the Loft-McKnight Fiction Award\, the Anthony Award\, the Barry Award\, the Dilys Award\, an d the Friends of American Writers Prize. His last five novels were all New York Times bestsellers. \nOrdinary Grace\, his stand-alone novel publishe d in 2013\, received the Edgar Award\, given by the Mystery Writers of Ame rica in recognition for the best novel published in that year. \n\nBeaverd ale Books is proud to partner with the Des Moines Public Library and its F all Author Series for this event. Books will be available for sale and sig ning. \nMore information can be found at Fall Author Series: William Kent Krueger | Des Moines Public Library LAST-MODIFIED:20260823T001714Z LOCATION:Central Library\, 1000 Grand\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50309\, United S tates URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/10-02-dmpl-fall-author-series-willia m-kent-krueger/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:10-04 | Meet the Author - Keri Mangis DTSTART:20261004T190000Z DTEND:20261004T210000Z DTSTAMP:20260904T181807Z UID:15761-1791122400-1791129600@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Living at the intersection of philosophy\, spirituality\, and culture\, The Essential Ingredient: Remaking Ourselves in Times of Crisis is a frank conversation with the reader about what we have to change withi n ourselves in order to be ready to change the world. Drawn from insights gleaned from the ancient art of alchemy as well as some of the wisest thin kers of history and today\, The Essential Ingredient isn’t about magic a s most people understand it. Instead\, it’s a meditation on the transfor mative power available when we open ourselves to the full spectrum of life ’s possibilities. \nKeri Mangis is a TEDx speaker and multi-award-winnin g author whose work stands at the crossroads of culture\, consciousness\, and transformation. She challenges the status quo with a clear\, courageou s voice\, calling us to move beyond platitudes and into the deeper work of remaking ourselves in times of crisis. \nWith over twenty years of study in yoga\, Ayurveda\, alchemy\, Jungian psychology\, and archetypes\, Keri brings depth\, nuance\, and urgency to the cultural conversation. \nJoin K eri for this talk\, Q&A\, and signing for The Essential Ingredient: Remaki ng Ourselves in Times of Crisis. LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T181807Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/10-04-meet-the-author-keri-mangis/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:10-05 | Meet the Author - Deborah Svec-Carstens DTSTART:20261005T233000Z DTEND:20261006T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260808T002623Z UID:15453-1791225000-1791230400@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:At twenty-two\, Deborah Svec-Carstens leaves small-town Iowa f or Paris\, hoping a year abroad will bring adventure\, independence\, and a fresh start. But just as she begins to feel at home\, a morning run ends in sexual assault. Every instinct tells her to leave. Instead\, she choos es to stay. As the months pass\, Deborah leans on an unexpected community of friends\, wrestles with questions of faith\, and finds purpose in carin g for Lily\, the young girl entrusted to her care. Slowly\, she discovers that healing is not a destination\, but a path taken one step at a time. S et against the cafés\, parks\, and neighborhoods of Paris\, Toward the Li ght is a coming-of-age memoir of trauma\, resilience\, and the courage of simply staying. \nDeborah Svec-Carstens\, JD\, MTS\, is a writer\, book co ach\, and spiritual director. Her writing has appeared or is forthcoming i n bioStories\, the Brevity blog\, Ember & Vine Nonfiction Anthology\, and This Is Not Your Mother’s Eating Disorder: An Anthology. Her work has re ceived recognition from Writer’s Digest\, WOW! Women on Writing\, and Me moir Magazine. In 2024\, she shared her story before an audience of more t han 1\,200 people as part of the Des Moines Storytellers Project. Deborah writes The Spiral Staircase on Substack and offers workshops and presentat ions. She lives in Central Iowa with her spouse\, where she writes and acc ompanies others in their journeys of healing and story. Toward the Light i s her first book. \n\n\nDebra Landwehr Engle will moderate the discussion.   A Des Moines native\, Debra is the bestselling author of The Only Litt le Prayer You Need\, Let Your Spirit Guides Speak\, and Twenty. She als o is the executive director of Story Summit Writer’s School\, mentoring writers around the world from her home in Madison County\, Iowa. LAST-MODIFIED:20260808T002623Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/meet-the-author-deborah-svec-carsten s/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club DTSTART:20261008T220000Z DTEND:20261008T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260819T182553Z UID:19313-1791478800-1791482400@iowalibrary.blog CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Special request\, the Teen Book Club is back\, now we have add ed Tween Book Club to the mix! Your time to connect with other teens/tween s through Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club\, a welcoming and accessib le space to explore stories\, share perspectives\, and be creative! \n\nEa ch month features a unique theme\, a highlighted book title (with accessib le formats available)\, and an optional activity to inspire discussion and connection.\nParticipants can engage at their own pace and comfort level —perfect for casual readers and book lovers alike!\nReceive a Book List that will showcase each monthly Book of the Month!\n\nThursdays from 5:00- 6:00 PM “Exciting activities\, awesome reading all in a club that goes Beyond the Books!” LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T182553Z LOCATION:Online Event URL:https://iowalibrary.blog/event/beyond-the-book-teen-tween-book-club-4/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Iowa Library for the Blind X-SOURCE-URL:https://iowalibrary.blog/event/makerspace-monday-night-worksh op-sparkling-suncatchers-mug-cakes-and-literary-delights END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Open Mic Poetry Night DTSTART:20261010T000000Z DTEND:20261010T013000Z DTSTAMP:20260730T230230Z UID:15500-1791572400-1791577800@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary,music DESCRIPTION:Do you love to write poetry?  Or read poetry?  If so\, grab a friend and head to Beaverdale Books for a free\, fun\, and informal even ing of open mic poetry\, emceed by Iowa poet Kelsey Bigelow. \n\nKelsey Bi gelow is a spoken word and page poet based in Des Moines. In her work\, sh e molds incredibly specific emotions into something human\, digestible\, a nd cathartic. She is the author of Far from Broken\, a chapbook\, Sprig of Lilac\, of a spoken word album\, Depression Holders and Secret Keepers. Her work is published in or forthcoming with Central Avenue Publishing\ , Pile Press\, Lyrical Iowa\, Backchannels Journal\, Spirit Lake Review\ , and elsewhere\, and she is a 2024 Pushcart Prize nominee. She’s the fo under and leader of the Des Moines Poetry Workshop\, the chair for the Iow a Poetry Association Poetry Slam\, the co-tournament director for the Blac kBerry Peach National Poetry Slam\, and more. \n\nThis event is cosponsore d by Beaverdale Books and Poetry Palooza. LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T230230Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/open-mic-poetry-night-october-2027/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:10-12 | Meet the Author - Hannah Soyer DTSTART:20261012T233000Z DTEND:20261013T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260824T181827Z UID:15619-1791829800-1791835200@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:At eight years old\, Hannah Soyer had no choice but to undergo an intensive spinal fusion surgery\, in order to keep her lungs from even tually collapsing. Fourteen years later\, she chose another treatment for her neuromuscular condition: regular drug injections into her spinal fluid . But what does “choice” really mean\, and how much weight do our choi ces hold? \nNamed by Ms. magazine as one of their most anticipated femin ist books of 2026\,  Dreams in Which I Am Almost Human confronts and comm unes with bodily autonomy\, medical and sexual consent\, traveling abroad in a wheelchair\, caregiving and caretaking\, appreciating the natural wor ld\, family history\, bedtime stories\, fantastical creatures\, Irish poet ry\, and the limits and wonders of language and love. A bold collection of genre-bending essays\, this memoir is an investigation into what our word s and we are capable of\, as we yearn to make sense of our relationships t o ourselves\, each other\, and the worlds we inhabit. \nHannah Soyer is a queer disabled writer whose work explores the meaning we make through atyp ical embodiment\, and how the arts—in particular storytelling—can be b eautiful acts of survival\, resistance\, and community building. \nShe has written for nationally acclaimed publications such as The Sun Magazine\, Bustle\, and Cosmopolitan and is the editor of The Ending Hasn’t Happene d Yet: An Anthology of Disability Poetics from Sable Books (2022). Her cha pbook\, For When the Shapes Keep Changing\, won the 2021 Nonfiction OutWri te Chapbook Competition. Dreams in Which I’m Almost Human (Red Hen Press \, 2026) is her debut full-length book. \nMost importantly\, Hannah also h appens to be a cat and chocolate enthusiast. \nPraise for Dreams in Which I’m Almost Human: \n\n“Soyer’s beautiful debut is essential reading for anyone trying to understand how\, why\, and through what means we cons truct ourselves.”  — Cyrus Dunham\, author of A Year Without a Name \ n“Dreams in Which I’m Almost Human generously and whimsically offers a timely examination of life—rich\, complicated life—in a vulnerable bo dy.”  — Rebekah Taussig\, bestselling author of Sitting Pretty LAST-MODIFIED:20260824T181827Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/10-12-meet-the-author-hannah-soyer/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:10-14 | Meet the Author - Annastacia Stegall DTSTART:20261014T233000Z DTEND:20261015T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260730T230230Z UID:14398-1792002600-1792008000@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:A memoir spanning lyric essay\, childhood games\, assemblage\, and traditional poetic form\, Tears\, Bra\, and All tells a story of re fashioning.  \nHow is memory a material? Can something deemed trash be me aningful and made anew?  The book opens with a stalking. The constant rat tle of a doorknob haunts Annastacia Stegall as she tries to move on after her university’s failure — and refusal — to protect her. Stegall rec onfigures this memory\, its aftermath\, and other violences into new forms for readers to write on\, cut\, fold\, and play with. Poems materialize a s cootie catchers\, games of M.A.S.H.\, and more as she revisits past even ts with a louder\nvoice. \nShe adds this voice to a chorus in the book’s final section\, documenting the sewing of a corset from other people’s trash that invokes the found-object art and history of Baroness Elsa von F reytag-Loringhoven. Stegall’s writing vibrates with rage and lingers in patches of sunlight. It summons ancient tragedies\, converses with avant-g arde artists and poets\, and takes careful note of outfits. Tears\, Bra\, and All is an extraordinary work of autobiographical collage that gives re aders a participatory role — and “trash” a more expansive meaning. \ nAnnastacia Stegall is a past resident of Des Moines\, Iowa\, who currentl y teaches English composition at Gonzaga University in Spokane\, Washingto n. The last time she read at Beaverdale Books was in 2018 as part of Des M oines Area Community College’s literary Magazine\, Expressions\, reading . Since then\, her work has been published in Literary Cleavland’s Gord on Square Review\, Querencia Press\, and Peatsmoke Journal\, among other s. When she isn’t writing\, sewing\, or making stained glass art\, she c an be found cuddled up next to her chartreuse-tiled fireplace with her fei sty cat\, Roscoe. Follow her on Instagram and Facebook @annastacia_stegall .\n\nBJ Soloy will join Annastacia in conversation.  He is the author of Birth Center in Corporate Woods (Black Lawrence Press\, 2025)\, Our Pornog raphy & other disaster songs (selected by Ocean Vuong as winner of the Slo pe Editions Book Prize\, 2019)\, and Selected Letters\, a chapbook out wit h New Michigan Press (2016). With recent work in places like Sixth Finch\, At Length\, and Painted Bride Quarterly\, BJ teaches at DMACC and a women ’s prison while weeping daily into the news’s dirty hair. LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T230230Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/meet-the-author-annastacia-stegall/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club DTSTART:20261015T220000Z DTEND:20261015T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260819T182553Z UID:19316-1792083600-1792087200@iowalibrary.blog CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Special request\, the Teen Book Club is back\, now we have add ed Tween Book Club to the mix! Your time to connect with other teens/tween s through Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club\, a welcoming and accessib le space to explore stories\, share perspectives\, and be creative! \n\nEa ch month features a unique theme\, a highlighted book title (with accessib le formats available)\, and an optional activity to inspire discussion and connection.\nParticipants can engage at their own pace and comfort level —perfect for casual readers and book lovers alike!\nReceive a Book List that will showcase each monthly Book of the Month!\n\nThursdays from 5:00- 6:00 PM “Exciting activities\, awesome reading all in a club that goes Beyond the Books!” LAST-MODIFIED:20260819T182553Z LOCATION:Online Event URL:https://iowalibrary.blog/event/beyond-the-book-teen-tween-book-club-5/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Iowa Library for the Blind X-SOURCE-URL:https://iowalibrary.blog/event/makerspace-monday-night-worksh op-sparkling-suncatchers-mug-cakes-and-literary-delights END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:10-16 | Meet the Author - Josef Benson DTSTART:20261016T233000Z DTEND:20261017T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260730T230230Z UID:15384-1792175400-1792180800@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:In 1988\, a thirteen-year-old girl named Meko arrived in Milwa ukee as a refugee from Thailand. Not long after\, she met Jeffrey Dahmer —the notorious serial killer and sex offender who\, between 1978 and 199 1\, murdered and dismembered at least seventeen men and boys. Over the cou rse of three years\, Meko\, along with Laotian victim Konerak Sinthasompho ne\, developed an unlikely and disturbing friendship with Dahmer\, offerin g a rare\, firsthand perspective on one of America’s most infamous crimi nals. Based on author Josef Benson’s interviews with Meko\, Infinity Lan d: The Untold Story of Jeffrey Dahmer presents exclusive\, never-before-re vealed information that radically reshapes our understanding of Dahmer\, h is crimes\, and the city that enabled them. \n Josef Benson is a professor of Literatures and Languages at the University of Wisconsin Parkside wher e he offers courses in contemporary literature\, African American literatu re\, poetry writing\, fiction writing\, and composition. He is the author of several books\, including\, most recently\, Infinity Land: The Untold S tory of Jeffrey Dahmer (University Press of Mississippi 2026) and Bandits\ , Misfits\, and Superheroes: Whiteness and Its Borderlands in American Com ics and Graphic Novels (University Press of Mississippi 2022) for which he and co-author Doug Singsen were nominated for the prestigious Will Eisner Comics Industry Award. He holds creative writing degrees from Missouri St ate University and the University of South Florida as well as a Ph.D. in l iterature also from the University of South Florida. For more information\ , visit josefbenson.com. LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T230230Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/10-16-meet-the-author-josef-benson/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:10-19 | Meet the Authors - Tom Lin & Bonnie Jo Campbell DTSTART:20261019T233000Z DTEND:20261020T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260806T003139Z UID:14966-1792434600-1792440000@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Babylon\, South Dakota \nFrom the author of the Carnegie Medal in Fiction winner The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu comes a tantalizing\, American West saga about a Chinese American family trying to survive on th eir Dakota farm as a powerful\, mysterious\, and morally dubious military secret shapes their lives. \nWhen Saul Keng Hsiu and his wife\, Mei Lee\, move from China to the United States to take possession of a 160-acre home stead bequeathed to them by a distant relative\, all they have are the pos sessions on their back\, some hidden gold\, and a pocketful of chrysanthem um seeds. After a rocky start and a long\, harsh winter\, the couple find themselves successfully raising chrysanthemums and livestock\, and soon af ter\, a daughter\, Mara. \nBut when representatives from the US Army Corps of Engineers buy an acre of the Hsiu’s farmland and begin building a mi ssile silo\, the inexplicable starts to Mara can commune with the animals on the farm\, Mei develops a hidden talent for augury\, and the chrysanthe mums become impervious to everything. When the Hsius learn that the proje ct on their farm is an effort to make America’s nuclear deterrent invuln erable\, they see firsthand the long arm of power and empire. \nIn the yea rs and generations that follow\, increasingly impacted by the silo and its residue\, the Hsius experience strange\, wondrous\, and tragic events on their farm. An ambitious epic and an ode to the beauty and glory of our co nnection to the natural world\, Babylon\, South Dakota upends the idea of “strangers in a strange land” to become a classic American story. It is a daring novel about how choices reverberate across generations and ask s us what we owe to one another. \nTom Lin was born in Beijing and lives i n Iowa City with his partner\, Pia\, their cat\, and their dog. His first novel\, The Thousand Crimes of Ming Tsu\, won the 2022 Andrew Carnegie Med al for Excellence in Fiction\; he is its youngest winner. He studies how p opular culture participates in the shaping of technologies\, with particul ar interest in the relation between science fiction and nuclear weapons. H e teaches English and creative writing at the University of Iowa. \n\n\n\n \n\n\nThe Spirits\nThe best-selling author of The Waters (a Read with Je nna Book Club Pick) returns with a tale of love\, transgression\, and the miraculous healing power of the holiday table.Bonnie Jo Campbell\, a maste r of rural American fiction\, brings us a hair-raising winter tale to warm us by the fireside. In this contemporary Christmas Carol\, Campbell has created a gritty\, spooky\, and ultimately heartening holiday story that u nfolds in an isolated farmhouse. It is the night before Christmas in a sma ll town in Michigan\, and a young woman is haunted by her father’s death . She has been silently penitent for nine years\, but her guilt and grief have estranged her from her community and her family. She has taken refuge in the natural world of the plants and trees she tends\, but on this anni versary of the tragedy\, the supernatural landscape is rattling its chains .When a surprise guest appears at the (dreaded) Christmas Eve dinner\, the family begins to open up and reveal dangerous secrets and crimes nobody i s willing to face. Within this darkest chaos\, a sliver of light appears\, showing a way to reclaim communion and even a sense of humor. While redem ption is never easy or wholesale\, the story that a family creates togethe r can heal wounds.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBonnie Jo Campbell is the author of the National Book Award finalist American Salvage\, Women & Other Animal s\, and the novels Q Road and Once Upon a River. She is the winner of a Pushcart Prize\, the AWP Award for Short Fiction\, and Southern Review’ s 2008 Eudora Welty Prize for “The Inventor\, 1972\,” which is include d in American Salvage. Her work has appeared in Southern Review\, Kenyon Review\, and Ontario Review. She lives in Kalamazoo\, Michigan\, where she studies kobudo\, the art of Okinawan weapons\, and hangs out with her two donkeys\, Jack and Don Quixote.\n\n\n\n\n  \nMarc Dickinson will moderat e this event.  He is the author of the short story collection\, Replaceme nt Parts.  His stories have appeared in Shenandoah\, Cream City Review\, North American Review\, Greensboro Review\, Chattahoochee Review\, Beloit Fiction Journal\, South Dakota Review\, American Literary Review (as winne r of the ALR Fiction Prize)\, as well as other journals. He lives in Iowa with his wife and two children\, where he teaches creative writing at Des Moines Area Community College and coordinates the long-running reading ser ies\, Celebration of the Literary Arts. LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T003139Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/meet-the-author-tom-lin-bonnie-jo-ca mpbell/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:10-20 | Meet the Author - Ken Chester DTSTART:20261020T233000Z DTEND:20261021T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260904T002254Z UID:15755-1792521000-1792526400@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:You’ve had the idea for years. Maybe it’s a side hustle. M aybe it’s a small business only you could build. Maybe it doesn’t even have a name yet — just a quiet certainty that you’re meant to build s omething of your own.  And every year it stays in your head. Not on paper . Not in the world. Not earning a dime. \nIt isn’t because you’re lazy . It’s because you’re already running at capacity. A full-time job. Ki ds who need dinner\, homework help\, and someone awake at 6 a.m. A partner \, a household\, a calendar that looks like a brick wall. By the time the day finally exhales\, you have just enough left to scroll\, not start.  T he shelf is full of books telling you to find more time. This is the one t hat says you don’t need any more — just two hours\, every week\, used inside a system that actually builds something. \nTwo-Hour Entrepreneur is not a productivity book and not a motivational title. It is a step-by-ste p framework for taking one idea out of your head and turning it into a rea l business with paying customers — in the hours you already have.  Ken Chester wrote it as an operator\, not a coach. His first company — a syn dicated automotive news service — grew to 200 million weekly readers whi le he held a full-time accounting job and commuted 130 miles a day. His se cond\, TechMobility Productions\, now reaches 12 million listeners across 40 markets. He raised three children through it. No investors. No trust fu nd. Just two hours a week\, applied with consistency — and a refusal to let “not enough time” end the story. \nThis book is the exact system h e used\, taught plainly\, in the order you actually need it.  Two focused hours a week is 104 hours a year — more than two and a half full work w eeks of real progress. That’s enough to validate your business concept\, build a real offer\, talk to actual customers\, and earn your first five paying ones. Most aspiring entrepreneurs never invest that much over their entire lifetime. They sprint on a Saturday\, stall on Monday\, and carry an unstarted idea for the next decade.  You don’t have to. \nKen Cheste r has spent more than 35 years building businesses from scratch — almost always in the margins of an already-full life.  He founded his first com pany\, The AutoBuyer Plus Corporation\, in 1989 while working a full-time job and commuting more than 100 miles a day. In 1997 he launched Motor New s Media Corporation\, a nationally syndicated automotive news service that grew to reach approximately 200 million readers a week — all while stil l holding down a day job 130 miles from home. After the 2008 recession for ced him to rebuild\, he went on to found TechMobility Productions\, a synd icated radio and podcast network now heard by more than 12 million listene rs across 50 markets. The thread running through all of it: you don’t ne ed unlimited time\, money\, or connections to build something real. You ne ed a system — and the discipline to use the hours you actually have. \nT hat conviction became his first book\, Two-Hour Entrepreneur: Build a Real Business in Two Hours a Week — a step-by-step system for people who are already at capacity but can’t shake the idea stuck in their head.  Ken lives in Iowa. When he isn’t building something of his own\, he’s hel ping other people start. LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T002254Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/10-20-meet-the-author-ken-chester/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club DTSTART:20261022T220000Z DTEND:20261022T230000Z DTSTAMP:20260827T002459Z UID:19319-1792688400-1792692000@iowalibrary.blog CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Special request\, the Teen Book Club is back\, now we have add ed Tween Book Club to the mix! Your time to connect with other teens/tween s through Beyond the Book: Teen/Tween Book Club\, a welcoming and accessib le space to explore stories\, share perspectives\, and be creative! \n\nEa ch month features a unique theme\, a highlighted book title (with accessib le formats available)\, and an optional activity to inspire discussion and connection.\nParticipants can engage at their own pace and comfort level —perfect for casual readers and book lovers alike!\nReceive a Book List that will showcase each monthly Book of the Month!\n\nThursdays from 5:00- 6:00 PM “Exciting activities\, awesome reading all in a club that goes Beyond the Books!” LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T002459Z LOCATION:Online Event URL:https://iowalibrary.blog/event/beyond-the-book-teen-tween-book-club-6/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Iowa Library for the Blind X-SOURCE-URL:https://iowalibrary.blog/event/makerspace-monday-night-worksh op-sparkling-suncatchers-mug-cakes-and-literary-delights END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:10-22 | Meet the Author - Debra Landwehr Engle DTSTART:20261022T233000Z DTEND:20261023T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260730T230230Z UID:14964-1792693800-1792699200@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Writer’s Miracle Method is a groundbreaking book for wr iters and creatives who struggle with self-doubt\, offering a powerful spi ritual approach to conquering the fears that hold writers back. Rooted in the teachings of A Course in Miracles\, this 30-day program helps writers shift from self-criticism to creative flow\, building habits that empower you to write with confidence\, clarity\, and joy. \nDesigned for writers at any stage\, Debra Engle’s method combines practical exercises\, guide d meditations\, and mindset shifts to help you break through mental barrie rs and unleash your creative potential. With more than four decades of exp erience in publishing and spiritual mentorship\, Debra has crafted a prove n path to help you overcome fear\, embrace your true voice\, and thrive as a writer.\n \nA Des Moines native\, Debra is the bestselling author of  The Only Little Prayer You Need\, Let Your Spirit Guides Speak\, and Twe nty. She also is the executive director of Story Summit Writer’s School \, mentoring writers around the world from her home in Madison County\, Io wa. LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T230230Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/meet-the-author-debra-landwehr-engle / X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:10-26 | Meet the Author - Andy Douglas DTSTART:20261026T233000Z DTEND:20261027T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T001859Z UID:15703-1793039400-1793044800@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Thoughtful conversations these days reveal great anxiety about the multiple crises we humans are facing. Our physical climate is deterio rating\, as evidenced by the increasing frequency of flooding\, wildfires\ , sea level rise\, and species extinction. At the same time\, we face poli tical authoritarianism\, economic instability and public health crises. \n Strength for What Lies Ahead:  Restoring Balance in a Time of Crisis prop oses practical strategies for dealing with challenging times\, individual and social measures that can help us to navigate the dangerous waters ahea d. The book offers tools to restore balance\, create justice\, find peace\ , and cultivate resilience.  It contains chapters on Building Community\, Ecological Action\, Spiritual Practice\, Emotional Resilience\, Relief an d Disaster Planning\, Food Systems\, Economic Democracy and Leadership. Th e book draws on the latest research and reporting on many crisis-related i ssues\, and features interviews with a number of experts. \nAndy Douglas r eceived an MFA in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Iowa\, where h e was the recipient of the Marcus Bach Fellowship for Writing about Religi on and Culture. He has worked as a spiritual director and been active in c ommunity-building and creativity with the Community Sing movement and econ omic justice activism. He also volunteered in a prison choir for seven yea rs\, which informed his second book Redemption Songs. He lives in Iowa Cit y.  This is his fourth book. LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T001859Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/10-26-meet-the-author-andy-douglas/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:10-28 | A Panel of WEIRD Writers DTSTART:20261028T233000Z DTEND:20261029T010000Z DTSTAMP:20260826T002210Z UID:15642-1793212200-1793217600@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Hayseed Press returns with Iowa Weird Vol. 2\, the annual shor t story collection about the unusual and extraordinary legends you can fin d in the state of Iowa.  And those that might find you. \nFifteen Iowa-ba sed writers venture into the dark corners of the Hawkeye State\, where loc al myths\, unexplained phenomena\, haunted houses\, and\nunsettling tales lurk just beyond the familiar. Inside this year’s edition of Iowa Weird are “true” ghost stories\, enduring myths and legends\, and original t ales born from the warped imaginations of Hayseed Press’s contributing w riters.\nStories include:\n• The Flood Creek Train Wreck\n• The St. M ary’s Spirit Lights\n• The geiste ecke of The Amana Colonies\n• Dub uque’s Woman in Black\n• Davenport’s truck-eating bridge\n• The S quirrel Cage Jail of Council Bluffs\n• The Devil of McGregor\nWhether d rawn from local folklore or conjured from darker depths\, these stories re veal an Iowa that is stranger-and weirder-than it appears.\nYou who fear\, continue to fly over. You who dare\, these dark fields lie waiting. \nFou r contributing authors will gather at Beaverdale Books ahead of Halloween to discuss the ghoulish inspirations behind their stories\, including hist orical events that rocked small-town Iowa communities. \n \nHayseed Press co-founder Aaron Narigon holds a Master of Arts in English Language and Li terature from University of Northern Iowa. He is a Professor of English an d has taught at Hawkeye Community College since 2002. Currently Aaron coor dinates Middlemoot\, the Midwest’s premier biennial Tolkien conference\, and is the co-founder of UKL\, the only scholarly journal dedicated to th e work of Ursula K. LeGuin. \n  \n  \n  \nDarcy Maulsby (www.darcymauls by.com) has been a professional writer since 1996. She has written eight n on-fiction books of Iowa history\, which have led her down some strange pa ths into the paranormal. Known as “Iowa’s Storyteller\,” Darcy is a sought-after speaker. She also helps manage her family’s Century Farm ne ar Lake City\, Iowa. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nLauren Riensche is a Cedar Vall ey local and haunted history buff. She shares her passion for history and the supernatural with tourgoers via the Cedar Falls Ghost Tour. Founded by Lauren in 2021\, the Cedar Falls Ghost Tour has not only sold out every y ear but has also brought thousands of tourists from across the country to Cedar Falls. Beyond the tour\, Lauren works in agricultural marketing\, is an active volunteer in many local organizations\, mentors students at her alma mater\, the University of Chicago\, enjoys traveling with her high s chool sweetheart husband\, Luke\, and hiking with her golden retriever. \n   \n  \nMarcea K. Seible is a local historian and professor of English a nd History at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo\, Iowa. She holds a Ph .D. in English Studies from Illinois State University and earned a Graduat e Certificate in Public History from the University of Nebraska-Kearney (U NK) in 2025 and is currently pursuing a master’s in public history from UNK. Much of her writing focuses on local history\, including the history of education in Waterloo. In 2017\, she published a pictorial history of W aterloo’s Allen College through Arcadia Publishing’s Campus History Se ries. In her free time\, she enjoys searching newspaper archives for uniqu e and untold stories about crimes in Iowa. \n  \n  \nYou can follow Hays eed Press on:\nFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=615729079 58134\nInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hayseedpress/ \nJoin The Ragwe ed newsletter on the Hayseed Press website:  www.hayseedpress.com LAST-MODIFIED:20260826T002210Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/10-28-meet-the-authors-weird-writers / X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:11-1 | Meet the Author - Ryan T. Pozzi DTSTART:20261101T203000Z DTEND:20261101T223000Z DTSTAMP:20260730T230230Z UID:14754-1793543400-1793543400@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:The Mess That Made Them is story-driven narrative nonfiction b uilt from case studies of creators who made lasting work while their lives were actively falling apart. Instead of treating “genius” as a person ality trait\, it follows the real pattern: refusal\, containment\, surviva l\, exile\, darkness\, reinvention\, and the stubborn choice to keep makin g things anyway. The book blends cultural history with a personal-essay in timacy and a sharp\, candid voice\, turning famous names into usable stori es for anyone who feels stuck in the messy middle. \nRyan T. Pozzi is a wr iter and essayist whose work interrogates legacy\, myth\, and reputation\, with particular attention to who shapes our understanding of history. His debut\, The Mess That Made Them\, will be released by Bloomsbury on Septe mber 3\, 2026 and is currently available for preorder. His work has been a ccepted by Rattle\, Fjords Review\, Broad River Review\, and Northern New England Review\, among others\, and he was a 2025 Best of the Net nominee. He’s just across the river from Omaha and loves a good bookstore conver sation. \n  \nThis event will be moderated by Kali White VanBaale\, a Des Moines-area creative writing professor and award-winning author of Releas e of Information\, The Monsters We Make\, The Good Divide\, and The Space Between.  She’s the recipient of an American Book Award\, an Independen t Publisher’s silver medal for general fiction\, the Fred Bonnie Memoria l First Novel Award\, the Eric Hoffer Book Award for General Fiction\, an Iowa Arts Council major artist grant\, and the Great River Writer’s Retr eat. Kali holds an MFA in creative writing from Vermont College of Fine Ar ts. She’s a core faculty member in the Lindenwood University MFA in Writ ing Program and regularly teaches writing workshops at various conferences and festivals. In addition to writing and teaching\, Kali is an advocate and state lobbyist for mental healthcare reform. LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T230230Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/meet-the-author-ryan-t-pozzi/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:11-05 | Meet the Author - Christopher Vondracek DTSTART:20261106T003000Z DTEND:20261106T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T181846Z UID:15747-1793903400-1793908800@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Redlin or Rodin: Essays on Midwestern Scenery is a travelogue through a famous duck-and-deer painter’s oeuvre during the 2020 pandemi c\, as the homesick writer and journalist Christopher Vondracek drives fro m Washington D.C. back to Minnesota and South Dakota\, rediscovering aesth etic identity and the regional history of his Upper Midwest homeland.\n\nC hristopher Vondracek is author of the 2022 memoir\, Dancing with Welk: Mus ic\, Memory and Prairie Troubadours and the 2020 poetry collection\, Rat tlesnake Summer. By day\, he is a Washington correspondent for the Minne sota Star Tribune. LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T181846Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/11-05-meet-the-author-christopher-vo ndracek/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:11-09 | Meet the Author - Stephanie Caffrey DTSTART:20261110T003000Z DTEND:20261110T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260903T181846Z UID:15741-1794249000-1794254400@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:After the events in Calico Rock\, Millie Driscoll has taken a leave of absence from the BAU\, going home to the small California coastal town of Sunset Harbor. Her best friend\, Trevor Ford\, is feeling lost wi thout her. While he understands her need for space\, she’s been gone so long\, he’s worried she may not come back at all. However\, right before Christmas\, Trevor gets a phone call from Millie asking him to travel to California to spend the holiday with her and her family. Jumping at the ch ance to spend time with his best friend\, Trevor doesn’t think twice abo ut accepting her invitation\, however\, when he arrives\, he realizes Mill ie wanted him there for more reasons than one. \nSpending the last month i n her hometown was exactly what Millie needed. She was recovering physical ly and mentally over what happened during their last case. However\, when a spree killer begins killing people she’s known her entire life\, she k nows she can’t solve this case on her own. Bringing Trevor into her home comforts Millie in ways she didn’t expect. As they work together to cat ch the person hunting the people of Sunset Harbor\, Millie begins to reali ze maybe her feelings may be evolving into a little bit more for her frien d. But is she ready to open her heart to love again? \nStephanie R. Caffre y is a romantic suspense author who lives with her family in the Des Moine s area. When she’s not working on her books\, she’s a substitute teach er. She is a proud marginalized voice in the Mexican- American community. Besides writing\, she enjoys sewing\, knitting\, and cross stitching. LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T181846Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/11-09-meet-the-author-stephanie-caff rey/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:11/11 | Meet the Author - Lori Erickson DTSTART:20261112T003000Z DTEND:20261112T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260829T181727Z UID:15656-1794421800-1794427200@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Travels with the Muse is a journey into the creative life\, t old through travels to places where art and spirit meet. From the luminous interior of Sagrada Família to the rhythms of the Mississippi Blues Trai l\, from quilting traditions in Nebraska to the turning dance of the whirl ing dervishes in Türkiye\, Lori Erickson explores what happens when we ap proach art not as experts\, but as beginners willing to pay attention. \nA long the way\, she sketches\, listens\, and learns from artists\, musician s\, and craftspeople\, discovering that creativity has less to do with mas tery than with attention. Blending travel writing\, memoir\, spirituality \, and artistic exploration\, Travels with the Muse reflects on the ways creative practice can deepen our experience of both place and the sacred. \n \nLori Erickson is a travel writer who explores the sacred through pla ce\, story\, and experience. Her work focuses on spiritual journeys—both to far-flung destinations and closer to home.  She is the author of Eve ry Step Is Home\, The Soul of the Family Tree\, Near the Exit\, and Hol y Rover. Her articles and essays have appeared in publications including t he Los Angeles Times\, National Geographic Traveler\, Better Homes & Ga rdens\, Travel + Leisure\, and USA Today. \nLori lives in Iowa City\, Io wa\, with her husband\, Bob Sessions\, who frequently serves as her photog rapher on assignments. Together\, they have traveled to dozens of countrie s. They are parents to two adult sons.  She holds a B.A. in English from Luther College and an M.A. in English from the University of Iowa\, and is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers.  Lori leads workshop s and gives presentations on travel\, spirituality\, and writing at venues around the United States. \nIn 2011\, Lori was honored with a bronze mark er on Iowa City’s Literary Walk\, which recognizes authors who have live d and worked in the community. The walk was established after Iowa City wa s named a UNESCO City of Literature in 2008. LAST-MODIFIED:20260829T181727Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/11-11-meet-the-author-lori-erickson/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT SUMMARY:11-13 | Meet the Author - A. Rose DTSTART:20261114T003000Z DTEND:20261114T020000Z DTSTAMP:20260904T061731Z UID:15375-1794594600-1794600000@beaverdalebooks.com CATEGORIES:literary DESCRIPTION:Nick’s writing has always been his escape—until stories he never wrote begin coming true. \nAs fiction and reality collide\, Nick is pulled into a mystery where every answer uncovers another secret. With da nger closing in and the truth slipping further out of reach\, he must unco ver what’s really happening before it’s too late. Nothing but a Speck of Light Left in the Dark is a gripping psychological thriller filled with twists\, deception\, and chilling revelations that will leave you questio ning everything. \nA. Rose is an Iowa-based psychological thriller author with a passion for crafting suspenseful stories that explore trauma\, dece ption\, and the complexities of the human mind. Inspired by true crime\, p sychology\, and unforgettable plot twists\, she enjoys creating characters that challenge readers’ perceptions from beginning to end. Her debut no vel\, Nothing but a Speck of Light Left in the Dark\, is the first install ment in The Light Left Behind Series\, with the highly anticipated second book released in August 2026. When she’s not writing\, A. Rose can often be found attending local author events\, spending time with her family\, or plotting fictional crimes while exploring the places that inspire her n ovels. LAST-MODIFIED:20260904T061731Z LOCATION:Beaverdale Books\, 2629 Beaver Avenue\, Des Moines\, IA\, 50310\, United States URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/11-13-meet-the-author-a-rose/ X-SOURCE-NAME:Beaverdale Books X-SOURCE-URL:https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/poetry-open-mic-night-6 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR