Level Up Your Writing This Summer: Join Our 2025 Summer Writing Workshop Series

Aspiring writers, mark your calendars, our popular Summer Writing Workshop series is back for its third year! Presented in partnership with the Algonquin Area Writers Group, this annual event is a chance to connect with publishing professionals, learn from seasoned authors, and sharpen your writing skills alongside a supportive community.

Whether you're working on your first novel, dreaming of publishing independently, or curious about graphic novels and worldbuilding, there’s a session for you. Workshops are free and open to adults and teens, including high school and college students. You can register for just one session or sign up for the full series, whatever fits your schedule.

2025 Summer Writing Workshop Schedule

All sessions take place Thursdays, 7–8:30 pm at the Harnish Main Library. Registration required, open to all.

  • July 10The Truth About Publishing | Register
    with Bryn Donovan, Berkley Publishing author

  • July 17The Roots of Worldbuilding | Register
    with J. von Tobel, fantasy author

  • July 24Series Publishing as an Indie Author | Register
    with Charli Rahe, romantasy author

  • July 31The Art of Graphic Novels & Comics | Register
    with Art Baltazar, DC Comics author and artist

“Each year, this workshop series grows in popularity, drawing in writers from across the region who are eager to learn from industry professionals,” said Elizabeth Harmon, Library Associate - Adult Services. “We’re excited to continue offering this valuable program and look forward to another engaging and inspiring summer for our community of writers.”

Ready to Register?

Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. Register online or call 847-458-6060 to reserve your spot.

Spice Club – June 2025 – Ginger

Ginger, a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia, is widely known for its spicy, slightly sweet flavor and warming properties. Scientifically known as Zingiber officinale, it has been used for thousands of years in culinary and medicinal traditions around the world. It belongs to the same family as turmeric and cardamom, and is a staple in Asian, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. It’s commonly used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice.

Culinary Uses: Ginger adds bold flavor to stir-fries, soups, curries, and marinades. It’s also popular in baking, pairing well with cinnamon and cloves in cookies, cakes, and muffins. Ginger appears in tea, ginger ale, and cocktails, and is enjoyed pickled with sushi, or candied in desserts and cheese boards. Fresh ginger can even add a zesty kick to dressings and fruit salads.

Health Benefits: Ginger offers a range of health benefits. It’s well known for easing nausea aiding digestion, and reducing inflammation. Its antioxidant properties may help boost immunity and support heart health. Ginger can also relieve muscle pain and menstrual discomfort, and may help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels when consumed regularly. While helpful, ginger is not a substitute for medical treatment or medication.

Fun Facts: Ginger isn't actually a root, but a rhizome, an underground stem. In medievaltimes, a pound of ginger was as valuable as a live sheep in Europe due to its rarity. Canada Dry ginger ale was invented in 1904, and people originally drank it to settle their stomachs.

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