
Celebrate the literary arts at the Nyack Library’s annual Lit by the River Literary Festival, which features readings, discussions, workshops, and events focused on writers, poets, and literary voices from our community. Check out the schedule of events below. All events will be held at the Nyack Library and are free, but some require advance registration.
Opening event: Jason Reynolds in Conversation
September 23, 7:00 p.m. –8:00 p.m.
Registration is now closed for this special event, but if you’re already registered check out the link above for more information about how to ask him a question, a book raffle, and purchasing a signed book.
Banned Books Readout
October 5, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Celebrate the freedom to read by reading aloud from your favorite banned or challenged book by signing up for a five-minute slot, or join the event as an audience member. Complete this form if you’re interested in reading.
Resin Bookmark Craft
October 6, 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Create beautiful resin bookmarks using pressed flowers and other natural materials. Free but please register.
Local Author Panel
October 7, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 pm.
Join five local authors for readings and a lively panel discussion on writing, publishing, inspiration, and building community. The event will be moderated by the library staff. Free but please register.
All the Love You Can Use: The Letters of Carson McCullers
October 8, 6:30 pm. – 7:30 p.m.
Explore Carson McCullers’ life and letters with editor Carlos Dews in this intimate literary portrait. Fun facts: McCullers lived for a while in Nyack (her house is slated to become a literary center), and she’s buried at Nyack’s Oak Hill Cemetery. Free but please register.
Bushra Rehman Fiction Workshop
October 9, 6:30 p.m.– 8:30 p.m.
Explore the power of imagination, character, and storytelling. Through creative exercises, you’ll turn ideas and experiences into compelling fiction, and discover the stories waiting to be told. Free but please register.
Lit by the River Anthology Launch
October 10, 2:30 p.m.– 4:30 p.m.
Celebrate the launch of Lit by the River, a Nyack Writers Anthology featuring the creativity and literary talent in our community. The inaugural collection includes fiction, poetry, nonfiction, and memoir from 43 local authors. You can purchase a copy for $15. Free but please register.

