Queer Story Slam: AWAKENINGS

Tell us your stories of awakenings- to queer desire, to a new understanding of the self, to a community or place that holds you, perfectly or imperfectly, just as you are. How has your queerness/transness saved the day? When did you first have a brush with queer utopia and what did it feel like?

Calling all fans of the Dragon Masters early reader series! Bestselling author Tracey West is coming back to Northampton to celebrate book #31: Dragon Masters: Defending the Swamp Dragon on May 9, 2026, from 11am-12pm, at BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity.

The #1 New York Times bestselling series for kids is back with a brand new tale this spring: Wings of Fire: The Hybrid Prince! The hotly anticipated sixteenth book lands on shelves March 3, and Northampton-area readers and their families are invited to celebrate The Hybrid Prince with author Tui T. Sutherland

You’re invited to a sparkling community interfaith holiday celebration for families with beloved local authors Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple!

Come together for International Astronomy Day on September 27th from 2-6:30 p.m. at Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity! This free community event brings cosmic adventures for the whole family to enjoy. Explore the wonders of the universe through live digital planetarium shows, hands-on activities in our mobile Space Trailer, science crafts and gizmos, and an amazing collection of space-themed books and resources.

We're thrilled to celebrate the release of the latest book from the National Book Award-winning author of the Penderwicks series, Jeanne Birdsall: THE LIBRARY OF UNRULY TREASURES! On September 14 at 1pm, join us, Jeanne herself, and community star Monte Belmonte for an unforgettable celebration at Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity here in Florence.

After a sold-out debut and packed second show, the Queer Story Slam returns with its third event Prepare For The Good. This season’s theme, Prepare for the Good, is the motto of seasoned trans and Indigenous organizers at Imagine Water Works, who protect and resource their community in New Orleans against storms. View their beautiful Queer/Trans Guide to Storms, for art, poetry, and advice from queer people of color who have lived through catastrophe, and found beauty in the midst of it.

Readers have excitedly awaited the new novel by local award-winning and bestselling author and illustrator: 'The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon' arrives on May 6! This gorgeously full-color illustrated book tells the story of a lion cub and a girl who must open a portal for the spirits, based on Chinese folklore.

To celebrate, join the High Five Books team, plus Grace Lin herself in conversation with local Newbery Honor Award-winning author Lisa Yee for a special afternoon of storytelling, crafts, Reader's Theater, Chinese food, and more. High Five Books will have the DELUXE LIMITED EDITION of 'The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon' for sale―featuring stenciled designed sprayed edges, as well as a foil case stamp and designed endpapers. Readers are welcome to bring their own well-loved copies of Grace's past work for signing, as well.

DEEPENING INTO SPIRIT AND THE ENERGIES OF THE SPRING EQUINOX THROUGH CREATION, COMMUNITY, AND RITUAL, WITH M RUDDER