Celebration of Poetry Month with Geneffa Jahan and Elbina Rafizadeh, in conversation about how their culture and family have informed their writing. Both poets will read from their recently published collections.

They we are also providing light refreshments that reflects their respective books: spiced chai and rice cakes.

For more information on the authors, please visit their websites:

https://elbinabatalarafizade.com/
https://geneffajahan.com/

Join environmental writer and award-winning marine wildlife photographer Kim Steinhardt for an inspiring photo-journey into Pacific coastal waters and the fascinating lives of the southern sea otter to see what this canary-in-the-coal mine can teach us about threats to our own survival. With the increasing impacts of climate change, sea level rise, and the urgent policy challenges we face, the story of the sea otter reveals as  much about the troubled relationship between humans and nature as it does about this iconic creature – and survival for all of us hangs in the balance.

Kim Steinhardt
Known as “a keen observer, a wonderful storyteller, and a remarkable photographer,” Mr. Steinhardt interprets the natural world for all ages and audiences, and his work has
been recognized by publications and popular talks in forums ranging from National Geographic to New York’s Explorers Club. His latest book is Sabby the Sea Otter: A
Pup’s True Adventure and Triumph, and he is co-author along with Gary Griggs of The Edge: The Pressured Past and Precarious Future of California’s Coast. As a former
Administrative Law Judge and litigator, he has also taught law courses emphasizing policymaking, ocean advocacy, and wildlife conservation.

How to Use Anxiety to Thrive with Dr. David H. Rosmarin

Let’s face it: Everyone has anxiety. Furthermore, our incessant quest to rid ourselves of this ubiquitous human emotion worsens it. What if, instead of fighting our anxiety, we could turn it into a strength? In this enlightening online webinar, you will learn how to use anxiety to become more self-accepting, connected to others, and resilient. Author of Thriving with Anxiety, Dr. Rosmarin’s constructive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach will not make you less anxious. Instead, it will empower you to use anxiety to thrive.

You will learn:

To rethink anxiety from being a “disease” to being a normal human emotion;

How to use anxiety to increase our self-compassion;

How to harness the power of anxiety to enhance emotional intimacy; and 

How can anxiety help us accomplish what we truly want in life?

About the Author: David H. Rosmarin, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School, a program director at McLean Hospital, and Founder of Center for Anxiety. Through his work as a clinical psychologist, scientist, educator, author, and keynote speaker, David has helped thousands of individuals and organizations to thrive by embracing the emotion of anxiety. His clinical work and research have been featured in Good Morning America, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, the Boston Globe, and TED. David is available for organization speaking and consultation via his website www.dhrosmarin.com

Join the conversation and register at https://libraryc.org/santacruzpl/74084.

For upcoming author talks, visit https://libraryc.org/santacruzpl/upcoming.

SCPL's Virtual Author Talks are made possible by the Friends of the Capitola Library.

Rachel Swirsky is an American literary, speculative fiction and fantasy writer, poet, editor and a two-time Nebula Award winner, Hugo Award nominee, World Fantasy Award nominee in addition to several notable literary awards. Join Santa Cruz Public Libraries and the Crown Programs Office -- Crown College's activities and programming office from UC Santa Cruz -- for an engaging author talk, sci-fi and speculative fiction conversations as part of their annual Social Fiction Conference. Light snacks and refreshments will be served.

On Writing a Brilliant, Dark, and Diabolical Thriller with Author Liann Zhang

Grab your popcorn, grab your friend, and join us for an propulsive online conversation with author Liann Zhang as she chats with us about her debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead. 

Julie Chan has nothing. Her twin sister has everything. Except a pulse.

Julie Chan, a supermarket cashier with nothing to lose, finds herself thrust into the glamorous yet perilous world of her late twin sister, Chloe VanHuusen, a popular influencer. Separated at a young age, the identical twins were polar opposites and rarely spoke, except for one viral video that Chloe initiated (Finding My Long-Lost Twin And Buying Her A House #EMOTIONAL). When Julie discovers Chloe’s lifeless body under mysterious circumstances, she seizes the chance to live the life she’s always envied.

Transforming into Chloe is easier than expected. Julie effortlessly adopts Chloe’s luxurious influencer life, complete with designer clothes, a meticulous skincare routine, and millions of adoring followers. However, Julie soon realizes that Chloe’s seemingly picture-perfect life was anything but perfect.

Haunted by Chloe’s untimely death and struggling to fit into the privileged influencer circle, Julie faces mounting challenges during a weeklong island retreat with Chloe’s exclusive group of influencer friends. As events spiral out of control, Julie uncovers the sinister forces that may have led to her sister’s demise and realizes she might be the next target.

Julie Chan is Dead is the brilliant, dark, and diabolical debut thriller we’ve all been waiting for. Register now for a wildly fun conversation! 

Join the conversation and register at https://libraryc.org/santacruzpl/74589.

About the Author: Liann Zhang is a second-generation Chinese Canadian who splits her time between Vancouver, British Columbia and Toronto, Ontario. After a short stint as a skincare content creator, she graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in psychology and criminology. Julie Chan Is Dead is her first novel.

For upcoming author talks, visit https://libraryc.org/santacruzpl/upcoming.

SCPL's Virtual Author Talks are made possible by the Friends of the Capitola Library.