The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL), a network of 10 neighborhood library branches throughout Santa Cruz County, will host a series of “Come Write In” events, author talks and more at library branches throughout Santa Cruz County — including weekly events in Scotts Valley — as part of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo).

The events support NaNoWriMo, which encourages budding authors to write the first draft of a 50,000 word novel during the month of November. The SCPL “Come Write In” events provide aspiring writers with shared space to collaborate with other aspiring writers while they work on their novels.

“We are thrilled to support NaNoWriMo, by offering our Come Write In events and other workshops to encourage and inspire creative writing,” said Janis O’Driscoll, interim director of Santa Cruz Public Libraries.

Come Write Ins will be held throughout November:

  • 1:30-4:30 p.m. Sundays at the Live Oak Library, 2380 Portola Dr., Santa Cruz
  • 2:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at the Branciforte Library, 230 Gault St., Santa Cruz
  • 1:30-3:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley (teens only)
  • 3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, Scotts Valley (adults only)
  • 2:30-5:30 p.m. Thursdays at the Felton Library, 6299 Gushee St., Felton

SCPL will also hold facilitated workshops, webcasts and talks from local authors to fuel imaginations. Newbery Award-winning author Paul Fleischman kicks off NaNoWriMo at the Live Oak Library, 1:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 1. On Wednesday, Nov. 18, NaNoWriMo Executive Director and renowned author Grant Faulkner will give an author talk at the Scotts Valley Library. Join the SCPL Facebook event (http://bit.ly/scpl-nanowrimo) to collaborate with other local writers, find out about upcoming events and share progress.

To participate NaNoWriMo, register online at nanowrimo.org. The website offers tips and support.

ABOUT NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH: 

National Novel Writing Month (formerly known as the Office of Letters and Light) believes your story matters. Through all our programs, we work to empower and encourage writing and vibrant creativity around the world. The event began in 1999, and in 2005, National Novel Writing Month became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. In 2014, 325,142 aspiring authors participated in NaNoWriMo and 849 libraries, bookstores, and community centers opened their doors to novelists through the Come Write In program.

ABOUT THE SANTA CRUZ PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM: 

The Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) system delivers information, education, enrichment and inspiration through a network of 10 neighborhood library branches, a web-based digital library, a Bookmobile and community-based programs. SCPL serves children, teens and adults with innovative programming, professional services and community facilities that spark imagination and support discovery. Residents can explore a wide range of interests from academic research, book clubs and literacy programs to digital photography, locally-produced music and local history. Branch locations include Aptos, Boulder Creek, Branciforte, Capitola, Downtown Santa Cruz, Felton, Garfield Park, La Selva Beach, Live Oak and Scotts Valley. Learn more about SCPL at SantaCruzPL.org or via Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.