Festival of Books 2021
Author Zoom Presentations and Online Book Sale Kicks Off
Ten distinguished authors will present via Zoom throughout October. Free registration for all author talks is available now.
- The store is open to all through October 31. SHOP NOW!
- Browse and buy from close to 500 carefully selected books, including rare and collectible volumes, plus CDs, DVDs and LPs in all price ranges.
- Applause, Applause to all Festival of Book Sponsors.
Upcoming Events And Activities
Special Book Room Online Store
NEW BOOKS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE VIRTUAL SHELVES
Over 400 expertly curated books, plus CDs, DVDs and LPs. Learn more.
Help Us Turn the Page
Support the 2021 Festival of Books!
Your dedicated donation can keep the pages turning at the Academy in the face of 2021’s ongoing challenges. Learn more. 
Michael Kupperman
Tuesday, October 19, 7:00pm
A comic artist-author turned serious for the first time with his All the Answers, a son’s search to understand his father, a child prodigy-turned reserved professor. Learn more. 
Music Lessons: Ed Napier
Saturday, November 13, 7:00pm
LIVE PERFORMANCE! The story of Ed Napier’s journey from the backwoods of West Virginia to New York in pursuit of becoming a playwright and opera singer. Learn more.
Watch and Listen to our recent Programming
Interview with Scott Taylor
Enter the colorful world of this talented artist, one of seven in our upcoming Botanical Show - Still Life: Flowers, Fruits & Foods in repose. On our YouTube channel.
2021 Young Writers' Contest Winners
Six prize winners and one honorable mention were chosen from 38 entries to the 2021 competition. See the winners and read their works.
Community Writes III
Thanks to all who participated. Read the selected works in this round from our creative community of writers.
Student Work from Mixed Media Workshop with Jackie Rogers
Take a look at what this creative crew accomplished.
Roots & Shoots Streams:
Jovino Santos Neto
Saturday, June 5, 7:30pm
Enjoy the YouTube broadcast of this Brazilian jazz great. 
Artists at Home Continued
Spend some time with John Clarke, artist, musician and writer, in his Housatonic studio. On YouTube.
Your Support is More Vital than Ever
In Spring 2020, as the country went into shutdown mode, we followed guidelines and closed our doors, but we didn’t abandon our mission—to build community through the arts – shifting to online programming.
With your support we planned and produced a wide array of successful events and programs virtually. By spring of 2021, we were able to offer some limited in-person programming, gallery shows and outdoor fundraising events, following new Covid safety protocols. With the current rise in infections, we still can’t fully reopen our indoor space for live presentations. As the options for outdoor functions are reduced by the change in seasons, we still need your help.
While your support is always valued, this year it remains more vital than ever. Please make your tax-deductible gift today.
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
Become a Member
We're dedicated to programs in a welcoming space for our Columbia County community and neighbors. Learn More
Winter 2020-2021 Now Available
Looking back, and ahead, to better times. See the latest as well as past newsletters.
A "Home" of Our Own
To keep you all in the loop, we now have our own YouTube channel. Please subscribe, to see what has, and is, going on at the Academy!
