HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY COLLABORATES WITH THE LOFT ON 'FIRST PAGES: CREATIVE WRITING LAB'
14 Free Labs Developed Exclusively for Hennepin County Library Customers
Hennepin County Library is collaborating with the Loft Literary Center to present "First Pages: Creative Writing Lab," a new series of free writing programs for adults this fall at Hennepin County libraries. Registration for some of the writing labs begins in mid-August at some libraries.
This is a new collaborative venture for the Loft Literary Center and Hennepin County Library, which have developed these creative writing labs exclusively for Hennepin County Library to make high quality writing instruction accessible to all adults. Loft instructors typically are published writers who also teach writing.
The "First Pages" curriculum consists of 14 creative writing labs, six of which will be presented at various libraries this fall. Additional labs will be presented in the winter and spring. Curriculum was developed to meet a demonstrated need based on community analysis and to further the missions of both organizations.
Hennepin County Library promotes full and equal access to information and ideas, the love of reading, the joy of learning, and engagement with the arts, sciences, and humanities. The Loft Literary Center supports the artistic development of individual writers, fosters a writing community, and builds an audience for literature.
The "First Pages" writing labs at Hennepin County libraries are a new model for the Loft. The Loft previously held classes and workshops at the libraries through the "Loft Around Town" suburban initiative funded by the McKnight Foundation. "First Pages" builds upon this initiative to offer the new, on-going series.
"First Pages" writing labs are free and last one hour.
Lab topics this fall are:
- "The Fine Print: How Do I Get Published"
- "How to Start Your Memoir: For Writers 55 and Older"
- "No Fear, No Rhyme Poetry: Write Your First Poem"
- "The Parent Trap: Finding Time to Write"
- "Taking Your Idea From Brainstorm to Page"
- "What Would You Like to Write?"
"We know talented writers in our community will benefit greatly from Hennepin County Library's collaboration with the Loft on these writing labs," Library Director Amy Ryan said. "The topics, the expertise of the instructors, the convenience of the writing labs, their free cost, and the opportunity to connect with other writers will encourage writers to sign up and, perhaps, take the first step on a path toward publication."
Loft Executive Director Jocelyn Hale said, "The Loft Literary Center is excited to have the opportunity to partner with the Hennepin County Library system. The partnership is a natural collaboration and speaks directly to the Loft Literary Center 's commitment to supporting the artistic development of writers and Hennepin County Library's commitment to access to information, ideas, and the joy of learning."
By presenting writing labs at several locations, the collaboration will help the Loft reach an audience that's potentially new and larger than the one currently served at their downtown Minneapolis location, according to Kelly Ceynowa, Education Associate Director at the Loft.
"At one location, we can offer only so many programs based on capacity," she said.
John Sugimura, Library External Relations and Partnerships, said, "Our partnership with the Loft Literary Center will allow the Loft and Hennepin County Library to serve hundreds of customers with high quality writing programs at many locations."
Classes presented at the Loft are fee-based and generally run 4-12 weeks.
The Loft was founded in 1974 in a loft above a Minneapolis bookstore and is now "the nation's largest and most comprehensive literary center…The list of acclaimed authors who have appeared at the Loft over the years reads like a Who's Who of American letters." (
www.loft.org)
Following are "First Pages: Creative Writing Labs" scheduled at libraries this fall. Visit or call your local library for more information about the labs; for a calendar of Hennepin County Library's complete program schedule, go to
www.hclib.org
The Fine Print: How Do I Get Published?
Practical information for increasing your chances of getting published. Get answers to important questions and guidance on the research that needs to be done to understand the publishing process.
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7 p.m.
Registration begins Aug. 20 ; limit 17
Monday, Sept. 22, 7-8 p.m.
Registration begins Aug. 25 ; limit 17
Sponsored by the Friends of Excelsior Library.
Thursday, Nov. 13, 6:30-8 p.m.
Registration begins Oct. 16; limit 18
How to Start Your Memoir: For Writers 55 and Older
Are you interested in writing a personal history, family history or just have a great story that needs to be told? Learn the basic elements and techniques of memoir writing and exercises to get you started.
Monday, Sept. 15, 10-11 a.m.
Registration begins Aug. 18 ; limit 17
Sponsored by the Friends of the Ridgedale Library.
Thursday, Sept. 18, 11 a.m. - noon
Registration begins Aug. 21 ; limit 17
Saturday, Sept. 20, 11 a.m.
Registration begins Aug. 23 , limit 17
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2-3 p.m.
R egistration begins Sept. 6; limit 17
Sponsored by the Friends of the Edina Library
Saturday, Oct. 4, 10:30 a.m. - noon
Monday, Nov. 10, 10:30 a.m.
Registration begins Oct. 13; limit 17
Tuesday, Nov. 18, 1-3 p.m.
Registration begins Oct. 21; limit 17
No Fear, No Rhyme Poetry: Write Your First Poem
Discover your inner poet. Poetry comes in many different forms and allows you to explore your inner muse with variety. You will leave this class with the first draft of a poem.
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 7-8 p.m.
Registration begins Sept. 9; limit 17
Sponsored by the Friends of the Ridgedale Library.
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2 p.m.
Registration begins Oct. 8; limit 17
The Parent Trap: Finding Time to Write
Even if it is for five minutes a day or five minutes a week, writers must write. Learn ways to make writing a habit even within the busiest parent’s schedule.
Saturday, Sept. 27, 2-3 p.m.
Registration begins Aug. 30 ; limit 17
Monday, Nov. 10, 7-8 p.m.
Registration begins Oct. 13; limit 17
Sponsored by the Friends of the Ridgedale Library.
Taking Your Great Idea From Brainstorm to Page
Do you have a great idea for a book? This class will give you tips for getting that idea down on paper. You also will discover resources to keep you focused and motivated.
Tuesday, Oct. 7, 6:30-8 p.m.
Registration begins Sept. 9; limit 18
Saturday, Nov. 1, 11 a.m.
Registration begins Oct. 4; limit 17
Sponsored by the Friends of the Hopkins Library.
Saturday, Nov. 1, 1 p.m.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Penn Lake Library.
Monday, Dec. 1, 6:30 p.m.
Registration begins Nov. 3; limit 17
What Would You Like to Write?
A beginning writing class to explore the differences between the creative writing genres and discover where your writing interests lie. Try your hand with writing exercises in fiction, creative nonfiction and poetry.
Thursday, Sept. 11, 6:30-8 p.m.
Registration begins Aug. 14 ; limit 18
Thursday, Sept. 25, 7 p.m.
Registration begins Aug. 28 ; limit 17
Saturday, Sept. 27, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Registration begins Aug. 30 ; limit 17
Monday, Oct. 13, 10:30 a.m.
R egistration begins Sept. 15; limit 17
Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2 p.m.
Registration begins Sept. 17; limit 17
Thursday, Oct. 16, 6:30-8 p.m.
Sponsored by the Friends of Minneapolis Public Library.
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 10-11:30 a.m.
Registration begins Sept. 24; limit 15
Sponsored by the Friends of the Rogers Library.
Saturday, Oct. 11, 10:30 a.m.
Registration begins Sept. 13; limit 17
Sponsored by the Friends of the St. Louis Park Library.
Saturday, Nov. 15, 1-2 p.m.
Registration begins Oct. 18; limit 17
Sponsored by the Friends of the Maple Grove Library.
8/6/2008
