Three local writers with books — Tom Piazza, Adrian Van Young and Patty Friedmann — will discuss their books at a signing at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Old Metairie Library, 2350 Metairie Road, Metairie.
Here's some information about the authors.
"The Auburn Conference": Piazza is celebrated both as a novelist and as a writer on American music. His 12 books also include the novel "City Of Refuge," the short-story collection "Blues and Trouble," the post-Katrina manifesto "Why New Orleans Matters." He was a principal writer for the New Orleans-based HBO drama series "Treme" and won a Grammy Award for his album notes to "Martin Scorsese Presents The Blues: A Musical Journey." He lives in New Orleans.
"Shadows in Summerland": Van Young's first book of fiction, "The Man Who Noticed Everything," won Black Lawrence Press' 2011 St. Lawrence Book Award. His second novel, "Shadows in Summerland," was republished in September 2020. He is also the author of "Vampire Pool Party," a book for children. He is a Henfield Foundation Prize recipient as well as a two-time Pushcart Prize nominee. He teaches American literature and creative writing at St. Martin's Episcopal School in Metairie. He received his bachelor's in English from Vassar College, and his master's in fiction from Columbia University.
"One Knife, One Fork, One Spoon": Best known for her prizewinning 2002 novel "Secondhand Smoke," Friedmann also is the author of the Amazon e-bestseller "Too Jewish," which has been adapted for film. An earlier novel published by Viking Penguin, "The Exact Image of Mother," was rereleased as its sequel called "Too Jewish: the Next Generation," both from booksBnimble. Closing out the Jewish trilogy is "Do Not Open for Fifty Years." BBN has reissued as e-books several Friedmann novels that had appeared in print: "A Little Bit Ruined"; "Secondhand Smoke," and "Too Smart to Be Rich."
YULE FEST: The Harry Potter Yule Festival, a program for kids, teens and adults that combines the best of the holidays with a well-loved story, will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
"Harry Potter" is a series of fantasy novels written by J.K. Rowling. The novels chronicle the life of a young wizard, Harry Potter, and his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The main story arc concerns Harry's struggle against evil Lord Voldemort.
Library patrons who have no knowledge of the Harry Potter or the wizarding world will feel comfortable with the various festivities planned.
The Harry Potter Yule Festival will consist of the Harry Potter-themed crafts and activities; trivia, games, and a scavenger hunt; a magic show by Winston Helling Jr.; and a Hogwarts house crest quilted ornaments sewing demo.
Costumes for all ages are encouraged. Library staff members hope to see a great turnout of witches, wizards and muggles. Patrons are strongly encourage to register at www.jplibrary.net/harry-potter-yule-fest-registration.
JIGSAWS: The Jigsaw Puzzle Extravaganza, hosted by the East Bank Regional Library, will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie. There are three elements to this event.
- Patrons may bring their used puzzles to swap any time the library is open at a new, permanents swap station. Make sure puzzle are not missing pieces and are taped shut.
- The Jigsaw Puzzle Contest starts at 2 p.m., with teams of two people trying to complete a 500-piece puzzle by 4 p.m. The contest is limited to adults 18 years of age and older. The first three teams to finish or that make the most headway win prizes.
- Members of the Friends of the Jefferson Public Library will be present to sell puzzles that have been donated by patrons starting at 1 p.m. Sales are cash only.
WWII DISCUSSION: Cyril M. Lagvanec, curator of the American-Italian Research Library, will give a presentation titled "The Path to Pearl Harbor: Japanese-American Relations, 1853-1941," at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie. Lavagnec’s lecture occurs as part of the regularly scheduled meeting of the World War II Discussion Group that meets the first Thursday of each month. This Dec. 7 marks the 82nd anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
HOLIDAY MUSIC: The following concerts will take place at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie.
- 7 p.m. Dec. 6: New Aurora Saxophone Ensemble. This small group, consisting only of saxophones, performs a variety of tunes.
- 7 p.m. Dec. 11: American Legion Post 350 Band. The band performs standards as well as holiday music.
- 7 p.m. Dec. 12: Cathy Gianfala. The Nashville recording star performs a variety of music in her second appearance at the library.
- 7 p.m. Dec. 13: Trombone Choir of the New Orleans Concert Band. The band, consisting of a dozen trombones, performs traditional and contemporary music.
- 7 p.m. Dec. 14: The Jefferson Parish Community Band. The roughly 50 musicians return with a full program of music for every age.
- 1 p.m. Dec. 20: Memory Lane. Jean, Richard and Sam perform holiday music and popular tunes.
Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library.