Free writing conference set for Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Ben May Main Library!   Aspiring and accomplished writers and readers of all genres are welcome at the 2024 Mobile Literary Festival ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE, as we approach writing from a stage and screen angle to bring our words on the page to life. This year’s festival will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Ben May Main Library (701 Government Street) on Saturday, March 23 in historic downtown Mobile, Alabama. FREE offerings include: • Setting the Stage: a panel discussion on setting with Carrie Dalby, Candice Marley Conner, and Michael Strecker • Entrances, Exits, & the In-betweens: a panel discussion on plotting with Jason Stuart, Amy Delcambre, and Carolyn Haines • Find Your Audience: Learn to market your book with Mandy Haynes, Cynthia Eden, and Lena Patton Webb • Sue Brannan Walker’s Poetry (Brown Bag) Lunch & Listen • Scene to Screen: Dive into screen adaptations with Jodie Cain Smith and Adam Prince • Writing Away Refuge Pitch War! The Haunted Book Shop’s popup shop inside the library will feature area author favorites, national bestsellers, writing craft books, and children’s books. The 2024 Mobile Literary Festival is brought to you by the Mobile Public Library, The Haunted Book Shop, and Mobile Writers’ Guild. The festival schedule and more information is available on the Mobile Literary Festival Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/555703638101727. About the Mobile Literary Festival: The annual Mobile Literary Festival features Mobile’s top literary talent for creative writing workshops, a local author book sale, publishing industry panel discussions, poetry readings, and more for writers and readers alike. The Mobile Public Library, Mobile Writers’ Guild, and The Haunted Book Shop sponsor this free festival. About the Mobile Public Library: The Mobile Public Library is a public service agency. Our mission is to support literacy and connect our community. We offer books, ebooks, DVDs, CDs, audiobooks, classes and special events. For more information, visit: www.mobilepubliclibrary.org. About The Haunted Book Shop: The Haunted Book Shop in downtown Mobile, Alabama, specializes in genre fiction, writing craft, and local history. It has a large children's section with a reading tent and a friendly cat named Mr. Bingley. The store offers literary gifts and hosts author events. The cozy and inviting atmosphere encourages browsing, and the knowledgeable staff is always ready to offer recommendations or help customers find a specific book. The store's philosophy is to provide an immersive and enjoyable experience. The Haunted Book Shop is a must-visit destination for book lovers in the Mobile community. About Mobile Writers’ Guild: The Mobile Writers Guild is dedicated to supporting writers across the Gulf Coast. Our members are writers of all stages, from brand new beginners to seasoned published pros. From September to May, MWG hosts monthly meetings with craft workshops to help members hone their skills, understand the business of publishing, and stay inspired.

Saturday, March 23, 2024 in Cathedral Square -- the 8th Annual Downtown Cajun Cook-Off supporting the Child Advocacy Center! See you there!

It’s time for an Exploreum Easter Egg-travaganza! Mark your calendars and join us for one of our favorite family events of the year on March 23rd, from 10:00-2:00 p.m. Easter egg hunt starts promptly at 10:30, so make sure you get here on time and are ready to hunt! Following the egg hunt are several EGG-citing STEM demonstrations in our labs like Egg in a Bottle and Liquid Nitrogen Egg Smash. FREE for Exploreum members. General Admission for non-members.

We are kicking off our 2024 seasonal markets with the Support Local Artisans Spring Market on Saturday, March 23rd from 10:00am - 6:00pm. Local artisan vendors will be set up in the Courtyard at the heart of Eastern Shore Centre between Half Shell Oyster House and California Dreaming. There will be pottery, home decorations, handmade jewelry, clothing, candles, herbs and seasonings, wreaths, caricature art, face painting, and so much more! MuffinJaw Designs will also be on stage to Blow Your Own Glass Vase. A separate post will go out when registration is open to reserve your spot. We hope to see you and your family on Saturday, March 23rd from 10am - 6pm at the Eastern Shore Centre Courtyard & Stage.