Join award-winning CNN anchor Carol Lin, the first network journalist to break the news of the 9/11 attacks, as she discusses her memoir, When News Breaks—a candid look at her groundbreaking career, the personal costs of chasing the news, and the journey to finding herself beyond the headlines. The evening concludes with a live conversation and audience Q&A moderated by Betsy Ronel.

Christopher Brown is a Westchester-based singer-songwriter whose heartfelt storytelling and authentic performances have connected with audiences throughout the Greater New York area for more than four decades. Known both as a solo artist and as the longtime frontman of Bookends, Brown brings rich vocals, engaging stage presence, and songs that reflect the humor, challenges, and triumphs of everyday life. His latest album, Hopes, Jokes & Lies (2025), continues a catalog of thoughtful original music spanning six releases.

Extra! Extra! Flowers Are Better Therapists, Love Makers and Sages Than Your Shrink

Flower historian Jill Brooke will discuss her new book, The Genius of Flowers: What Life’s Most Beautiful Creations Can Teach Us, revealing how flowers have quietly shaped the human experience as connectors, collaborators, and muses—flourishing far beyond the garden to inspire art, fashion, décor, and celebrations since the beginning of time.

And as ancient survivors who never suffer in silence, but pivot, problem solve and form alliances, they can teach us and our children lessons in resilience, patience, adaptability and healing in the broken places — all while beautifying our world, improving our mental health and making us more optimistic about the future.

Jill will explore why the rose has become the world’s most cherished flower, followed by a presentation of The Rose Maker, a film about the art of growing and breeding exceptional roses.

We’re thrilled to welcome NYT bestselling author and broadcaster Jean Chatzky to Bedford Books! She’ll be in conversation with Emmy Award-winning journalist Allison Gilbert to discuss Jean’s new book, The Forever Paycheck.

In The Forever Paycheck, Jean shares a fresh approach to retirement planning, offering practical strategies for creating a reliable stream of income so you can spend with more confidence, worry less, and make your money last.

Books will be available for sale and signing, and light refreshments will be served. Your ticket includes a $20 shopping credit to use at the event.

ABOUT JEAN CHATZKY

Jean is the founder and CEO of HerMoney and the host of HerMoney with Jean Chatzky. She is also a columnist for AARP, a coach on the PBS TV show Opportunity Knocks, and a research fellow with the LIMRA Retirement Income Institute.

Previously, she spent 25 years as the Financial Editor on NBC's Today show and was a contributor to Oprah. She is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and a fierce advocate for financial literacy.

ABOUT ALLISON GILBERT

Allison is the bestselling author of six books, winner of three Emmy Awards, and host of two conversation series on reducing loneliness and strengthening relationships. She's been married nearly 30 years and has two wonderful children who are now young adults.

Duston Spear discusses her debut novel Bird Girl in conversation with art historian and critic Judith E. Stein. Set between present-day Western Massachusetts and the 1970s Soho art world, Bird Girl explores authorship, visibility, and the long afterlife of a formative artistic act. When a viral podcast reframes a decades-old incident involving a young artist and her lover, a reclusive painter is thrust into public view and must decide whether to reclaim her narrative.

In Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s beloved romantic comedy, Amélie, a shy Parisian waitress finds purpose in secretly improving the lives of those around her. But when she becomes intrigued by the mysterious Nino, Amélie must decide whether she’s ready to take a chance on her own happiness. Presented in French with English subtitles. Part of our Cult Classic series, introduced by Programming Associate Eliana Choi.

A workshop that helps you turn cherished family memories and personal stories into powerful beginnings on the page.

"You should write this down..."

How many times has someone said this to you when you’ve recounted an old family story?

Maybe it’s the way your grandparents met, or the courage your great-uncle showed when he shipped off to war. Maybe it’s the small business your great-grandmother started while raising six kids on her own, or your great-great-grandfather’s words as he stepped onto Ellis Island. Maybe it’s your near-disastrous turn on a roller coaster, your son’s birthday party that almost wasn’t, or the day you realized your daughter wasn’t a baby anymore.

There’s nothing more fun than sharing a story – so give yourself the time and space to do it! Search your memory, or take a look at some of those old photos or letters stashed in your attic, and come to this special workshop ready to enjoy the pleasure of setting words to paper. Whether you want to publish or simply record the past for those who’ll come next, you’ll leave with one or more strong beginnings, a plan for going forward, and the joy of being part of a writing community!

Limited to 12 participants.

About Barbara Josselsohn:

Barbara Josselsohn is a best-selling author of nine historical and contemporary novels, including her newest, The Secret Orphanage, a multigenerational story about an American schoolteacher who becomes embroiled in the French Resistance and a present-day librarian intent on discovering her grandfather’s wartime secrets. She teaches writing workshops at the Writing Institute at Sarah Lawrence College, Westport Writers Workshop, Scarsdale Library, and privately. She has also published hundreds of articles and essays in major and regional publications about family, home, and relationships. A member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, she is currently at work on a new historical novel with a touch of magical realism, which is scheduled for release in Summer 2026. A member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association, she is currently at work on a new historical novel with a touch of magical realism, which is scheduled for release in Summer 2026.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary! Teen sensations Molly Ringwald (Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club) and Andrew McCarthy (St. Elmo’s Fire) drew rave reviews for their starring performances in this hit love story produced and written by John Hughes (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Planes, Trains and Automobiles). Andie is a high school girl from the other side of town. Blane’s the wealthy heartthrob who asks her to prom. But as fast as their romance builds, it’s threatened by the painful reality of peer pressure. From its bittersweet story to its hip New Wave soundtrack, the film features great supporting performances from Harry Dean Stanton, Jon Cryer, James Spader and Annie Potts.

Launch Party: Twenty Minutes Is the New Hour by Fran Hauser

Join us in celebrating Bedford Books founder Fran Hauser and the launch of her third book, Twenty Minutes Is the New Hour!

Enjoy cocktails, light bites, and plenty of time to mingle and celebrate. During the evening, Fran will share the story behind the book and read a short excerpt. She'll also be signing and personalizing copies throughout the event.

Come raise a glass and celebrate this very special milestone with us! 🥂📚

Sam Hollander has a unique connection to Snakes on a Plane, having helped create Cobra Starship specifically for the film and co-written and produced its title song, “Snakes on a Plane (Bring It).” The song and music video became part of the cultural phenomenon surrounding the movie while Cobra Starship went on to become a multi-platinum band with a string of hits far beyond the film that launched them.

Sam also had additional music featured in the movie through his work with Gym Class Heroes, making Snakes on a Plane an unforgettable chapter in his career.

Join Sam for a special anniversary screening of the film followed by an audience Q&A.

Terror strikes at 30,000 feet! When hundreds of venomous snakes invade an ill-fated trans-Pacific flight in this action horror extravaganza, it’s up to Oscar nominee Samuel L. Jackson to thwart the twisted scheme of a deadly assassin to eliminate a key witness in an upcoming trial — and kick some serpentine asps! Director David Ellis ups the velocity in this adrenaline rush of a picture with no-holds-barred performances from Rachel Blanchard, Julianna Margulies, Nathan Philips and more. Giving new meaning to cold-blooded terror, the friendly skies will never be the same!

Meet & Greet: Zibby Owens

Join us for a special celebration of bestselling author, bookstore owner, podcast host, “NYC's Most Powerful Book-fluencer" (Vulture), and dear friend Zibby Owens on the release of her new essay collection, Between Chapters.

Copies of Zibby's book will be available for purchase, and light refreshments will be served.

About the Author:

ZIBBY OWENS is the bestselling author and editor of seven books, including Between Chapters: How I Started Over, Took Some Chances, and Found the Plot, Blank: A Novel, Bookends: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Literature, and On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates, which has spent 29 weeks on the USA Today bestseller list. Zibby has interviewed more than 2,000 authors on her award-winning podcast, Totally Booked with Zibby, and weekly TV show, Totally Booked on JBS. In 2021, she founded Zibby Media with the launch of boutique publishing house Zibby Publishing and unique year-round hosted retreats and events for book lovers. In 2023, she opened indie bookstore Zibby's Bookshop in Santa Monica, CA. A frequent speaker (repped by UTA), moderator, and broadcast guest, Zibby, dubbed "NYC's Most Powerful Book-fluencer" (Vulture), is known for highlighting the book industry’s most anticipated new releases and emerging authors in "the Zibby-verse" (L.A. Times).

Community gathering with fire pits, live music, beer, wine, mocktails, n/a beverages and food.

This fundraiser supports the preservation of Bedford's historic buildings and landmarks!

Celebrate the Best of Broadway with beautiful ballads and upbeat favorites performed by singers straight from the stage, curated and conducted by Dan Micciche. Starring Ben Jacoby (Beautiful, Phantom of the Opera), Dee Roscioli (Death Becomes Her, Wicked, The Cher Show) and DeLaney Westfall (Kinky Boots, The Lost Boys).

College Essay Writing Workshop

Working on your college essay and need a little help? If so, come to Bedford Books on Sunday, September 27th, from 4-5:30 pm and work with Bedford Books staff member, and former high school and middle school English teacher, Christy Smith, to hone your essay. This session will work best if you submit your essay in advance so feedback can be provided.

Even if you have a very rough draft or you're still tinkering with your idea, this session will be helpful. We'll briefly review the elements of a standout essay and help you find your voice as a writer.

Space is limited to 8 students.

All essays should be submitted to Christy Smith at christysg@gmail.com by September 20th. Cost is $30.00.

At a time of profound social and political polarization, Fox News' liberal commentator Jessica Tarlov works every day to argue for her beliefs while remaining respectful and building relationships across lines of difference. Her new book “I Disagree” explains how all Americans can learn from her experiences. She demonstrates that navigating contentious situations is a skill that requires radical honesty, knowing how to engage with numbers and statistics, understanding when to listen and when to talk, and articulating the common threads that unite us all. Speaking with her is Bedford’s own Lauren Leader, founder of the non-partisan women’s leadership organization All In Together. She too has worked for years to help bridge political divides and their conversation promises to be full of heart, honesty and optimism.

Following the talk Jessica will sign copies of her new book which will be sold on site by Bedford Books.

Our September Book Club pick is Under Story by Chloe Benjamin.

This one is getting so much early buzz, and we can't wait to read it with you!

Synopsis:
At the edge of the world, biologist Laurel Salter is hiding from everything she’s ever known. For ten hours a day, six days per week, she works as a dishwasher at McMurdo Station, an isolated research base in Antarctica. She tells no one that before she arrived, she was a renowned young scientist with a promising career and a family.

But even in this remote outpost, Laurel can’t escape her past. When a strange light appears across the ice—and draws a group of physicists to McMurdo—her former husband, Eli, won't be far behind. Laurel is captivated by the Arc: its surreal glow; the way it seems almost alive. And though Eli is reluctant to test her wildest theory, Laurel is convinced that the Arc leads down a rabbit hole and into a world they can barely imagine. Can she persuade him to risk everything to fix the burden that hangs between them—to turn back the clock and live their story a second time?

A breathless page-turner and a love letter to our planet, Under Story grapples with the great questions of our time: human hubris, the precarity of the natural world, and the mysterious webs of consciousness that bind us. A modern epic of science and soul, of bravery and redemption, it offers a vision of the future that demands we reckon with what we owe to one another, and to the earth itself.

Light refreshments will be served. Come ready for a rich conversation and the chance to connect with fellow readers — we can’t wait to see you there!

All essays should be submitted to Christy Smith at christysg@gmail.com by September 20th. Cost is $30.00.

Launch Party: Nowhere to Go but Everywhere by Jessica Rao

Join us in celebrating Jessica Rao on the launch of her debut novel, Nowhere to Go but Everywhere.

She’ll be in conversation with Corrie Jackson, followed by a book signing.

Enjoy cocktails, light bites, and plenty of time to mingle and celebrate. 🥂📚

The critics and public agree. Brian De Palma's The Untouchables is a must-see masterpiece - glorious, fierce, larger-than-life depiction of the mob warlord who ruled Prohibition-era Chicago... and the law enforcer who vowed to bring him down. This classic confrontation between good and evil and stars Kevin Costner as federal agent Eliot Ness, Robert De Niro as gangland kingpin Al Capone and Sean Connery as Malone, the cop who teaches Ness how to beat the mob: shoot fast and shoot first.

Part of our Classic Tuesday series, introduced by Artistic Director, Dan Friedman.

A book club for men. (Because they read, too.)

Bourbon included.

Join us for the Not-Quite-Inaugural Second Semi-Annual meeting of MAN ALSO READ BOOK.

A note from your host, Alec Guettel:
This event is an opportunity to prove to a skeptical world that men actually do read books! Sometimes! And we will prove it by each sharing a short description of a book or two we particularly loved. We will leave with a stellar booklist and, if we do it right, a smug sense of intellectual accomplishment. This worked great last time. Don't miss out!

Bourbon will be served!

Join artist Jeremy Houghton for a conversation about his work and career with a reception in the Playhouse Café at 6:30pm before the program. Over the past two decades, Houghton has served as artist-in-residence in extraordinary settings including Windsor Castle, Wimbledon, and the Olympic Games. His paintings distill movement, atmosphere, and presence through a process of reduction, revealing more by showing less. From intimate portraits to his vibrant studies of flamingos, Houghton's work explores perception, experience, and the power of suggestion across a wide range of subjects.

We know climate change is bad for the planet. But in what ways is it bad for our health? And how can we protect the places and people we love? On October 1st, Emmy-winning journalist and author David Pogue will get the scoop from three experts on climate and health: Dr. Sandra Steingraber, a scientist who’s tracked the line from fossil fuels to cancer, Dr. Amy Brown, a pediatrician who prioritizes protecting our children’s developing lungs from bad air quality, and Jack Algiere, an agroecologist who restores human health and soil through regenerative farming. It’s time for a conversation that will change the way you think about one of the defining issues of our time. Climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis. Learn what we can do now to protect the health of our families, community, and planet. Reserve your seat for an evening exploring the link between climate and human health. Plus, all guests receive a locally made tote (designed by multidisciplinary artist and Bedford 2030’s Communications Director, Harmony Dixon), an intimate in-person look at our silent auction, and hors d'oeuvres.

An American soldier struggling to make sense of civilian life is confronted with the complexities of gun violence in his Hometown. A Q&A with writer/director Aaron Davidman follows the film.

This five-star comedy, performed by Bedford’s own Lily Edwards, parodies the romantasy genre while exploring the seductive pull of escapism.

Premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2025 to critical acclaim—including a nomination for the BoP Theatre Excellence Award—Of Fire and Flame has toured the UK with performances at Theatre503 in London and Northern Stage in Newcastle.

Fantasy romance. Brooding fae warriors. Enemies to lovers. Formulaic titles. Anne knows the genre inside and out. She crafts her own elaborate romantasy daydream where she is kidnapped by Dragomir, a dangerously powerful, ridiculously attractive fae, and is conscripted into battle against the Wraiths. It’s absurd. It’s dramatic. And it’s easier than facing the chronic pain consuming her real life. But as Anne’s fantasy begins to take over, she must find the courage to fight for herself in the real world.

Performed by Lily Edwards, “a magnetic powerhouse in this solo turn,” (Neurodiverse review) and written by Emma Zetterberg, “electric and achingly funny” (AdventuresinTheatreland).

Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) doesn't expect much when she moves to the small town of Forks, Washington, until she meets the mysterious and handsome Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) - a boy who's hiding a dark secret: he's a vampire. As their worlds and hearts collide, Edward must battle the bloodlust raging inside him as well as a coterie of undead that would make Bella their prey. Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling sensation by Stephanie Meyer, Twilight adds a dangerous twist to the classic story of star-crossed lovers.

A great movie soundtrack can make all the difference. In this series, Rob Cavenagh guides you through the music that makes movies memorable.

Smart, funny, sickly and sometimes just plain unconscious, Mark Renton is a hero for our times. Set in an underbelly of Edinburgh the city fathers never dreamed of, TRAINSPOTTING is the story of Mark and his so-called friends – a bunch of losers, liars, psychos, thieves and junkies. Hilarious but harrowing, the film charts the disintegration of their friendship as they proceed, seemingly inevitably, towards self-destruction. Mark alone has the insight and opportunity to escape his fate – but then again, does he really want to ‘choose life’?

Rob Cavenagh is a Bedford resident since 2000, a lifelong music fan, record collector, musician and self-described soundtrack nerd. An ad agency guy by profession, he spent his college years working in a record store and then making music videos (back when that was a thing) for Atlantic Records in the 1990s. When not on his bike, you can usually find him playing locally with his band Ask Your Mom.

Celebrating its 20th anniversary! "Casino Royale" marks Daniel Craig's first appearance as the legendary James Bond at the start of his career, having just earned 00 status and his licence to kill. His target: the ruthless terrorist financier known as Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen). From the jungles of Madagascar to the beaches of the Bahamas, Bond's pursuit of Le Chiffre leads to a showdown in a high-stakes poker game at the luxurious Casino Royale in Montenego, and to a jaw-dropping finale on the Grand Canal in Venice.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. 250 years after they were written, these words remain at once familiar and startling. What do they mean to us today? Do we understand them in the same way the Founders did? Historian and former presidential speechwriter Ted Widmer seeks to answer these questions by returning to where the nation’s story began, the Declaration of Independence, to trace the remarkable history of how it came to be and how it has shaped the democratic aspirations of Americans and other peoples for more than two centuries. Weaving together more than sixty fascinating original texts, in The Living Declaration, Widmer finds in the words of succeeding generations of Americans—radicals and conservatives, revolutionary insurgents and civil rights leaders, presidents and philosophers—the key to understanding the extraordinary durability of America’s founding ideas. Moderated by Playhouse Founder John Farr.

Set against the backdrop of Ronald Reagan’s America, Mario traces Mario Cuomo’s journey from the son of Italian immigrants to the New York governor who championed government as a force for compassion.

Weaved together through archival footage, reflections from his family, and excerpts from his personal diaries, the film portrays a leader shaped by humility, intellect, and the struggles of his parents’ generation. His early legal battles defending working-class families against powerful interests became the foundation for his belief that politics should serve those without privilege. That conviction would guide him through decades of leadership defined by empathy, eloquence, and an unwavering sense of moral duty.

Q&A with the filmmakers follows the film.

Michael Wolff is a renowned jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader whose five-decade career has included performances and recordings with legends including Sonny Rollins, Cannonball Adderley, Tony Williams, Christian McBride, Ray Charles, and Herbie Hancock. A former musical director of The Arsenio Hall Show, Wolff has also performed with orchestras around the world and composed music for film and television. He is also the father of actors and musicians Nat and Alex Wolff, who rose to fame alongside him through the hit Nickelodeon series The Naked Brothers Band. Join Wolff and acclaimed bassist Kenny Davis in the Playhouse Café for an intimate evening of live jazz, featuring Wolff’s virtuosic playing and innovative style.

Show begins at 6:30 PM; admission is free and no reservation is required.

Beautifully shot by James Wong Howe and tightly scripted by Bertolt Brecht and Fritz Lang, this Noir-like espionage thriller is set in occupied Czechoslovakia and revolves around the successful plot by the Czech resistance to assassinate Deputy Reich-Protector of Bohemia and Moravia “Hangman” Reinhard Heydrich, and the hunt by the Gestapo to track down the killers. Part of our Classic Tuesday series, introduced by Artistic Director, Dan Friedman.