New Rochelle Library To Host '650/Where Writers Read'

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The New Rochelle Public Library will be the scene for a popular live reading series: 650/Where Writers Read. The event, titled “The Kids Are Alright,” will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22 in the Ossie Davis Theater. The program will feature short, original, true stories on growing up — with both the child and parent perspectives on driving tests, empty nests and more.

The name of the series is based on the maximum word count — 650 — for featured stories. Organizers said that makes the stores two pages that can be read aloud in five minutes. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Themes from previous sold-out shows in New York City and elsewhere include Dog Stories, Siblings, What We Ate and The Great Outdoors. Digital recordings of the stories are being developed as podcasts and radio broadcasts.

The broad themes selected for 650 events allow for a wide range of expression, and — unlike an open-mic event — the pieces featured at 650 events are selected from a deep pool of submissions in order to build the best show possible.

Founder and editor Edward McCann said he basically created the kind of reading he would want to attend.

“No one gets fatigued at a 650 show,” the award-winning former broadcast television writer/producer said. “The breadth and quality of the work we receive is remarkable, and our audiences have been very generous, responding strongly to the performances. Afterward, over refreshments, the audience engages directly with the writers. It’s hard to say who has a better time.”

McCann says it doesn’t matter whether submissions come from first-timers or bestsellers, or from graduate students or grandmothers. He said he simply features good writing.

Sponsored by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and by the New Rochelle Council on the Arts, “The Kids Are Alright” is free and open to the public. A reception will follow.

The complete show roster can be viewed at Read650.com. Seating for the event is limited, but the readings will also be live-streamed at Facebook.com/read650 beginning at 3 p.m.

For information on submitting work or attending events, visit www.Read650.com or call 914 799-1997.

Photo credit: NRPL.