The Sleeping Giant Reading Series brings writers and book lovers together on the third Thursday of the month. In the long shadow of Hamden’s Sleeping Giant, writers of every kind gather to hear professional readings, raise a glass, network, and support one another’s work. All are welcome, whether you’re a scribbler who hasn’t yet dared to call yourself a “writer” or an experienced published author.

For October’s Installment, we have writers Joan Wickersham and Amy Bloom.

Joan Wickersham’s memoir, The Suicide Index, described by the LA Times as “an extraordinary magical mystery tour of a book,” was a finalist for the National Book Award. She is also the author of The News from Spain, a suite of asymmetrical love stories; and a new book, No Ship Sets Out To Be A Shipwreck, sparked by the wreck of the 17th century Swedish warship Vasa. Her writing has appeared in many publications, including The Best American Short Stories and The Best American Nonrequired Reading.

Amy Bloom’s new, bestselling fifth novel is I’ll Be Right Here. Her short story collections include Come to Me, a finalist for the National Book Award, and A Blind Man Can See How Much I Love You, a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. Her New York Times bestselling memoir is In Love. Amy’s work has been translated into seventeen languages. She created, wrote and ran the TV series State of Mind. She recently retired as Wesleyan University’s Shapiro-Silverberg Professor of Creative Writing, but she keeps working as a psychotherapist and a novelist.

Please join us forFriday Lounge Night from 5:30 - 7:30 pm on Friday, October 10th, featuring Wes O’Brien’s jazz piano. There is no cover charge, and the Best Video Coffee Bar will be open throughout for all your beverage needs, with Happy Hour pricing on beer and wine.

5:30 - 7:30 pm - Come on by Best Video for a nice glass of wine with a friend or a cup of tea and your book. Sit back, relax, and enjoy as Wes O’Brien delights with his great anecdotes and wonderful selection of jazz standards, show tunes, and ballads.

Tonight's all about good vibes, great music, and having a blast together. Let's make it a night to remember, everyone! 🎹

The New England chapter of the Horror Writers Association and the Best Video Film & Cultural Center invite you to an evening of thrills and chills on Thursday, October 9.

• SHUDDER as HWA members B.C. Bull, Robb Coutinho, Logan Johnson, Jackson Kuhl, and John Opalenik discuss fifteen of their favorite horror movies in a panel discussion with the audience!

• TREMBLE at their choices — some of the films well-known, others obscure sleeper hits!

• EXPERIENCE the movie trailers that will accompany each recommendation!

From vampires to slashers, psychological horror to Icelandic noir, if you have an opinion about horror movies or just want some fresh recommendations of what to watch, you don’t want to miss this panel. Each of the HWA panelists is not only a horror aficionado but also a horror writer. Their novels and short-story collections will be available for sale afterward.

The panel will begin at 7pm on Thursday, October 9 at the Best Video Film & Cultural Center, located at 1842 Whitney Avenue in Hamden. The event is free and open to the public, although a $5 donation is suggested. Refreshments are available at the coffee bar — although there may be some free Halloween candy too.

On Wednesday, October 8th at 10am, the Hamden Police Department will be holding a Halloween Safety Planning Meeting at Best Video. We encourage all to come out to discuss traffic safety planning for Whitney Ave and the surrounding Hamden Neighborhoods. See you all there!

East Rock Book Club & Best Video are presenting the comedy/fantasy film ,Practical Magic on October 3rd. The film will start at 7:00pm and there will be beverages and snacks available for purchase at the CoffeeBar.

Join the Haven String Quartet’s Halloween Festivities at Lyric Hall with a performance of Philip Glass’ soundtrack to the original 1931 “ Dracula”. Doors open at 6pm with a start time of 6:30pm.

Please join us for Movie Trivia Night, hosted by Best Video member Michael Domangue, on Wednesday, October 1st, at 7 pm. Entry is $5/person. Teams of up to 4 members will enjoy 5 rounds of movie-themed trivia questions. The winning team will receive a $25 Best Video Gift Card!

RSVP'S ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED!!!!

A word to the wise…this event has become very popular (yay!) so you may want to get here a little early to grab a table!

The Best Video Coffee Bar is open for beer, wine, and café drinks throughout the evening.

Please join Best Video for the time-honored tradition of Saturday morning cartoons and bad cereal! Best Video will supply the bad cereal, bowls, spoons, and milk. You just bring your bad selves and the kiddos (or not). Feel free to stay in your pj’s! $5 suggested donation.

The Sleeping Giant Reading Series brings writers and book lovers together on the third Thursday of the month. In the long shadow of Hamden’s Sleeping Giant, writers of every kind gather to hear professional readings, raise a glass, network, and support one another’s work. All are welcome, whether you’re a scribbler who hasn’t yet dared to call yourself a “writer” or an experienced published author.

For September’s Installment, we have writers Sheila Dietz and Nalini Jones.