Frequent libraries and both chain and indie bookstores. Look for posters, notes on bulletin boards and listen for book event chatter. Ask an employee about upcoming book events. The Atlanta-Fulton Public Library system and The Georgia Center for the Book have active event calendars. Indie bookstores offer a niche book event market: Outwrite in Midtown features many gay and lesbian authors and has an active event program, Little Shop of Stories sells children's books and sponsors children's events, The Venue in Decatur offers an eclectic collection of readings and signings and Wordsmiths brings big-name authors and poets in addition to monthly readings from Georgia State University writing students.
Read the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, both online and in print. Their online system, Access Atlanta, provides communication on hundreds of book events. Search by exact day or a future date and book events will appear in your neighborhood. Looking for another online resource? Creative Loafing has a book event search as an option for entertainment searches.
Join a local writing group or organization. Atlanta-based writing groups, such as Atlanta Writers Club, Southern Breeze and Atlanta Wordsmiths have active memberships. Build a dialogue with writers, learn about local book events and discover writing inspiration.
Visit Atlanta's museums, colleges and universities. Emory University, Oglethorpe University, Agnes State College and Georgia State University have active English departments and visiting writers' series. Additionally, the Literacy Center and Margaret Mitchell House and Museum offer popular author lectures and signings and have brought in Garrison Keillor, Candace Bushnell and Mary Higgins Clark.
Attend annual book events. Mark your calendar with the book events that draw major crowds each year: The Decatur Book festival, Atlanta Book Festival and Book Festival of the MJCCA. Additionally, hundreds of arts festivals occur year-round in the city of Atlanta and can offer introductions to local authors and illustrators, regional interest books, fine and collectible books and library used book sales.