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Cultural Programs – Building Community

Be inspired by award-winning and emerging authors, chamber and jazz music, writing workshops, book groups and much more.

Literary Programs

Author Talks

From emerging to award-winning authors, Mechanics’ Institute curates a year-round showcase bringing literary enthusiasts together.

Book Groups

Our seminar series led by esteemed scholars explore the legacies of influential authors such as Marcel Proust, Toni Morrison, and James Baldwin. Book groups bring a community of readers together over topics of member interest including mysteries, world literature, translated works, and cookbooks.

Interactive Writers’ Groups

Dedicated to supporting writers at all stages of their craft, our programs offer support and encouragement through interactive workshops.  Many Mechanics’ Institute members, past and present, are notable authors and poets.

Music & Film Programs

Live Music Performances

Enjoy chamber and jazz music and talks by celebrated authors in a theater-like setting in our historical library.

Film Screenings & Discussions

Mechanics’ Institute provide a welcoming space to watch and discuss classic films, creating a forum for film enthusiasts.

Upcoming Author Talks & Panels

Feb 7

Breakfast with bestselling author David Guterson

February 7, 2026 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Read more Register Here
Feb 12

Beloved By the Bay: A Romance Panel

February 12, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Read more Register Here
Feb 19

Celebrating Lunar New Year with Maxine Hong Kingston and Special Guests

February 19, 2026 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Read more Register Here
Feb 27

Trouble Maker: The Fierce Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford with author Carla Kaplan

February 27, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Read more Register here

Notable Authors at Mechanics’ Institute

We host Pulitzer Prize winners, Nobel laureates, and esteemed literary figures.

Tommy Orange

2025 MacArthur Fellow

There There
Wandering Stars

Maxine Hong Kingston

National Humanities Medal

Tripmaster Monkey
I Love a Broad Margin to My Life

Viet Thanh Nguyen

2016 Pulitzer Prize

The Sympathizer
To Save and to Destroy

David Guterson

1995 PEN/Faulkner Award

Rebecca Solnit

2003 Guggenheim Fellow

Adam Johnson

2013 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction

Heather Knight

2022 Scripps Howard Award for Excellence in Opinion Writing

Daniel Handler aka Lemony Snickett

2019 Writers Guild of America Award for Best Children`s Episodic, Long Form and Specials

Site photography by Greg Habiby

What’s Inside

Author Talks

Explore Author Talks

Book Groups

Explore Book Groups

Writers' Groups

Explore Writers' Groups

Movies at Mechanics'

Explore Movies at Mechanics'

Music at Mechanics'

Explore Music at Mechanics'

Lectures and Seminars

Explore Lectures and Seminars