Join us for our bi-annual Mechanics’ Institute community gathering to meet fellow members, staff, and trustees.
Gaitskill's short story "Acceptance Journey" focuses on what the author calls "liminal states," where you "never know what will happen."
A Jewish prince is betrayed and imprisoned by a childhood friend, in this epic tale of faith and vengeance.
The intimate class welcomes all beginner and intermediate levels — from not knowing how the pieces move to those who play casual chess with friends and family. You will have the opportunity to solve some puzzles/combinations, followed by a lecture (always something difference!) and last 30 minutes reserved for free play.
Amongst a remote sheep farm on a cloud-piercing peak in the Canterbury Region, a parliamentarian is found dead. Set in author Ngaio Marsh's native New Zeland during WWII, investigator Roderick Alleyn conducts counter-espionage that may be associated with this murder. Why did the killer pack the victim in wool?
How does a play evolve? How do actors unravel the complexities of characters they portray?
Are you a crafty member of the Mechanics’ Institute? Knit happens, but we’d love to see your crochet too! Bring a project and get to know your fellow Mechanics’ Institute members and staff.
Hors d'oeuvres, gourmet cheeses, delectable desserts, and tempting libations!
This class is designed for newer players looking to develop their skills and players with some playing experience looking to tune their skills and transition to scholastic tournaments.
The intimate class welcomes all beginner and intermediate levels — from not knowing how the pieces move to those who play casual chess with friends and family. You will have the opportunity to solve some puzzles/combinations, followed by a lecture (always something difference!) and last 30 minutes reserved for free play.
Selected stories from Lucia Berlin, a writer overlooked in her lifetime, but now celebrated by contemporary critics, writers, and readers as a legend of the short-story format.
Join the MI writing community for an end of year celebration to honor our writing achievements and MI members who have recently published books.
The intimate class welcomes all beginner and intermediate levels — from not knowing how the pieces move to those who play casual chess with friends and family. You will have the opportunity to solve some puzzles/combinations, followed by a lecture (always something difference!) and last 30 minutes reserved for free play.
This class is designed for newer players looking to develop their skills and players with some playing experience looking to tune their skills and transition to scholastic tournaments.
The intimate class welcomes all beginner and intermediate levels — from not knowing how the pieces move to those who play casual chess with friends and family. You will have the opportunity to solve some puzzles/combinations, followed by a lecture (always something difference!) and last 30 minutes reserved for free play.
Whether you are a newbie writer or a past attendee curious about what’s happening at the 2020 San Francisco Writers Conference, join us for this informational pre-event networking session.
This class is designed for newer players looking to develop their skills and players with some playing experience looking to tune their skills and transition to scholastic tournaments.
The intimate class welcomes all beginner and intermediate levels — from not knowing how the pieces move to those who play casual chess with friends and family. You will have the opportunity to solve some puzzles/combinations, followed by a lecture (always something difference!) and last 30 minutes reserved for free play.
A collection of Joan Didion’s landmark works that established her one of them most influential literary figures of our time.
Join us for an exciting lecture about San Francisco's Maiden Lane with historian Peter Field.
Ruthless Tony Camonte rises to the top of organized crime in 1920s Chicago.
The Legal Guide to Book Publishing class covers the primary legal and business issues in modern book publishing. Learn what you need to know about mainstream, self-publishing, and e-book publishing.
In the French village where Monet painted his water lilies, Giverny, the body of an art lover is found in the stream made famous by the artist. A clue on a postcard is discovered in the pocket of the victim Jerome Morval.
On December 7th, 1776, an American sympathizer known by his alias as “Jack the Painter” attempted to cripple Britain’s Royal Navy by burning its Dockyards.
Publishing veterans Jan Johnson, Nancy Fish, Lara Starr and Brenda Knight will help you navigate the rapids of book publishing so you can find the perfect home for your books. Bring all your questions about book publishing so you can learn from some of the best in the business!
Comedy of a bootlegger going legit, but nobody has the guts to tell him he's brewing lousy beer.
Ready to elevate your writing career to the next level, but not sure how to present your background in an appropriately professional fashion?
From language to cultural collision: the story of how humans invented history, from the Stone Age to the Virtual Age.
Epic crime thriller traces three men from World War I to the end of Prohibition.
This workshop is open to writers who are considering applications for--or wish to learn about--writing grants, fellowships, scholarships, or residencies.
A highly engaging tour through history to understand computing, social movements, common good, and the future of our digital world.
Federal agent Elliott Ness tries to bring down crime kingpin Al Capone with the help of cop Jimmy Malone.
Set in San Francisco, two ex-spouses, Cathy Dunbar and Mike Belen, seek revenge on the con men who ruined the family business, and their marriage. When they set out to con the con-men, an elaborate power play ensues revolving around Cathy Dunbar, the femme fatale.
Deaths of several staff and associates at a London book publisher that overlooks the Thames puzzle Inspector Adam Dalgliesh. When Gerard Etienne, the managing director who vowed to restore the firm's fortune, is murdered, a series of equally bizarre deaths transpire. Discuss this sophisticated, cozy mystery by P.D. James with fellow members of the Brown Bag Mystery Readers.
