Bookmarks: Signings, releases, events in the literary world

AFTER PARTY

North Florida native and best-selling authorAnton DiSclafani ("The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls") introduces her new novel, "The After Party," an exploration of the big, sun-drenched world of 1950s Texas oil money and social clubs with an "obsessive, euphoric and consuming" story of friendship, at 7 p.m. Thursday at The BookMark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach.

WORKSHOP

A Florida Heritage Book Festival fundraising workshop by storytellerConnie Reagan-Blake, "Finding the Storyteller in You," is set for Saturday at Flagler College's Ringhaver Student Center theater in St. Augustine. See fhbookfest.com for details.

KICK OFF

Children's authorLinda Smigaj("Mayflower") helps kick off the 20th annual Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program at a special opening ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday at the San Jose Barnes & Noble, 11112 San Jose Blvd.

NOCATEERS

Nocatee authorsEdith Andersen ("An Angel Is Born"), Sally Wahl Constain ("The Keys to Fanny"), Edward Mickolus ("Food with Thought: The Wit and Wisdom of Chinese Fortune Cookies") and photographer Sharon Grossman hold a group book signing 1-3 p.m. Saturday at Anastasia Books, 81C King St., St. Augustine

STORY TIME

"Grumpy Pants" byClaire Messer, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Barnes & Noble San Jose, 11112 San Jose Blvd.

NOW OUT

¦ "Braving It: A Father, a Daughter, and an Unforgettable Journey into the Alaskan Wild" byJames Campbell.

¦ "The Weekenders," a "sparkling" beach read from Mary Kay Andrews.

¦ "Beyond the Ice Limit," a Gideon Crew thriller from Preston & Child.

¦ "The Last Ranch," the finale to Michael McGarrity's American West trilogy.

SIGNINGS

¦Jan H. Johannes, "Tidewater Amelia," 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, The Book Loft, 214 Centre St., Fernandina Beach.

¦Alyce Cypress, "Scuba Zak Meets Thaddeus the Barracuda," 1-4 p.m. Saturday, The Book Loft, 214 Centre St., Fernandina Beach.

DISCUSSING

"In the Kingdom of Ice: The Grand and Terrible Polar Voyage of the USS Jeannette," by Hampton Sides, 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Clay County Headquarters Library Book Club, 1895 Town Center Blvd.

FUNDING

In the second installment of his school library campaign, best-selling authorJames Patterson will donate another $1.75 million to school libraries this year. Applications to nominate a school library for a donation must be submitted by Wednesday and can be found at www.scholastic.com/

pattersonpartnership.

AWARDING

"Perception of Power," the third installment in local authorBruce Thomason's Detective Clay Randall series, was recently named a finalist in the Eric Hoffer Book Awards.

The $4,000 Narrative Prize is awarded annually for the best short story, novel excerpt, poem, one-act play, graphic story, or work of literary nonfiction published by a new or emerging writer in Narrative.com magazine. The deadline for entries is June 15.

Send information to brandy.allport@jacksonville.com. Announcements must arrive seven days before the Sunday of publication.