Author Readings and Lectures

Panel: Grotto Nights at the Library

Healing Rifts with the Ancestors' Gifts: Author Eirinie Carson's Bloodfire, Baby
Tuesday, 2/24/2026
6:00 - 7:30
The Page - 1st Floor
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

In Eirinie Carson's stunning debut novel, Bloodfire, Baby, a mother and her newborn are haunted by the intergenerational inheritance that plagues the eldest daughters of a bloodline that runs from Jamaica to San Francisco. Bloodfire, Baby is a bold examination of motherhood, mental health, class, and family secrets, inspired by Carson's own inquiry into her family ancestry. Join us for a conversation with the author, with book sales and author signing to follow.

Bios:

Eirinie Carson is a member of the Writers Grotto in San Francisco and a frequent contributor to Mother magazine. Her memoir The Dead Are Gods was named a Best Book of 2023 by Kirkus. Her work has also appeared in LitHub, Notre Dame Review, Mortal Mag, Electric Literature, The Sonora Review, and others. Bloodfire, Baby is her first novel.

Janine Kovac writes about power dynamics and women's bodies. She is the author of Spinning: Choreography for Coming Home and The Nutcracker Chronicles: A Fairytale Memoir. A MacDowell Fellow and a member of the Writers Grotto, Janine curates Grotto Nights with the Library. 

 

The Writers Grotto is a community of working writers and narrative artists who connect in physical and virtual space, pooling their talents to support each other, mentor and teach others, and engage the wider world. The Grotto fosters a literary culture that is generous in spirit and deeply inclusive, elevating writers of all backgrounds. 

Connect: 

The Writers Grotto - Website | The Writers Grotto - Instagram | The Writers Grotto - Facebook

Author Readings & Lectures

Engage with your favorite writers and discover your next read.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.