Write Your World: Worldbuilding Workshop with N.K. Jemisin | Big Summer Book Club

Learn the art of worldbuilding with award-winning author N.K. Jemisin.

Writing can be a portal to another place. If you could write a new world, what would it look like? Join us for an interactive writing workshop with N.K. Jemisin, Hugo Award winning author of NYPL’s Big Summer Book Club pick, The City We Became.

Participants will:

• Learn the elements of fictional worldbuilding, including language, geography, and more


• Participate in interactive worldbuilding activities


• Create a fictional world in collaboration with N.K. Jemisin


• Receive a free copy of The City We Became*

This event will be held in person at Bronx Library Center and livestreamed. 

Giveaway books are available to in-person attendees only, one book per person. Books are available first come, first serve while supplies last.

To join in person

Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open at 1:15 PM.

For free events, we overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. If registering for multiple tickets, please provide the name of each person who will be attending the event or arrive with your entire party present. Seats cannot be saved for late arrivals.

Booked seats that have not been claimed will be released shortly before start time, and seats may become available then. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

To join the livestream 

Please register for an Online Ticket.  You will receive a link to join the event shortly before start time. To receive an email reminder before the event, please be sure to register! 

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

N.K. Jemisin is the first author in history to win three consecutive Best Novel Hugo Awards, all for her Broken Earth trilogy. Her work has also won the Nebula, Locus, and Goodreads Choice Awards. She has been a reviewer for the New York Times Book Review, and an instructor for the Clarion and Clarion West writing workshops. In her spare time, she is a gamer and gardener, and she is also single-handedly responsible for saving the world from King Ozzymandias, her dangerously intelligent ginger cat, and his phenomenally destructive sidekick Magpie.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTES

In-Person

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  You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email [email protected].

  
  


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  This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.

  
  

Livestream

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  Captions will be provided.

  
  


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  You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email [email protected].

  
  

Calling all New Yorkers! Join the Library's Big Summer Book Club and read The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin. Plus, stop by your local branch for programs, giveaways, and more.

Get instant access to the e-book or audiobook and start reading today! Attend exciting programs at library branches. Pick up giveaway books*. Play our Summer Reading Challenge bingo and get free swag. And more! There's something for everyone with the Big Summer Book Club.

About The City We Became

This urban fantasy novel follows six souls of New York as they come together, despite their differences, to fight a common enemy. Jemisin weaves together themes of diversity, gentrification, prejudice, and nature to create a thrilling, fast-paced ride of a novel. The e-book and audiobook are availiable for immediate access with your Library card. 

• Borrow the book


• Get the e-book and audiobook instantly on Libby

Play the Reading Challenge Bingo

Complete a selection of library-inspired activities for the chance to win a special prize! Stop by your local NYPL branch to submit your card. 

• Download the bingo card

Prizes available June 1–September 7, 2026, while supplies last.

More Events

Looking for more Big Summer Book Club events? We've got you covered! Drop by local branch libraries for art workshops, reading parties, and more.

Find events near you

Save the Date! Big Summer Book Club Celebration

August 17 | Delacorte Theater

Plus, join us for an end of summer celebration on August 17! The Library and The Public Theater are hosting a special event with N.K. Jemisin including readings, performance, live music, and conversation. Visit nypl.org/summeradults to learn how to attend.

*Giveaways and prizes are available while supplies last.