12
Sep
Okay, listen up, ATL! We’ve got a super special night coming up that’s perfect for all you bookworms and rom-com lovers. Get ready to hang out with New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory as she chats it up with the amazing Julian Winters to celebrate her new young adult rom-com, It’s Only Dancing. This ain’t just any book launch, honey, this is a whole vibe, inspired by the iconic Dirty Dancing.
So, what’s this book about? Imagine Kitty, a high school senior, ready for a chill summer of reading and college apps. Instead, her family drags her to a desert camp for a whole month. Talk about a buzzkill! But then she stumbles upon a staff party and sees them all dancing, free and joyful. Kitty used to love ballet, but she quit two years ago, and she’s determined to keep dance in the past. That is, until Jordan, a handsome and magnetic hip-hop instructor, keeps pulling her back onto the dance floor. As Kitty starts sneaking around and lying to her parents to spend time with Jordan, she’s gotta figure out what she’s willing to risk to feel free again. And could her feelings for Jordan actually reignite her love for dance? Sounds like a perfect blend of romance, self-discovery, and maybe a little bit of rebellion, right?
This event is absolutely perfect for a chill girls’ night out, a low-key date night with your boo, or even a solo hang if you just want to immerse yourself in some literary goodness. If you’re into heartwarming stories, a little bit of drama, and that sweet feeling of finding yourself, then this is your spot. Plus, you get to hear from two incredible authors. Jasmine Guillory is a New York Times bestselling author with nine novels under her belt, including the Reese’s Book Club pick, The Proposal. Julian Winters is an award-winning and bestselling author himself, known for his acclaimed novels and adult romances. He’s a self-proclaimed comic book geek who lives right outside Atlanta, so you know he’s got that local flavor.
Now, for the deets! This wonderful evening goes down on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Doors actually open at 6:30 PM, so you can get there a little early and find your spot. It’s happening at the Decatur Library, which is part of the DeKalb County Public Library system, located at 215 Sycamore Street in Decatur. This whole shindig is free and open to the public, which is amazing, but they do ask that you register to make sure they have a headcount. While it’s free, Charis and the Georgia Center for the Book, who are putting this on, do encourage and appreciate a donation of $5-20 to support their programming non-profit, Charis Circle. Their mission is all about fostering sustainable feminist communities, working for social justice, and lifting up diverse and marginalized voices, so if you can spare a few dollars, it’s definitely going to a good cause. You can donate directly on their website.
When you get there, the event is in the auditorium, and it’s fully wheelchair accessible, so everyone can join in. Parking is free in the deck accessed via Cheryl Burnette Bikeway. Just a heads-up, you’ll need to enter through the doors off the upper, first-floor level of the parking deck, not the ground level or the Sycamore Street door. If you park on the ground level, there’s a staircase that takes you right up to the main entrance. For accessible parking, aim for the upper, first-floor deck. Masks are requested and encouraged, but not required, so do what feels comfortable for you. Be prepared to go through security, which includes a metal detector and a bag check, so try to bring as few items as possible to keep the line moving. No weapons of any kind are allowed in the library, not even folding knives. Once you’re inside, just follow the signs down to the auditorium, and seating is first come, first served. If you need ASL interpretation, just reach out to Charis Circle by email or phone. Come on out and get your bookish heart filled!
