Author Peggy Townsend

Local author and journalist Peggy Townsend is the featured reader for Community Writers of Santa Cruz County. Townsend, who worked as a reporter and editor for more than 30 years at the Santa Cruz Sentinel, is the author of “Safe Landings," a novel about four women who take in a homeless boy, and the effect that decision has on their lives.

"It's about the unintended consequences of doing a good deed," Townsend says.

"Safe Landings" was influenced by Townsend's years as a reporter and in particular a story she worked on about homeless youth.

The public is also invited to sign up for open mic to read original work at the podium for about 5 minutes. It's free.

Parking is behind the library through the Bagelry parking lot via Soquel Drive.