Name: Writing from Photographs with Sonja Livingston | Winton Library
Start: 2026-10-13
End: 2026-10-13

Rochester, NY, is the third-largest metropolitan area in New York State, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Ontario. With a proud sports tradition, Rochester is home to iconic teams like the Rochester Red Wings (MiLB), Rochester Americans (AHL), Rochester Knighthawks (NLL), and Flower City Union (NPSL). Our vibrant sports culture thrives across all levels, from youth clubs and high schools to elite collegiate programs, creating a strong, year-round foundation for athletic excellence.

The Rochester NY Sports Commission champions Monroe County through the power of sports tourism. By attracting championships, invitationals, and tournaments across a wide range of disciplines, we help fuel the region’s economy and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Each year, Rochester welcomes a growing roster of sporting events, showcasing our top-tier facilities, supportive community, and dedication to teamwork on and off the field.

We invite event organizers, rights holders, and sports professionals to discover why Rochester and Monroe County are ideal destinations for your next competition or tournament. Let’s play in Rochester!

Visit Rochester

What can photographs tell us about our lives today, the traditions of our past, and the world we want to create? Which stories, emotions, details, secrets, and meanings lie just outside frame of the photograph?

Whether you’re creating memoir, poetry, family history, or a scrapbook—using photographs to inspire or accompany your work can add much-needed texture, focus, and intimacy. This session will offer tips and writing prompts to help get you started. You’ll have time to discuss your work in a supportive environment and come away with fresh ideas and drafts to refine or expand into longer projects. Bring 3-5 photographs (phone or hard copy) that intrigue, inspire, or hold great meaning for you.

This workshop is presented as part of our [Rochester Reads 25th Anniversary](https://writersandbooks.org/rochester-reads/) programming. Participants in this workshop will learn from Sonja Livingston, author of our 2026 Rochester Reads selection, *Ghostbread*.

**Sonja Livingston** is the author of four books of creative nonfiction, including the award- winning memoir Ghostbread, which has been adopted for classroom use around the country. Her work appears in The Kenyon Review, Ploughshares, Salon, and elsewhere. Honors include a NYFA Fellowship, an Iowa Review Award, an Arts & Letters Prize, a VanderMey Nonfiction Prize, and an AWP Book Prize. Sonja is an associate professor in the MFA Program at Virginia Commonwealth University and teaches in the Postgraduate Program at Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Writing from Photographs with Sonja Livingston | Winton Library

Welcome to DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester, located at 1111 Jefferson Rd in Rochester, NY. Our hotel offers comfortable and stylish accommodations for both leisure and business travelers. Enjoy our warm chocolate chip cookie upon arrival and experience the exceptional service that sets us apart. Our hotel features modern amenities such as a fitness center, indoor pool and lounge, and complimentary shuttle service to the airport and local attractions. Conveniently located near downtown Rochester and the University of Rochester, we offer easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Book your stay with us for a memorable and enjoyable experience. 

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Rochester

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Rochester, the Best Western Rochester Marketplace Inn is your perfect home base for exploration and relaxation. Situated conveniently at 940 Jefferson Rd, this hotel places you minutes away from the bustling marketplace, renowned for its unique shopping and dining experiences. Whether you're in town for business or pleasure, our inviting rooms promise a restful retreat after a day of meetings or sightseeing. Delight in complimentary amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi to keep you connected, a hearty breakfast to start your day right, and a fully-equipped fitness center for your workout needs. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing you with an unforgettable stay, ensuring all your needs are met with the warm hospitality Rochester is known for. Explore the charm of the city with ease and retreat to the comfort of the Best Western Rochester Marketplace Inn - where every stay is crafted to be memorable. 

Best Western Rochester Marketplace Inn

Welcome to Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Henrietta, located in the heart of New York's most vibrant town. Our stylish hotel is the perfect choice for extended stays, weekend getaways, and corporate travel. Boasting modern amenities, spacious suites, and a centralized location, you'll be steps away from all that Rochester has to offer. Indulge in complimentary breakfast, stay productive in our 24-hour business center, or relax in our indoor pool and fitness center. Whether you're here for business or leisure, our warm and welcoming staff will make sure your stay is exceptional. Book your stay at Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Henrietta, NY today! 

Home2 Suites by Hilton Rochester Henrietta, NY

Nestled in the charming town of Webster, NY, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Rochester East offers guests a restful and rejuvenating stay. Perfectly positioned at 915 Hard Rd, our hotel places you at the heart of convenience, with easy access to the vibrant city of Rochester and the serene beauty of Lake Ontario. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, our thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites are designed with your comfort in mind, featuring plush bedding, complimentary Wi-Fi, and modern amenities to ensure a seamless stay. Start your day with our delicious, free hot breakfast, energize in our fitness center, or unwind in our indoor pool. With a commitment to friendly service and satisfaction, the Fairfield Inn & Suites Rochester East is your ideal choice for experiencing the best of Webster and beyond, making every stay memorable. 

Fairfield Inn and Suites Rochester East

Discover the ideal stay in Rochester, NY at the Holiday Inn & Suites Rochester-Marketplace, an IHG Hotel. Located at 800 Jefferson Road, our hotel offers easy access to the vibrant city and its popular attractions. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, you'll appreciate our spacious accommodations, modern amenities, and exceptional service. Enjoy our on-site restaurant, fitness center and indoor pool. Perfect for meetings, celebrations, or events, the Holiday Inn & Suites Rochester-Marketplace is the ideal destination for your next stay. Book now and experience a comfortable and convenient stay in Rochester. 

Holiday Inn & Suites Rochester - Marketplace, an IHG Hotel

Welcome to Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester/Henrietta, your perfect home-away-from-home while exploring the vibrant city of Rochester, New York. Nestled at 280 Clay Rd, our prime location offers easy access to top attractions, bustling shopping districts, and the myriad of dining options Henrietta has to offer. Whether you're here for business or leisure, our hotel promises unparalleled comfort and convenience. 

Unwind in our spacious, modern rooms and suites equipped with all the amenities you need for a restful stay, including free Wi-Fi, a handy workspace, and our signature cozy beds. Start your day right with our complimentary hot breakfast, energize in our fitness center, or take a refreshing dip in our indoor pool. Our friendly staff is dedicated to ensuring your stay is memorable, offering personalized service that stands out. Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester/Henrietta is more than just a place to stay; it's your gateway to experiencing the best of Rochester. 

Hampton Inn & Suites Rochester/Henrietta

Experience the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at Hampton Inn Rochester-Webster, nestled at 878 Hard Rd, Webster, NY. This inviting hotel promises a memorable stay whether you're in town for business or leisure. Just minutes away from the breathtaking shores of Lake Ontario and the vibrant city of Rochester, our location is ideal for exploring local attractions and the rich history of the area.

Our spacious, modern rooms are designed with your relaxation in mind, featuring plush bedding, free high-speed internet, and a host of amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Start your day right with our complimentary hot breakfast, energize in our fitness center, or unwind in our indoor pool.

At Hampton Inn Rochester-Webster, we're committed to providing you with outstanding service and ensuring your stay is enjoyable and stress-free. Book with us and discover the perfect home away from home in the heart of Webster, NY. 

Hampton Inn Rochester-Webster

Welcome to Fairfield Inn Rochester Airport, your home away from home in the heart of Rochester, NY! Our modern and cozy hotel is just minutes away from Rochester International Airport, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. With comfortable guest rooms, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a fitness center, you'll have everything you need for a pleasant stay. Plus, we're conveniently located near popular attractions like the Strong National Museum of Play and the University of Rochester. Book your stay at Fairfield Inn Rochester Airport today and experience a comfortable and memorable trip to upstate New York! 

Fairfield Inn Rochester Airport

Immerse yourself in the perfect blend of comfort and convenience at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rochester Webster, an IHG Hotel, situated at the heart of Webster, NY. Whether you're visiting for business or pleasure, our prime location at 860 Holt Rd offers easy access to Rochester's vibrant city center, scenic Lake Ontario, and the myriad attractions the area holds. Our modern, thoughtfully designed rooms and suites promise a restful stay with amenities tailored to your needs - from free Wi-Fi that keeps you connected to a complimentary hot breakfast that energizes your day. Stay fit with our 24-hour fitness center or unwind in our indoor pool. For the business traveler, our efficient meeting spaces and business services ensure you're always on top of your game. Experience heartfelt hospitality matched with outstanding value, where every stay is memorable. Welcome to Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rochester Webster, where your comfort is our priority. 

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Rochester Webster, an IHG Hotel

Discover comfort and convenience at Holiday Inn Express Rochester - Greece, an IHG Hotel, ideally located at 1635 W Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY. Whether you're visiting for business or leisure, our hotel ensures a memorable stay with a host of thoughtful amenities. Kick start your day with our Express Start Breakfast, offering a variety of hot and cold options to energize your morning. Enjoy restful nights in our contemporary rooms, equipped with free high-speed Internet and comfortable bedding, ensuring a peaceful sleep. Stay fit with access to our well-equipped fitness center or accomplish tasks at our business center. Positioned conveniently in Greece, Rochester, our hotel provides easy access to local attractions, shopping, and dining, making it perfect for exploring the city. Experience the blend of dependable service and quality at Holiday Inn Express Rochester - Greece, where we make every stay an enjoyable one. 

Writing from Photographs with Sonja Livingston | Winton Library

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