THE TRAGEDY OF TRUE CRIME panel discussion

At the Ossining Public Library, 53 Croton Avenue, Ossining

To mark the launch of New York prison writer John J. Lennon’s debut book, "The Tragedy of True Crime: Four Guilty Men and the Stories that Define Us," join the Ossining Public Library for a panel discussion about redemption, prison programming, and the stories we tell about crime and punishment, between two men currently incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility and two formerly incarcerated men leading organizations that provide life-changing arts and education programs in New York state prisons.

In The Tragedy of True Crime, Lennon’s vivid, intimate accounts of life on the inside cut through the sensationalism and reveal the humanity beyond the headlines. As he and his subjects search for meaning and redemption, the same desire echoes throughout the lives of these four men: to become more than murderers.

The first-ever full-length work of narrative reportage researched and written entirely behind bars, The Tragedy of True Crime poses fundamental questions about the stories we tell about crime and punishment—and who gets to tell them.

Lennon and Hale will be joining this discussion by phone, calling in from Sing Sing. Hudson Valley Books for Humanity will have books available for purchase at this event.

Praise for The Tragedy of True Crime:

“A nuanced biography… and a scathing criticism of the media ecosystem that launders tragedy into entertainment.”—The New York Times

“John J. Lennon is one of our most incisive writers on crime, incarceration, and the human lives behind statistics… His first book tells the stories, in full color, of four men who have killed, and in doing so, naturally ‘challenges our obsession with true crime.’” —Literary Hub’s Most Anticipated Books of 2025

“At once a true crime page turner and a powerful memoir, The Tragedy of True Crime reminds us all that to be flawed is still to be human.”—Heather Ann Thompson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Blood in the Water

Panelists include:

John J. Lennon, acclaimed prison journalist and author of The Tragedy of True Crime

Jermaine Archer, executive director of Rehabilitation Through the Arts

Sean Pica, President of Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison

Michael Shane Hale, featured in The Tragedy of True Crime

Co-Sponsors include:

Rehab Through the Arts (RTA), Hudson Link, the Sing Sing Prison Museum (SSPM), and the Ossining Public Library.

Hudson Valley Books for Humanity of Ossining will be in attendance with copies of the book for purchase.

Get ready for the holidays!

Meet the artists and artisans who create the gorgeous products you see in our store. Organized into two separate days — November 9 and 16 — each event features makers of greeting cards, jewellery, pottery, and a diverse array of artwork. Come view the products, meet the artisans, and pick up a few special items for yourself or loved ones. Better yet, come both days and meet them all!

November 16 features these artists and artisans:

Chad Crume - Cards and prints

Kerry Goldberg - Pottery

Fabiana Chiu - Jewelry

Shu Tu - Framed prints, ceramic jewelry

Chopoholic Cutting Boards and René Ebersole

Maxine Young - Cards and prints

Anne Marie Leone - Cards and prints

November 9 feature(d) these artists and artisans:

Jennifer Eolin - Upcycled bottle lamps, framed collage art

Shannon Fury - Bug and nature stickers

Dennis Kirby - Greeting cards and framed prints

Martin Munroe - Paintings, prints, and much more

Gentle Flame by Laura Pontrelli - Pottery and ceramic jewelry

Frog Prince Pottery by Matthew Van Fleet

Pam Zicca - Photo cards and prints

Free and open to the public!

Hosted by Hudson Valley Books for Humanity and Michelle Carter, Funeral Director,  End-of-Life Coach and founder of The Death Expert, this event offers space for open conversation about death, dying, and the choices available to us at the end of life.

Special guests include:

• David C. Leven, Executive Director Emeritus and Senior Consultant with End of Life Choices New York, who will answer questions about New York's Medical Aid in Dying legislation

• Colin Sandler, LCSW, of Medicaid Solutions, who will offer guidance on navigating Medicaid, long-term care, and financial considerations for aging and dying

This is not a lecture or seminar. It is a facilitated community gathering where people are encouraged to share thoughts, ask questions, or simply listen.

This event is free and open to the public. Books, beer, cider, and wine will be available for purchase.

Whether you are supporting a loved one, working in end-of-life care, or simply exploring your own feelings and questions about death, this is a safe space to have a meaningful conversation.