Joan M. Blake reads from her book “Rise up: How to Overcome Your Battles Utilizing Faith and Belief in God” on Sat., Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. at the Grove Hall Branch, 41 Geneva Avenue in Dorchester.

Boston Public Library’s December literary events feature topics such as local history, Marshmallow Fluff, all things culinary, and more. Additionally, this month, the Library is offering a variety of festive holiday programs for youth and families throughout the system. All can be viewed via bpl.org/calendar.