In celebration of the Library Foundation’s 10th Anniversary, we have launched a brand new website featuring bright colors and loads of interesting pages and links. The site is designed for easy navigation and offers the schedule for the Foundation’s outstanding author event series, information about joining the Friends of the Library Foundation or becoming a member of the Starcatchers Society for major and planned gifts, outreach programs like The Gift of Reading and Read St. Louis, items available in the Foundation Store, and much more.
Check it out: http://www.slcl.org/foundation/
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The Library Foundation’s Author Event Series received some great news last week when we learned we’d been named the city’s Best Reading Series in the Riverfront Times’ 2009 Best of St. Louis issue.
Considering the Library began focusing on bringing in more authors and developing a prominent author event series about 3 years ago, we’re especially proud of this recognition! Many thanks to all of our partners, sponsors, and many loyal audience members that come out to support us event after event.
Crowd shot from the Library's 2009 event with poet Nikki Giovanni. This is what we mean by a fabulous audience!
Check out the great write up from the RFT (http://www.riverfronttimes.com/bestof/2009/award/best-reading-series-854303/):
In the past year, the St. Louis County Library has booked heavyweights such as Michael Chabon, Daniel Silva, J.A. Jance and Rick Riordan. That last fella, if you didn’t know, is the author of young-adult novel sensation “The Lightning Thief,” and his appearance drew more than a thousand clamoring fans. Granted, not every writer is met with arena-rock crowds, but the library’s ongoing author series has no trouble filling seats, thanks to two basic selling points: well-known names and a wide range of genres, from journalists to children’s-book authors and every specialty in between. Sometimes they even fill several criteria at once, as with mystery novelist Ridley Pearson, who teams with humor columnist Dave Barry on a series of fantasy-adventure novels for kids. Whether it’s the semiannual mystery writers’ panel or a local sportswriter’s book signing, the St. Louis County Library has established itself as a fixture on this town’s literary landscape.
We thought we’d celebrate with a sneak peek at some of the amazing events we have planned for 2010! Janurary is typically an especially slow events month, but next year we will get off to an explosive start with three events with incredible women writers.
January 8, 7 pm – Jeannette Walls, “Half-Broke Horses: A True-Life Novel”
Jeannette Walls’s memoir “The Glass Castle” was “nothing short of spectacular” (Entertainment Weekly). Now, in “Half Broke Horses,” she brings us the story of her grandmother, told in a first-person voice that is authentic, irresistible, and triumphant. ”Half Broke Horses” is Laura Ingalls Wilder for adults, as riveting and dramatic as Isak Dinesen’s “Out of Africa.” Destined to become a classic, it will transfix audiences everywhere.
January 12, 7 pm – Jane Bryant Quinn, “Making the Most of Your Money Now: The Classic Bestseller Completely Revised for the Risky New Economy”
Jane Bryant Quinn is one of the nation’s leading personal finance commentators. An award-winning columnist for Newseek and Good Housekeeping, and the author of the wildly bestselling “Making the Most of Your Money” and “Smart and Simple Financial Strategies for Busy People,” she‘s cornered the market on simple but essential advice for people of any age to plan for their financial future. Now, Jane does it again – with a timely update, focusing on clear, practical advice on how to plan, how to cope, and how to remain optimistic for the 21st century.
January 30, 7 pm – Gwen Ifill, “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama”
In “The Breakthrough,” veteran journalist Gwen Ifill surveys the American political landscape, shedding new light on the impact of Barack Obama’s stunning presidential victory and introducing the emerging young African American politicians forging a bold new path to political power. The Breakthrough is a remarkable look at contemporary politics and an essential foundation for understanding the future of American democracy in the age of Obama.
The Library Foundation is honored to kick-off both the 2010 ‘Buzz’ Westfall Favorite Author Series and the Library’s annual Black History Month Celebration with this special event with Gwen Ifill.
And now for something completely different…
Next Tuesday, the St. Louis County Library Foundation’s 10th Anniversary Celebration continues with a special event unlike anything ever hosted in the Library. St. Louis County Library Headquarters will close early and reopen for a special performance in the Main Reading Room by an ensemble from the world-renowned St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
The musicans will perform “Sounds of Missouri” including traditional Bluegrass medleys, songs from the “Abe Lincoln Songbook,” a musical arrangment featuring the text of Mark Twain’s “The War Poem,” arrangements by Scott Joplin, and more. The ensemble consists of:
Voice: Brian Owens
Violin: Rebecca Boyer Hall & Asako Kuboki
Viola: Christian Woehr
Cello: Alvin McCall
But that’s not all… on a separate stage, critcally acclaimed St. Louis plein air painter Billyo O’Donnell will create a live portrait of the musicians. Guests can special order a limited edition print of O’Donnell’s portrait signed by the artist and St. Louis Symphony conductor David Robertson. All proceeds will benefit the Library Foundation and the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.
An exhibit of O’Donnell’s oil paintings will be open to the public prior to the performance–5:30-6:45 pm. 
O’Donnell will also sell and sign copies of his gorgeous coffee table book “Painting Missouri: The Counties en Plein Air” during a post-event reception. Co-author Karen Glines will join Billyo for the book signing.
While the Library always takes great pride in offering unique entertainment, we are especially thrilled by this collaboration with the Symphony and Billyo O’Donnell. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime celebration of music, art, and literature!
*****A limited number of FREE tickets are still available! Stop by St. Louis County Library Headquarters or call (314) 994-3300 ext. 2281 to reserve your tickets (limit 2 per customer).
This year the St. Louis County Library and St. Louis Public Library kicked off our most ambitious collaborative project ever–Read St. Louis. It is a community-wide literacy initiative developed by the Libraries to encourage metro St. Louisans to read and discuss books from a variety of genres and reading levels. The libraries promote the selected books through book discussions, associated programs, and free author events. The program is funded by a generous grant from the UPS Foundation; co-sponsors and partners include KMOX, KMOV, the Literacy Roundtable, and numerous independent and chain bookstores across the region. A true city-county partnership, the Read St. Louis honorary co-chairs are Mayor Francis Slay and County Executive Charlie Dooley. For more information on Read St. Louis, please check out www.readstlouis.org.
Next week, St. Louis County Library will host the fourth author featured in the 2009 Read St. Louis program. Debut novelist and recent Washington University graduate Stefan Merrill Block was selected as the 2009 Contemporary Fiction author. His lyrical and moving novel The Story of Forgetting has stunned readers and critics across the country.
The Story of Forgetting follows two men, generations apart, as they try to make sense of the devastating impact of early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. The novel is exceptional not only in its delicate handling of the characters’ difficult stories, but also in its unique fusion of this very real-world story with the mythical land of Isidora–a fantasy land free from the sorrows of memory.
The Story of Forgetting is a finalist for the 2009 “Indies Choice Book Award” for Best Author Discovery; it was a 2008 Independent (UK), St. Louis Post Dispatch, and Austin Chronicle Best Book of the Year; and it was selected as ”Best First Novel” in the 2008 Rome International Festival of Literature.
Here are a few of the rave reviews from critics:
“[An] emotional roller coaster … ‘The Story of Forgetting’ is as true to the anguish of [its] questions as it is ablaze with love and vitality … Mr. Block taps into the life force that gives [his characters] a human, heart-wrenching answer … a fresh, beguiling novel.” –Janet Maslin, The New York Times
“Nuanced yet intensely personal literature … [Block's] investment in vivid character development pays off handsomely in a tightly structured narrative that moves flawlessly from start to finish … The brilliance of ‘The Story of Forgetting,’ poetic and spiritual, is undeniable.” – Steve Giegerich, St. Louis Post-Dispatch
“This is one of those rare works of near-genius… Block writes with the certainty and originality of a Nabokov or a Faulkner… A story about people, which is… touching, inventive and intelligent”. –Virginia Ironside, The Independent (UK)
We can expect great things from this promising 27 year-old author. Don’t miss your chance to meet him now!
Stefan Merrill Block
Reading & Book Signing
Thurs., Sept. 17, 7 pm
St. Louis County Library Headquarters (1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.)
We are also very pleased to partner with Main Street Books in historic downtown St. Charles–the cutest little bookstore on the cutest street in Missouri – http://www.mainstreetbooks.net/. Main Street will provide copies of The Story of Forgetting for purchase and signing at the event.
The St. Louis County Library Foundation is thrilled to announce the 2009 Fall Author Event schedule. Featuring two of the biggest political books of the year, numerous critically-acclaimed and popular novelists, and several of the hottest teen authors at work today, the fall line-up promises something for everyone.
Unless otherwise noted, all events take place at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters (1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.) and are free and open to the public.
SEPTEMBER
Monday, September 14, 7:00 pm (Authors’ Nook)
Robert Ellis and Marianna Riley, “Caring for Victor: A U.S. Army Nurse and Saddam Hussein”
St. Louisan and former Army Nurse at Camp Cropper near Baghdad, Robert Ellis was responsible for the health and well-being of the high-value detainees, including Saddam Hussein–code name, Victor. “Caring for Victor” depicts Ellis’ complicated relationship with Hussein and presents an exclusive look at the everyday life of a soldier in Iraq.
Thursday, September 17, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Stefan Merrill Block, “The Story of Forgetting”
2009 Read St. Louis Contemporary Fiction Selection
In Stefan Merrill Block’s extraordinary debut novel, two men, generations apart, try to unravel the strands of their shared genetic history and understand the mystery of Alzheimer’s Disease. ”The Story of Forgetting” has been widely reviewed as one of the most promising debut novels in recent years.
Wednesday, September 23, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Greg Marecek, “The St. Louis Football Cardinals: A Celebration of the Big Red”
Through vivid imagery and dozens of action photographs, this keepsake edition documents the complete history of the coaches, players, and games that brought thrills to countless loyal St. Louis Cardinals football fans.
Special Guest Appearances by Football Hall-of-Famers Roger Wehrli and Jackie Smith
Books must be purchased at the event for signing. The author and players will sign one piece of memorabilia per book purchase (limit two).
Tuesday, September 29, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
William Ouchi, “The Secret of TSL: The Revolutionary Discovery That Raises School Performance”
Presented by the Pacesetter Author Series
In this follow-up to his groundbreaking book “Making Schools Work,” Dr. William Ouchi explains how schools that control their own budgets can reduce teachers’ TSL—Total Student Load—allowing them to develop a stronger relationship with students and substantially raise the performance level of their classrooms.
Co-sponsored by the Cooperating School Districts of Greater St. Louis, the Booksource, and Focus St. Louis
OCTOBER
Friday, October 2, 7:00 pm (Main Reading Room)
Sue Monk Kidd & Ann Kidd Taylor, “Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story”
Master of Ceremonies: Deb Peterson – Columnist, St. Louis Post Dispatch
In this intimate dual memoir about their travels through Greece and France, beloved novelist Sue Monk Kidd and her daughter, Ann, offer distinct perspectives as a fifty-something and a twenty-something, each on a quest to redefine herself and rediscover each other.
Tuesday, October 6, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Melissa de la Cruz, “The Van Alen Legacy”
TEEN EVENT: Presented by the Reading Garden Event Series
Young, fanged, and fabulous! Teen fans of Melissa de la Cruz’s popular Blue Bloods vampire series are invited to the US Book Release celebration with the author! The event will be a “Blue Bloods Ball” featuring music, dancing, trivia contests, and refreshments.
Co-sponsored by Radio Disney
Wednesday, October 14, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Julia Glass, “I See You Everywhere”
From the author of the National Book Award-winning novel “Three Junes,” comes an intimate new work of fiction: a tale of two sisters told in their alternating voices over twenty-five years.
The format of this event will be an onstage interview moderated by KMOX’s Total Information AM host Debbie Monterrey.
Saturday, October 24, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Trenton Lee Stewart, “The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma”
CHILDREN’S EVENT: Presented by the Reading Garden Event Series
The Mysterious Benedict Society is back with a new mission. When an unexplained blackout engulfs Stonetown, the fearless foursome must unravel clues relating to a dangerous plot. Filled with page-turning action and mind-bending brain teasers, this wildly inventive journey is sure to delight.
Thursday, October 29, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Ellen Schreiber, “Royal Blood: Vampire Kisses #6″
TEEN EVENT: Presented by the 2009 Jewish Book Festival
TICKETED EVENT – $6.00 PER PERSON
Bestselling Ellen Schreiber’s “Vampire Kisses” series captures the thrill of a most unusual romance through the story of a vampire-obsessed Goth-girl from Dullsville and her mysterious boyfriend. This special event includes games, character look-alike contest, a manga portrait artist, and more!
Friday, October 30, 7:00 pm (Main Reading Room)
Taylor Branch, “The Clinton Tapes: Wrestling History with the President”
Presented by the ‘Buzz’ Westfall Favorite Author Series and the KMOX/Fontbonne University Book Club
For this highly-anticipated biography, Pulitzer-Prize winning author Taylor Branch was invited to record and report on highly candid and personal interviews with President Clinton throughout his time in office.
The format of this event will be an onstage interview moderated by KMOX 1120’s Charles Brennan.
November
- 2008 Marion Ettlinger
Wednesday, November 4, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
David Wroblewski, “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle”
David Wroblewski’s riveting family saga explores the deep alliance between humans and dogs and is an inspired retelling of Hamlet set on a remote farm in Northern Wisconsin. “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” was an Oprah Book Club Selection and has been reviewed as an “instant modern classic.”
Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Kate Jacobs, “Knit the Season: A Friday Night Knitting Club Novel”
#1 New York Times bestselling author Kate Jacobs presents a special holiday installment in the popular Friday Night Knitting Club series. “Knit the Season” is a moving, laugh-out-loud celebration of special times with friends and family.
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Thursday, November 12, 7:00 pm (Main Reading Room)
Dave Barry & Ridley Pearson, “Peter and the Sword of Mercy”
2009 Family Read Night co-sponsored by Commerce Bank and Delta Dental
The side-splitting authors of the bestselling Starcatchers series return to the library with “Peter and the Sword of Mercy.” Picking up 23 years after their last book left off, Peter must enlist the help of Wendy Darling and save the world from an evil plot by the Shadow Creatures.
The library will close for general use during this event.
Monday, November 16, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Robert Merry, “A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent”
Presented by the ‘Buzz’ Westfall Favorite Author Series
In a one term presidency, James K. Polk completed America’s Manifest Destiny—extending its territory across the continent by manufacturing a controversial two-year war with Mexico. Journalist and historian Robert Merry fills in this crucial epoch in American history through the story of a towering personality.
Wednesday, November 18, 7:00 pm (Auditorium)
Richard Paul Evans, “The Christmas List”
The New York Times bestselling author of “The Christmas Box” returns with a holiday novel of hope, love, and redemption. Richard Paul Evans’ inspirational stories of faith, family, and love have broken publishing records, regularly topped bestseller lists, and won the author countless devoted followers throughout the world.
Friday, November 20, 7:00 pm (Main Reading Room)
David Plouffe, “The Audacity to Win: The Inside Story and Lessons of Barak Obama’s Historic Victory”
Presented by the ‘Buzz’ Westfall Favorite Author Series
Master of Ceremonies: Don Marsh – Host of “St. Louis on the Air”, KWMU 90.7
Campaign manager David Plouffe led the effort that put Barack Obama in the White House. In “The Audacity to Win,” he chronicles the exciting possibilities revealed by a campaign that combined digital technology and grassroots organization and in many ways functioned as a $1 billion start-up with laser-like focus and discipline.
DECEMBER
Thursday, December 3, 7:00 pm – (Auditorium)
Wally Lamb, “Wishin’ and Hopin’: A Christmas Story”
The beloved bestselling author of “The Hour I First Believed” and “I Know This Much Is True” delivers a holiday treat—an unforgettable novella that captures the warmth and joy of the season.
Mo Willems, author of "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" and "Knuffle Bunny" visits St. Louis County Library.
Hello, Everyone!
Thanks for visiting the St. Louis County Library’s new events blog. Over the past couple years, the Library has developed the reputation as the best place to see the most prominent nationally touring authors. We host events for all ages and from all genres of literature. The 2009 series has already included events with popular children’s book author Mo Willems, renowned food writer Michael Pollen, poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, and bestselling mystery author Michael Connelly.
The Library currently hosts four events series:
• Friends of the St. Louis County Library Foundation Author Series – a series of readings, discussions, and book signings with authors of wide popular appeal. This program has brought in a wide range of speakers including fiction writers Michael Chabon and Mary Higgins Clark, poet Nikki Giovanni, and celebrity chef Paula Deen.
• ‘Buzz’ Westfall Favorite Author Series – a series created to honor late St. Louis County Executive Buzz Westfall by featuring authors of compelling books about politics, history, or sports. One of the library’s most popular programs, the Westfall series has recently hosted “sold-out” events for Doris Kearns Goodwin, Paul Rusesabagina, Bob Schieffer, and Cokie Roberts.
• Pacesetter Author Series – Pacesetter events feature authors of significant books by business, education, and cultural leaders. Past Pacesetter authors include National Medal of the Arts winning educator Rafe Esquith and St. Louis journalists Don Marsh and Julius Hunter.
• Reading Garden Event Series - the Library’s newest series presents free family events with the most popular children’s and teen authors and musicians. During 2009, the Reading Garden series has hosted events with authors Ally Carter and Jonathan Stroud and concerts with PBS Kids’ Mr. Steve and Harry Potter rock band The Remus Lupins.
The 2009 series already includes more than 50 events with award-winning and bestselling authors. We are seeing our largest and most enthusiastic crowds at each of these events.
This blog will feature up-to-the minute announcements about upcoming events, in depth looks at the featured authors and books, and recaps and photos from recent author visits. We look forward to hearing your comments and seeing you at one of our terrific upcoming author events!
Up next:
The complete announcement of the 2009 Fall Event schedule–our most exciting and star-studded line-up yet!
