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Author Casey Cep made her first visit to SLCL on Tuesday evening to discuss her book, “Furious Hours: Murder, Fraud, and The Last Trial of Harper Lee.” The book delves into the time when Harper Lee, wanting to emulate her friend Truman Capote, investigated the trial stemming from a particularly despicable murder. Cep prefaced her reading by saying, “I’d like to start by offering an apology to those that love Harper Lee. She appears in the beginning but then disappears!”

Harper Lee didn’t finish the story and Cep’s book explores the mystery of how one of the country’s most heralded writers could find and lose inspiration on a project that seemed perfect.

Make your summer reading a little extra by meeting an accomplished author at SLCL. Here’s the schedule of upcoming visits.

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Fans came from as far away as Buffalo, NY to hear Tan France speak at Library HQ on Saturday night. The Queer Eye star was at the library to talk about his new memoir, “Naturally Tan” in front of a sold-out audience with Vital Voice editor, Darin Sylman. Tan said that the book offered him a chance to tell his truth about being gay and South Asian. He described a childhood marked by racism and threats of violence. He found joy in making clothes and dreaming of becoming a Bollywood star. His journey to becoming one of the Fab 5 included a few bumps along the road–including quitting over 20 jobs in his twenties. When asked by an audience member what he wanted his legacy to be, Tan replied that he wanted “to be known for helping every community I represent. I used my voice, I was visible.” 

More photos here. 

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One of the most popular annual author programs, Suspense Night, took place at Library Headquarters last night. Billed as “An Evening of Thrill and Chills,” this year’s lineup focused on crime fiction for movies and television. Special guest Ken Olin, producer and director of “This is Us” spoke about the process of taking a book to the screen, and making its characters come alive.

Reed Farrell Coleman served again as emcee and as auctioneer, as fans bid on a variety of books and memorabilia to benefit the Library Foundation. Meg Gardiner, Jeffery Deaver, Gregg Hurwitz and Ken Olin kept the audience laughing throughout. While some were in line to have their books signed, others enjoyed cake courtesy of the Mystery Writers of America, co-sponsors of the program.  

Don’t stay in suspense any longer. Check out the upcoming author visit schedule.

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Rebecca Makkai and Jean Kwok are two prominent novelists, who also happen to be friends. They came to Library Headquarters on Tuesday evening to read from their books and share their news.

Makkai is the author of “The Great Believers” which was widely praised and shortlisted for many literary awards in 2018. Makkai read from the end of the book, being careful to skip anything that could spoil it for those who had not yet finished reading. Makkai announced that she is about to launch a podcast which will include many other authors.

Kwok’s book, “Searching for Sylvie Lee,” had been published earlier in the day and even so, had already been announced as a book club pick by NBC’s “Today Show.” She shared a personal incident on which the book’s traumatic plot is based.

June is a good month to attend an author program at SLCL. Check the schedule and clear your calendar!

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Chris Pavone spoke at Library Headquarters on Thursday evening, describing his new international spy thriller, “The Paris Diversion.” Originally an editor of cookbooks, Pavone was among those whose experience as a witness to 9/11 made him reexamine his life.  Afterward, he changed careers, moved to Luxembourg, and became a novelist.

“The Paris Diversion” stars Kate Moore, a woman crime fighter whom Pavone introduced in “The Expats.” The quick-moving plot is full of intrigue, excitement, twists and turns.

The summer is filled with great opportunities so meet authors at SLCL. Check the schedule and mark your calendar.

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Over 2,100 people attended the grand opening of the new Meramec Valley Branch on Wednesday, May 15. The new branch is located at 1501 San Simeon Way near Fenton, MO. The previous location of the Meramec Valley Branch was the smallest branch in the Library District, measuring 2,690 square feet. The new branch is a full service library encompassing 21,000 square feet.

A large crowd gathered outside before doors opened at 9am. Library Director Kristen Sorth welcomed patrons to their new branch, thanking them for their input in designing the new branch before cutting the ribbon with Library board members, staff and community representatives.

The children’s area of the branch is the third location to feature a Discovery Zone–a space designed to encourage children to engage, play and learn. The space quickly filled with excited parents and children eager to explore. The pneumatic tube wall was especially popular–kids can put scarves and other soft objects into the tubes and watch as air blows them through to the other side. The interactive touch screens doubled as an art canvas thanks to a painting app; kids were also able to play educational games on the screens. The race track had a steady line of kids waiting to build their own cars and time them as they went down the track. The 250-square foot play house was full of kids engaged in imaginative play.

Fenton resident Barbara Doshi attended the opening and said, “I have lived in Fenton for 25 years and I have waited and waited for this library and it has far exceeded my expectations. It is absolutely beautiful! It’s clean, it’s huge and they’ve thought of everyone. You’ve got the quiet area, the children’s area, you have the outside area. I love it, it was worth the wait.”

Other amenities at the new branch include three private study rooms, a quiet reading room, a community meeting room with a capacity of 150, a business center, a community garden (spring 2020), a 1/3 mile walking path, and an outdoor reading deck.

Learn more about the capital improvement projects at St. Louis County Library by visiting www.slcl.org/your-library-renewed. 

View more photos of opening day here. 

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Illustrator Nidhi Chanani visited the Daniel Boone Branch on Tuesday evening. Chanani is the illustrator of “I Will Be Fierce,” a picture book featuring a girl who decides to take on her world as a brave explorer might. The audience was comprised mostly of girls and women and they enjoyed Chanani’s multi-media presentation.

Chanani talked about the art making process, sharing photos of herself working while her kitty slept. She drew on the whiteboard, showing how to make characters demonstrate emotion. Fans of graphic novels and picture books learned a lot from the artist.

Readers of all ages and all media can meet their favorites at SLCL because of our very active author programs. Here’s the schedule listing who’s coming next.

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Jonathan Drori started his program at Library Headquarters on Monday evening with a reading from his new book, “Around the World in 80 Trees.” His visit was a partnership between SLCL and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Drori’s interest in things arboreal came from his father, an engineer by trade and a botanist at heart. He told touching stories of how he learned to love trees from his father.  

Near his childhood home in England were magnificent Cedars of Lebanon trees, some over 100 years old. One day one of the trees was struck by lightning. “It was the first time I saw my father cry,” Drori said.

Share your love of nature, or history, intrigue or mystery with the authors who visit SLCL. Here’s the schedule of upcoming author programs.

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Author Thurston Clarke’s newest book, “Honorable Exit,” had been published just three days before he spoke at Library Headquarters on Thursday evening. The book is the result of Clarke’s research into the last days and hours of the U.S. in Vietnam.

Clarke, a journalist, historian and novelist, was surprised by what he uncovered.

“It was the largest short-term humanitarian refugee effort in history,” he said to the audience, which included many military veterans.

Authors who speak at SLCL often have a new take on history.  Check the schedule for upcoming programs.

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YA author Roshani Chokshi spoke at the Daniel Boone Branch on Wednesday evening about her new book, “Aru Shah and the Song of Death.” The book is the second installment in her Pandava quartet based on Hindu mythology.

“These folk tales present rich, fun, beautiful stories from my culture that I grew up with and I want to share them with everyone,” Chokshi said. The audience of teens and kids was enthusiastic about Chokshi’s visit to their branch.

Most author programs take place at Library Headquarters, but be sure to check the schedule for the date and location of your favorite’s visit.

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Bird lovers, fly fishers and amateur sleuths converged on Library Headquarters on Monday evening to hear journalist Kirk Wallace Johnson talk about his newest book, “The Feather Thief.” It’s the tale of how one obsessive American masterminded a theft of the British Museum. Johnson shared slides and video clips of some rather amazing birds as well as the history of how the craze for plumage on hats nearly wiped out multiple species.

Johnson became interested in the feather heist by asking a few simple questions: why are there so many bird specimens at the museum and why would someone steal them?

Find out what motivates other authors by asking them at SLCL’s author series. Here’s the schedule of upcoming visits.

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Humorist Helen Ellis brought smiles and laughter to SLCL Headquarters on Monday night. She’s the author of “Southern Lady Code,” a new book of essays containing her wry and hilarious insights. She began by reading an excerpt from an essay entitled “Making a Marriage Magically Tidy.”

Ellis’ hilarious take on tidiness and how she is a “recovering slob” kept the large audience in stitches.

Take a break from your spring cleaning and attend an author program at SLCL. Here’s the schedule.

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Commentator and columnist David Brooks drew a sold-out crowd to Library Headquarters on Thursday evening to hear him talk about his most recent book, “The Second Mountain.” The book is a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to live a meaningful life.

In “The Second Mountain,” Brooks looks at people—from Dostoyevsky to Holocaust survivor Etty Hillesum to African educational entrepreneur Fred Swaniker—who have lived joyous committed lives and gathers their wisdom to understand how we can begin to integrate our commitments into one overriding purpose.

Get a variety of ideas and perspectives from the authors who visit SLCL. Here’s the upcoming calendar.  

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A large and enthusiastic audience welcomed author Lisa Scottoline back to Library Headquarters last Saturday. She is on tour to promote “Someone Knows” but the crowd was full of people who had read many, if not all of Scottoline’s books. As always, she greeted everyone warmly, giving a lot of hugs during the book signing.

One man gave his phone to Lisa when it was his turn in line. On the other end was his girlfriend, who, though she couldn’t attend the program, got to talk to her favorite author anyway. A couple of book groups also attended, and Lisa welcomed them with widely opened arms.

Check the schedule to see who’s coming.

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St. Louis County Library celebrated the second class of Career Online High School graduates on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at Library Headquarters.

Ten graduates were honored at the event. Over 100 friends and family gathered to cheer the graduates’ accomplishments.

SLCL Director Kristen Sorth kicked off the festivities and told the graduates they were not alone, “over 90,000 adults in the St. Louis region don’t have their high school diploma.” The program gives people a second chance to pursue their dreams.

As part of her address, Valedictorian Nhi Ly said “Almost 30 years ago I came to America full of hopes and dreams and goals. That’s what I wanted to do in this country.” She continued, “My journey will not stop here. Now I have more goals.”

Dr. Lynn Beckwith Jr., President of the St. Louis County Library Board of Trustees gave the commencement address. He recognized the graduates’ hard work and encouraged them to continue their educational journeys. “Remember it is not where you start in life, but where you finish.”

COHS salutatorian Earsalyn Hodges told the graduates, “Today is no small feat. It is perhaps the most significant and life-altering achievement for most of us.”

Graduates will have the opportunity to continue their education at St. Louis Community College, which presented each graduate with a three-credit hour scholarship during the ceremony.

The Career Online High School offers adult learners age 25 and older a second chance to earn a high school diploma, along with a career certificate, opening the door to new job opportunities. St. Louis County Library and St. Louis Public Library began offering the program to area residents in 2017. Learn more at www.slcl.org/cohs.

See more photos. 

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Andy Griffiths created a fun-filled program at the Daniel Boone Branch last Friday. Griffiths is the author of dozens of books for kids including “The 104-Story Treehouse.” The auditorium was packed with Griffiths’ fans, including a school group from St. James, Mo., which is located some 75 miles southwest of the branch.

Griffiths likes silly books, and brought that spirit to the program. For example, he asked the audience if they knew the fastest way to annoy someone. He demonstrated by using a deflating balloon to squeak out “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Of course, the kids squealed with laughter at that and other wacky antics by the Australian writer.

Each author brings something special to SLCL. Check the author schedule for who’s coming next.

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Legal thriller writer Phillip Margolin spoke at Library Headquarters on Monday evening about his newest book, “The Perfect Alibi.” Margolin spent many years as a criminal defense attorney, and came to writing because he is also a voracious reader. He kept asking himself, “How do they (writers) fill 400 pages with words?” With 24 novels and many short stories under his belt, Margolin now knows well how to fill the pages.

The audience enjoyed hearing about Margolin’s writing process which he described thoroughly. He stressed the importance of contemplating the idea before writing, in making an extensive outline and in editing.

Everyone has a writing style. Learn about others’ when they visit SLCL. Here’s the author schedule.