Eoin Colfer provided non-stop laughter when he visited Library Headquarters on Friday evening. The evening was the headliner event for Children’s Book Week at SLCL. Best known as the author of the Artemis Fowl series, Colfer also answered questions about his other books which are popular world wide. A magician warmed up the crowd and “punished” a young man afterward who may or may not have revealed an important plot twist. More photos here.

Children’s Book Week wrapped up on Saturday, May 18 with two events at SLCL. Local author Jennifer Ward read from some of her picture books at the Daniel Boone Branch, while Carolyn Cinami DeCristofano read from her latest book, “A Black Hole is Not a Hole” at Library HQ.

More Children’s Book Week photos can be viewed here. 

The first order of business last night was for YA authors Antony John and Heather Brewer to do a little bit of fan boy/girl gushing over each other. With that out of the way, each of them read from their most recent books (“Legacy of Tril” for Heather and “Elemental” for Antony), and talked about the inspiration behind each of the books. After that they opened the floor up to questions. Most of the talk centered around advice for aspiring writers. Heather shared her secret formula: butt+chair=writing (this also involves staying away from the internet). Antony’s main bit of advice was for people to put their devices away and go out and live a life. Doing that will give you experiences from which to draw. Heather added that it’s hard to write about life if you don’t HAVE one.

Lastly, Heather mentioned the anti-bully conference she’s organizing October 19. Details here. 

More photos from the event can be viewed here. 

Prolific suspense author John Sandford discussed his latest thriller, “Silken Prey” at Library HQ on Monday night. Mr. Sandford is already editing his next book and shared that in his latest creation, no one gets killed. A rarity in this genre!

Find out if you favorite author is visiting SLCL right here. 

Suspense Night became an ode to reading when authors Reed Farrell Coleman, Megan Abbot, Ace Atkins, Michael Koryta and Hank Phillippi Ryan described how they became good writers. Each one said their writing skills were nurtured by a love of reading and that they devour all kinds of books. The authors generously donated items for a mini-auction, leaving the Library Foundation and the lucky bidders delighted. 

See who else is visiting SLCL this spring right here. 

Kids at the Cliff Cave Branch learned about the joys of modern dance today with an instructor from DaySpring School of the Arts. Little ones followed along as the dancer demonstrated a variety of moves, then performed a piece they helped create. Check out more adorable photos here. 

The program was part of SLCL’s Art @ Your Library series, which celebrates dance through May and June. Get a full list of events here. 

When illustrator Mark Teague was a kid, the story of the Three Little Pigs was one of his favorites, but he always thought it was a bit hard on the wolf. When his daughters were growing up, they got into the story too, and, as kids tend to do, asked for the same story night after night. Teague saw that as a chance to start putting in little twists to the original, and make it into something that he liked better. Mr. Teague read from his new book ” The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf” last night at Library HQ.

SLCL is hosting a stellar line-up of children’s and teen events starting May 13 for Children’s Book Week. Get the full line-up here. 

The Teen Sci-Fi & Fantasy night drew an enthusiastic audience to SLCL last night. Gushing fans came ready with questions and books to be signed by authors Antony John, Tamara Ireland Stone, Lauren Oliver & Lenore Applehans. Prior to the book signing, the authors discussed their  writing process, what they need to focus (coffee and lots of it), and the hard part of the job: actually sitting down and writing.

Plenty of other YA events are scheduled at SLCL this spring. Get the low down here.  

Business expert Adam Grant discussed his new book “Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success” at Library HQ on Monday. Mr. Grant is the youngest tenured professor at Wharton Business School. His cutting-edge research reveals how whether you’re a giver, a taker or a matcher (a balance of giving and taking) could determine your success in business. 

Find out who else is visiting the library right here.

Humorous suspense author Ann B. Ross stopped by Library HQ last night to discuss the latest installment in her popular Miss Julia series, “Miss Julia Stirs Up Trouble.” The lively crowd asked plenty of questions  and were eager to discuss the various plot twists and turns with the author during the book signing.  

Find out if your favorite author is coming to SLCL right here.