Speaking of Books Author Series 11th Season
Now in its 11th season, our acclaimed Speaking of Books series returns with powerful stories and unforgettable voices you won’t want to miss.
All four upcoming events are free and open to the public, with optional upgraded tickets available for purchase.
B.J. Novak | September 30, 2025
B.J. Novak is a writer, actor, and comedian best known for his work on NBC’s Emmy Award winning comedy The Office. Since achieving mainstream success, B.J. Novak has added best-selling author to his resume. Novak is author of One More Thing and The Book with No Pictures, which spent two full years on the New York Times Picture Book List and 34 weeks charting as the #1 seller in the country.
Marlee Matlin | November 6, 2025
Marlee Matlin received worldwide critical acclaim for her film debut in Children of a Lesser God for which she received the Academy Award for Best Actress. In addition to her film, TV, and stage work, Marlee has also penned three novels for children, as well as her New York Times best-selling autobiography, I’ll Scream Later. Marlee’s journey is an inspiration to everyone, regardless of the barriers they face. As she so aptly stated, “The only thing I can’t do is hear. The rest is there for the taking.”
Terry Virts | March 19, 2026
Colonel Terry Virts served in the US Air Force as a fighter pilot, test pilot, and NASA astronaut on two spaceflights. He also famously took more than 319,000 photographs from space—more than any other astronaut. Virts is the author of three books including View From Above: An Astronaut Photographs the World and How to Astronaut: An Insider’s Guide to Leaving Planet Earth, which is a firsthand account of his over seven months in space—an experience few will ever know.
Check back soon for ticket information!
Derek Hough | April 23, 2026
Season after season, millions of fans tune into Dancing with the Stars to watch three-time Emmy Award winner Derek Hough, the talented, consummate competitor whose skill and commitment made him the show's all- time champion. Hough is the author of New York Times Best-Seller Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion. Derek’s extraordinary journey from bullied little boy to accomplished performer shows all of us how we can overcome obstacles and become winners—not just on the dance floor but in life.
Check back soon for ticket information!
Previous Speakers
Jenna Bush Hager
Actor and Author
Humanitarian, co-host of TODAY with Hoda and Jenna, literacy advocate, and best-selling author, Hager has written several books including Everything Beautiful In Its Time, a collection of essays paying homage to her beloved grandparents.
David Baldacci
Author and Philanthropist
In addition to being a global #1 best-selling author, Baldacci is also the co-founder of the Wish You Well Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting literacy efforts across America. He was selected as the 2024 PEN/Faulkner Literary Champion in recognition of his work devoted to literacy advocacy.
Wilmer Valderrama
Actor and Author
Wilmer Valderrama is the star of the #1 TV drama NCIS and beloved from his role on That ‘70s Show. Valderrama’s new book, An American Story: Everyone’s Invited, is the remarkable true story of a young immigrant with a dream to change the world. An actor, producer, and entrepreneur, Valderrama is a leading voice for Latino representation in the United States and beyond.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley
Actor and Author
This actress, producer, and director first lit up the screen in the film Father of the Bride. In 2014, her mother was diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called primary progressive aphasia. In her book, Where the Light Gets In, Williams-Paisley tells the full story of her mother’s illness drawing on her memories of her relationship with the fascinating, successful woman who raised her so well.
Who is Dr. Audrey Lavin?
This series is named in honor of Dr. Audrey Lavin, our own local “celebrity” author, a globe-trotting academic, a champion of writers, and a tireless supporter of the Library.
She has shown unwavering support for the library mission as a Friends of the Library volunteer and by serving on the Library's foundation for many years. Her commitment to the Library, education, and the art of writing makes her the perfect inspiration for this collection of acclaimed authors.
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