Author Events

Did you know we have the biggest, number one author event series in the country? Each month the St. Louis County Library Foundation brings bestselling and award-winning authors from a variety of genres to the library, offering readers exclusive opportunities to meet and engage with their favorite writers.

Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Seating is limited; early arrival is highly recommended. Books for signing will be available for purchase at the events. For more information, please call 314-994-3300.

Ticketed Events      April Events     May Events     June Events

By Audience
By Date
Erik Larson - "The Demon of Unrest" book cover and color author photo

Ticketed Event: Erik Larson

#1 bestselling historian Erik Larson brings to life a simmering crisis that tore a deeply divided nation in two. Larson offers a gripping account of the chaotic months between Lincoln’s election and the Confederacy’s shelling of Fort Sumter—a period marked by tragic errors and miscommunications, enflamed egos and craven ambitions, personal tragedies and betrayals.

Thursday, May 9, 2024
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center
Amy Tan - "The Backyard Bird Chronicles" book cover and color author photo

SOLD OUT – Ticketed Event: Amy Tan

Overwhelmed by the state of the world, beloved novelist Amy Tan turned toward the natural world just beyond her window, and, specifically, the birds visiting her yard. But what began as an attempt to find solace turned into something far greater–an opportunity to savor quiet moments during a volatile time, connect to nature in a meaningful way, and imagine the intricate lives of the birds she admired. Featuring her lovely colored pencil illustrations, “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” is Tan’s charming, witty account of birding, nature, and the beauty that surrounds us in plain sight.

Saturday, May 11, 2024
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Ethical Society of St. Louis
Kevin Kwan - "Lies and Weddings" book cover and color author photo

Ticketed Event: Kevin Kwan

Internationally bestselling author of “Crazy Rich Asians,” Kevin Kwan unfurls a juicy, hilarious, sophisticated story of love, money, murder, and the lies we tell about them all. Rufus Leung Gresham, future Earl of Greshambury, has a problem: his legendary family trust is now nothing more than a mountain of debt. The only solution, put forth by his scheming mother, is for Rufus to attend his sister’s wedding at a luxury eco-resort and seduce a woman with money. Should he marry the French hotel heiress, the venture capital genius, or betray his family, squander his legacy, and finally confess his love to the humble girl next door?

Tuesday, May 21, 2024
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Ethical Society of St. Louis
Michael McDonald with Paul Reiser - "What a Fool Believes" book cover and color photos

Ticketed Event: Michael McDonald with Paul Reiser

Across a half-century of American music, Michael McDonald’s unmistakably smooth baritone voice defined an era of rock and R&B. In his candid, freewheeling memoir, written with his friend, the Emmy Award-nominated actor and comedian Paul Reiser, Michael tells the story of his life and music—from joining Steely Dan and becoming a defining member of The Doobie Brothers to forging a path as a breakout solo R&B artist. Interwoven with the unforgettable tales of the music, Michael tells a deeply affecting story of losing and finding himself as a man.

Thursday, May 23, 2024
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
The Pageant
"Life's Too Short" book cover

Ticketed Event: Darius Rucker

A three-time Grammy Award-winner, Darius Rucker first achieved multi-Platinum status with his band, Hootie & the Blowfish, selling more than 25 million albums worldwide. Now multiple decades into his illustrious career, Rucker tells the story of his life through the lens of the music that made him, including songs by everyone from Frank Sinatra and Stevie Wonder to R.E.M., KISS, Prince, and, of course, his own music with Hootie and as a solo artist. He recounts the unlikely ascent of his band and wild tales of his road-hardened life—one filled with stumbles and missteps, but ultimately resulting in triumph. Candid, entertaining, and moving, “Life’s Too Short” is a classic story of a man and his music.

Saturday, June 1, 2024
2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Clark Family Branch - CLOSED
"An Unfinished Love Story" book cover and color author photo

Ticketed Event: Doris Kearns Goodwin

America’s most beloved historian artfully weaves together biography, memoir and history. Dick and Doris Goodwin were married for forty-two years. Dick worked as a close adviser for Lyndon Johnson and Robert Kennedy. Doris worked directly for President Johnson and later assisted on his memoir. The Goodwins’ last great adventure involved opening the three hundred boxes of documents that Dick had saved for more than fifty years. They soon realized they had an unparalleled time capsule of the 1960s: a time, like today, when lines were drawn and loyalties tested. The voyage of remembrance brought about a renewal of old dreams, reviving the hope that the youth of today will carry forward their unfinished love story with America.

Monday, June 10, 2024
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Clark Family Branch - CLOSED