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   August Events   September Events   October Events

By Audience
By Date
“Out of My Dreams” book cover and color author photo

Sharon Draper

Coretta Scott King Award-winning middle grade author Sharon Draper presents a sequel to her beloved novels “Out of My Mind” and “Out of My Heart.” Melody is shocked and delighted when she’s nominated to be a US spokesperson at an international symposium for kids with different abilities. She finally gets to fly on an airplane, and even the airline’s somewhat clumsy handling of her wheelchair can’t dampen her excitement to be in London. There, Melody meets kids from all over the world who are rallying for greater accessibility and more thoughtful planning on how to make the world more equal for every kid, no matter the unusual challenges they face.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Clark Family Branch
Jodi Picoult - "By Any Other Name" book cover and color author photo

Ticketed Event: Jodi Picoult

#1 bestselling novelist Jodi Picoult presents a sweeping tale of ambition, courage, and desire that centers two women who are determined to create something beautiful despite the prejudices they face. Young playwright Melina Green has written a new work inspired by the life of her Elizabethan ancestor Emilia Bassano. But seeing it performed is unlikely, in a theater world where the playing field isn’t level for women. In 1581, young Emilia Bassano is a ward of English aristocrats. Endowed with a sharp wit and a gift for storytelling, she is allowed no voice of her own. She begins to form a plan to secretly bring a play of her own to the stage—by paying an actor named William Shakespeare to front her work.

Wednesday, September 4, 2024
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center
"Good Night Thoughts" book cover and photo of author Max Greenfield

SOLD OUT–Ticketed Event: Max Greenfield

From actor Max Greenfield, the author of the bestselling children’s book “I Don’t Want to Read This Book” and its two companion titles, comes a sweetly funny bedtime book about anxiety and being present. What do we do when we can’t fall asleep? With his signature humor and heart, Max Greenfield’s lovely picture book is about acknowledging anxiety without succumbing to it and will appeal to so many little ones (and adults) out there who find that nighttime is when their thoughts carry the most weight.

Thursday, September 5, 2024
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Clark Family Branch
Collage of three color author photos - Natalie Lloyd, Soman Chainani, and James Ponti

Middle Grade Reads Night

Three of the most popular middle grade authors team up for a fun night of stories! Beloved author of the City Spies series, James Ponti presents the first installment in a new mystery series in the tradition of Nancy Drew. Bestselling author of “Hummingbird,” Natalie Lloyd shares a heart-expanding adventure about the magic of family and friendship. Author of the hit “School for Good & Evil” series, Soman Chainani’s latest book respins familiar fairy tales into fresh stories of mystery, magic, and rebellious hearts.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Clark Family Branch
“Robert B. Parker’s Buzz Kill” book cover and color author photo

Alison Gaylin

USA Today bestselling crime fiction author Alison Gaylin continues the Sunny Randall detective series started by suspense master Robert B. Parker. In “Buzz Kill,” Randall investigates the disappearance of a hard-partying energy drink mogul. Unable to turn down a life-changing fee, Sunny takes on the case, but immediately discovers not only his bad behavior with women, but also his reckless moves within the business world, producing an energy drink that has proven deadly.

Wednesday, September 11, 2024
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Clark Family Branch
“Blind Spots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong and What it Means For Our Health” book cover and color author photo

Marty Markary, MD

Johns Hopkins medical expert Dr. Marty Makary presents an eye-opening look at the medical groupthink that has led to public harm. Dr. Makary asks, “Have many modern-day health crises been caused by the hubris of the medical establishment?” Experts said for decades that opioids were not addictive, igniting the opioid crisis. They refused menopausal women hormone replacement therapy, causing unnecessary suffering. They demonized natural fat in foods, driving Americans to processed carbohydrates as obesity rates soared. In “Blind Spots,” Dr. Makary explores the latest research on critical topics, revealing the biggest blind spots of modern medicine.

Thursday, September 12, 2024
7:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Clark Family Branch