| HOUSTON – The Houston Public Library (HPL) invites the community to hear from and discover the work of award-winning and accomplished authors throughout the month of April. National Library Week is observed April 3-9, and with this year’s theme, “Connect with Your Library,” HPL asks readers to join us for free library visits from their favorite authors.
Virtual author talks take place on April 7 and April 12 with Ladee Hubbard and Tara Stringfellow, respectively. HPL is one of a select few virtual events for Hubbard; she has presented on her new collection of stories, “The Last Suspicious Holdout,” at the National Black Writers Conference, the New Orleans Book Festival, and a handful of bookstores. Stringfellow’s debut novel, “Memphis,” released today, April 5, to early buzz and rave reviews, including a mention in People Magazine’s “Contemporary Black Authors Loved by Kerry Washington, Barack Obama and More.”
On April 16, HPL welcomes Attica Locke and Tembi Locke for a conversation on their books, unique upbringing in Houston and upcoming projects, including Hollywood adaptations of their work. The talk will be moderated by the Locke sisters’ cousin, Pam Gaskin, who actively serves as a member of the Houston League of Women Voters, the National Congress of Black Women, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the Board of Directors of the Fort Bend Central Appraisal District. The afternoon program at the historic Julia Ideson Building (550 McKinney St.) is a special opportunity to see and hear from the sisters together and in-person. Local bookseller Kindred Stories will be onsite with copies of the authors’ books available for purchase and signing.
HPL’s Reading Local series continues with New York Times best-selling author Marc Cameron, who reads from and talks about his new book “Cold Snap” on April 27 at the Looscan Neighborhood Library (2510 Willowick Rd). Copies of his work will be available for purchase through Brazos Bookstore.
As part of “The Obama Portraits Tour” on view at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), and in celebration of Día: Children’s Day / Book Day, HPL and MFAH host co-authors Parker Curry and Jessica Curry on April 30 at the Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza at the Houston Public Library Downtown (500 McKinney St.). “Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment” is the picture book inspired by the experience of then 2-year-old Parker Curry when she saw artist Amy Sherald’s portrait of first lady Michelle Obama. |
