As a journalist, bestselling author and longtime staff writer for The New Yorker, it is no surprise self-proclamimed bibliophile, Susan Orlean grew up in libraries, "or so it seems," she says. "My mother and I would take regular trips to the branch library near my house at least twice a week, and those trips were enchanted. But over time, I had become more of a book buyer than a book borrower, and I had begun to forget how magical libraries are. I never stopped loving libraries, but they receded in my mind, and seemed like a piece of my past.”

With two published books of her own for people to borrow or buy, her second, "The Library Book," pays homage to her personal, life-long love of books and libraries, while also investigating the largest library fire in the United States. “The life and times and near-death experience of the Los Angeles Public Library was a story that felt urgent to tell," Orlean says, "and gave me a chance to pay tribute to these marvelous places that have been such an essential part of my life.”

With a virtual event coming up, celebrating all the ways Sarasota’s local library system has helped the community over the past year, The Library Foundation for Sarasota County is pleased to not only announce that tickets are now available for "Love Our Libraries," but that Susan Orlean will be making a special guest appearance. The organization shared Orlean will be connecting to discuss "The Library Book." Alongside Orlean, Love Our Libraries will feature former journalist Charlie Huisking, a Sarasota native and retired journalist from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, as well as a founding board member of the Library Foundation for Sarasota County. This virtual event will take place on February 9 at 1pm, and just like Sarasota County’s public libraries, it’s open to everyone. 

“Our organization was founded on the belief that great communities deserve great libraries,” says Alisa Mitchell, Executive Director, Library Foundation for Sarasota County. “This event is a chance to show love and appreciation for Sarasota County Libraries, along with everyone who works to support them.” 

Event attendees can purchase a personal copy of “The Library Book” from Bookstore1Sarasota. Use code LIBFDN at checkout to donate 20% of the retail price to the Foundation.

For more information about the event or to get tickets.