Save the dates! The Friends 2024 Speaker Series has been announced.

The 2024 season is a diverse one. It includes authors of literary fiction, crime fiction, historical fiction, book-length non-fiction, short stories, and essays. There are writers who have won or been short-listed the Booker Prize, the National Book Award, the PEN/Faulkner Award, the PEN/Malamud Award, and the Pushcart Prize. There are several authors of New York Times bestsellers. This year we’re introducing debut authors as well as presenting veterans who’ve published dozens of books. And, we have a National Treasure, Judy Blume, in conversation about the timely topic of book banning, as a part of our Annual Gala.

To see more detailed descriptions of these authors and their books, look here.

Important information for 2024: This year there will be no requirement for pre-registration for our Speaker Series events in the Palm Garden, except for the talk before the Annual Gala. Seating is on a first-come, first-seated basis. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. We will make every effort to accommodate everyone. However, to be certain of a seat, come early.

Over the past two seasons, since we’ve been offering our in-person author talks in the Library Palm Garden, we’ve gained a good understanding of our capacity. We’ve always been able to seat everyone, which is why, this year, we are not requiring advance registration.

Information about purchasing tickets for the Annual Gala will be coming to members soon.