Arts & Entertainment

Top Author McCall Smith Hosting Library Event

The Scottish wordsmith will be hosting the annual Friends of the Library luncheon on March 31.

Today marks the publication of Alexander McCall Smith’s latest book, The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party, the latest in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Novel series. Local McCall Smith fans are counting down to another important date, Thurs., March 31, when McCall Smith will speak and sign books at the Friends of the Ridgewood Library’s 22nd Annual Author Luncheon, Thurs., March 31, 2011, from 11 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Woodcliff Lake Hilton. The book will be available for sale at the luncheon.

Pegge Bronner, who co-chairs the luncheon with Susan Davison, notes that the annual event “is always an enjoyable afternoon with friends who love to read and enjoy "shopping" at the auction.”  This year is extra-special, with McCall Smith in attendance. “The accomplished and charming Scottish author Alexander McCall Smith is our guests,” says Bronner.  “Mr. McCall Smith was born in what is now Zimbabwe, was educated there and in Scotland.  His novels reflect his life by being set in various locations such as Botswana and Edinburgh.”

McCall Smith is just the latest literary luminary to speak at the annual Friends’ fundraiser. Previous authors include Elizabeth Strout, Lisa See, Khaled Hosseini, Sue Monk Kidd, Anita Shreve and Ridgewood’s own Harlan Coben. Proceeds from the event, which includes a silent auction, will benefit the Ridgewood Public Library. As an additional benefit to the library, Bookends will donate a portion of proceeds from any purchases of McCall Smith’s books.

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And as a bonus for attendees, Bronner notes that McCall Smith is known for wearing a traditional Scottish garb during his appearances. “We are hoping to see some legs on the 31st,” she says. “I hope to see him in a kilt!”

Seating is limited, advance reservations are required.   Reservation forms are available at The Ridgewood Public Library, or by visiting the library’s website at www.ridgewoodlibrary.org. For details, please call (201) 670-5600 ext. 180 or email annualauthorluncheon@ridgewoodlibrary.org.

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