Speaking of Books Author Series 12th Season - Coming Soon!
Our acclaimed Speaking of Books series will return once again this fall with powerful stories and unforgettable voices you won’t want to miss.
All three upcoming events will be free and open to the public, with optional upgraded tickets available for purchase. Check back soon for more details!
Most Recent Speakers
B.J. Novak
Fall 2025
B.J. Novak is a writer, actor, and comedian best known for his work on NBC’s Emmy Award winning comedy The Office. Since achieving mainstream success, B.J. Novak has added best-selling author to his resume. Novak is author of One More Thing and The Book with No Pictures, which spent two full years on the New York Times Picture Book List and 34 weeks charting as the #1 seller in the country.
Marlee Matlin
Fall 2025
Marlee Matlin received worldwide critical acclaim for her film debut in Children of a Lesser God for which she received the Academy Award for Best Actress. In addition to her film, TV, and stage work, Marlee has also penned three novels for children, as well as her New York Times best-selling autobiography, I’ll Scream Later. Marlee’s journey is an inspiration to everyone, regardless of the barriers they face. As she so aptly stated, “The only thing I can’t do is hear. The rest is there for the taking.”
Terry Virts
Spring 2026
Colonel Terry Virts served in the US Air Force as a fighter pilot, test pilot, and NASA astronaut on two spaceflights. He also famously took more than 319,000 photographs from space—more than any other astronaut. Virts is the author of three books including The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet and How to Astronaut: An Insider’s Guide to Leaving Planet Earth, which is a firsthand account of his over seven months in space—an experience few will ever know.
Derek Hough
Spring 2026
Season after season, millions of fans tune into Dancing with the Stars to watch three-time Emmy Award winner Derek Hough, the talented, consummate competitor whose skill and commitment made him the show's all- time champion. Hough is the author of New York Times Best-Seller Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion. Derek’s extraordinary journey from bullied little boy to accomplished performer shows all of us how we can overcome obstacles and become winners—not just on the dance floor but in life.
Who is Dr. Audrey Lavin?
This series is named in honor of Dr. Audrey Lavin, our own local “celebrity” author, a globe-trotting academic, a champion of writers, and a tireless supporter of the Library.
She has shown unwavering support for the library mission as a Friends of the Library volunteer and by serving on the Library's foundation for many years. Her commitment to the Library, education, and the art of writing makes her the perfect inspiration for this collection of acclaimed authors.
Thank You to our Sponsors
INDIVIDUAL CONTRIBUTOR - Marlee Matlin Event:
Ohio Deaf Friends of the Library
Sign Up for our eNewsletter
Stay up-to-date with all library news and events by signing up for our eNewsletter.