The 11th Season of Speaking of Books Is Emerging from Winter Hibernation!
This spring, we’re excited to launch the second half of our 11th Season with two extraordinary guests:
- Colonel Terry Virts, author of The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet, on March 19, 2026
- Derek Hough, author of Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion, on April 23, 2026
But before we leap into spring, here’s a quick look back at our fantastic fall lineup!
In Case You Missed Fall
The first half of the season took place at The Canton Palace Theatre, where we had the privilege of welcoming B.J. Novak and Marlee Matlin.
B.J. Novak
Writer, actor, and comedian—best known for his work on NBC’s Emmy Award–winning comedy The Office—Novak is also the author of The Book With No Pictures and One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories.
At his event on September 30, 2025, he shared behind-the-scenes stories from The Office, discussed his creative approach to writing, and answered audience questions during a live Q&A.
“To me, writing is everything,” he said. “I see everything as writing, so even when I’m acting, I think I’m writing this character.”
Marlee Matlin
Academy Award winner for Children of a Lesser God and celebrated actor of film, TV, and stage, Matlin has also authored three children’s novels and her New York Times best-selling autobiography I’ll Scream Later.
On November 6, 2025, she delivered a powerful keynote at The Palace, offering reflections on her life in the public eye and emphasizing the importance of authenticity. She spoke about “sharing her truth every day” and showing that “life can be about opportunities, not barriers.”
To everyone who attended—thank you! Your support helped make the first half of our 11th Season a great success. And to those who couldn’t make it, there’s still plenty to look forward to. Check out our previous speakers and explore more about Speaking of Books HERE.
Blasting Off Into Spring
Colonel Terry Virts
March 19, 2026 | 6:30pm-7:30pm
First Christian Church Auditorium
Colonel Terry Virts—author of The Astronaut's Guide to Leaving the Planet and How to Astronaut: An Insider's Guide to Leaving Planet Earth—brings firsthand insights from more than seven months spent in space. A retired U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, test pilot, and NASA astronaut, Virts has flown on two space missions. This fun and educational event is For All Ages!
FREE and upgraded tickets will be available beginning Thursday, February 12 at 10:00am HERE.
Derek Hough
April 23, 2026 | 6:30pm-7:30pm
First Christian Church Auditorium
To close out the season, three-time Emmy Award winner Derek Hough, best known from ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, will join us to discuss his New York Times best seller Taking the Lead: Lessons from a Life in Motion.
FREE and upgraded tickets will be available beginning Thursday, April 2 at 10:00am.
Please check back HERE for the latest updates.
As always, thank you for supporting Stark Library and the Speaking of Books series. Your curiosity, questions, and enthusiasm are what make these events possible. We’re excited to share more stories, ideas, and community with you this spring!
