Authors at the Library - Tara Pringle Jefferson

Tara Pringle Jefferson is coming to the Columbus Metropolitan Library Barnett Branch on Saturday, November 7, for a talk as part of the Carnegie Authors at the Library series. The branch is at 3434 E. Livingston Ave., and the session starts at 2 PM.

Jefferson is one of more than 30 authors visiting libraries across the system this year, a significant jump from the about six writers the series used to bring in, most of whom stayed at the Main Library. The talks are now spread out across the city's branches, so you can catch one without having to head downtown. CML CEO Lauren Hagan says the library is committed to connecting readers with authors year-round, noting that customers value those opportunities because stories bring people together. The series runs as a round of free monthly talks, some moderated and accompanied by book sales and signings, and you don't need a library card to attend.

Since 1873, the Columbus Metropolitan Library has been open to all, serving nearly one million people in Franklin County, Ohio. The program is supported by a generous gift from Battelle to the Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation, which helps the library host additional author talks for kids and teens. That means the series reaches more than just the adult audience, with a calendar that keeps writers coming through the system well into 2027.

Most CML author talks are free and open to the public, though registration is encouraged to reserve your seat. Jefferson's talk is at 2 PM on Saturday, November 7, at the Barnett Branch.