Description:  Debra Ann Miller, who charmed audiences as 19^th century author Jane Austen during Dead Authors Month last October, returns to South County Library for a repeat performance, this time as Mary Todd Lincoln at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22.

Mrs. Lincoln’s Salon takes place in her Blue Room on April 4, 1865. Mr. Lincoln and their youngest son, Tad, are at City Point. Robert, their eldest, is with General Grant in pursuit of Robert E. Lee. Mary is alone in the Executive Mansion. The audience is invited to reminisce with Mrs. Lincoln about her childhood, her days in Springfield, and her children as she celebrates Tad’s 12th birthday and the end of the Civil War with you. Drawing from her own letters to friends, family, and political figures of the era, Mrs. Lincoln’s Salon paints a picture of Mary Lincoln that is both sympathetic and truthful.

Debra Ann Miller has been an actress and voice over talent for over 25 years. She has toured the country with Child’s Play Touring Theatre, Artreach, and the Reading is Fundamental program, as well as working in Chicago theatres. Debra is also currently touring the country with Abraham Lincoln impersonator, Michael Krebs, in Visiting the Lincolns. Debra has been working as an historical impersonator for the last 15 years. In 2004, Debra won the Best Actress award at the Chicago Indie Fest for her first film Zen Noir.

When: 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22

Where:  South County Library, 6303 Merriman Road, Roanoke

***There is no charge to enjoy this performance and seating is on a first-come basis.

Description:  Author Rosalie Turner will discuss her book “March with Me.” The book discusses 1963 as a significant year in the Civil Rights Movement.

This book will take us beyond the Children’s March and the Civil Rights Movement to understand what life was like for blacks and whites in the very separate south and bring us to understand what is needed for true reconciliation.

When: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 starting at 7:00 pm

Where: Christiansburg Library, 125 Sheltman St., Christiansburg

Contact: 540-382-6965

Description:  Madeline & Summer Hays, mother and daughter authors of “Mrs. Gambel the Quirky Quail” will be have a special Storytime of their book!

When: Tuesday, May 21, 2013 starting at 10:30

Where: Gainsboro Branch Library

When: Saturday, May 18th

Where: Barnes and Noble : Valley View Mall  11am-12:30pm

Where: Barnes and Noble : Tanglewood 2-4pm

David Covell is the author and illustrator of picture books for kids. This week, he traveled from his home in New York City and is reading to over 1,000 kids in the Roanoke County public schools.

“Rat and Roach Friends to The End” is his first book. This is a story of two friends. Rat and Roach. They get along great! Except when Rat makes a mess . . .Or Roach cooks too fancy . . .Or Rat HUGS TOO TIGHT!! In fact, why are these two friends? Rat and Roach aren’t so sure either, but they’re more unhappy when they aren’t friends. Here is a book that shows friendship in a whole new, wonderful, hilarious light.

and there’s a sequal:
Rat and Roach Rock On!

Rat has finally agreed to let his friend Roach sing in his band… but not if Roach makes everyone wear shiny, sparkly outfits. No way! Roach can still sing, though, right?
Wrong. He can’t even get out a squeak!

With just the right touch of silly and sweet, Rat and Roach Rock On! gets at the heart of friendship and makes us laugh along the way.

WHAT:  Proposed Vinton Branch Library Community Meeting

When: Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 7:00 pm

Where: Vinton War Memorial, 814 Washington Ave, Vinton VA

Who: Roanoke County, Roanoke County Public Library

Details: During this second of three community meetings James Shook, project architect with HBM Architects, will lead citizens who attend through a discussion of elements that could be incorporated into their new library. Exterior design was discussed at the April 18 meeting; interior spaces will be the focus of this community meeting.

HBM Architects is known nationally for their innovative library designs. They have provided architectural and design services for South County Library, which opened in January 2012, and Glenvar Branch Library, which is under construction and scheduled to open in late spring.

Description: Join author and psychologist Nancy Johnston as we explore her novel “My Life as a Border Collie”, a book about codependency, at the Main Library.

“A whimsical, yet meaningful look at
codependency by relating it to traits observed in
the author’s beloved border collie, Daisy.”

When: Tuesday, May 14, 2013 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Where: Main Library, 706 S. Jefferson Street

Contact: 540-853-2473

Did you all see Ralph Berrier Jr.’s story in the paper today about Roanoke Valley Reads? The group added two youth books — “Jack Outwits the Giants,” a picture book by Paul Brett Johnson; and “Belle Prater’s Boy,” a chapter book by Ruth White. Both books have an Appalachian theme — as does the book for adults, “Wish You Well,” by David Baldacci. I confess that the big secret in “Belle Prater’s Boy” piques my curiosity more than the drama of Baldacci’s novel.

I’ve never done Roanoke Valley Reads, mostly because the book choices haven’t really grabbed me. I also don’t like the October deadline. I could read the book now and get it out of the way, but then I’ll have forgotten about it by the time the events come around in October. But I also don’t like the idea of this “homework” hanging over me while I’m reading other stuff. I wouldn’t rule it out if the book appealed to me though.

I would like to hear from people who have participated, especially if you went to the book-related events. What happened? What did you get out of it? Are you doing it this year? Especially if you enjoyed it, sell it to me! I am curious.

For others who are curious, you can visit the Roanoke Valley Reads website.

Description: Kiera Cass’s new book,”The Elite,” is the sequel to her wildly popular title “The Selection.” This new book is a must read for fans of dystopian fiction, fairy tales and reality TV. The sequel will enchant teens who love “Divergent” and “The Bachelor.”

In America Singer’s world, a bride is chosen for the prince through an elaborate televised competition. America is one of only 6 girls left in the running. But is it Prince Maxon and life as the queen she wants? Or is it Aspen, her first love?

Kiera lives in Blacksburg, VA.

When: Saturday, April 27 2013 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Where: Christiansburg Barnes & Noble, 110 Conston Ave, Christiansburg, VA, 24073

Contact: (540) 381-4923

Poet Eduardo Corral will be at Hollins for two events.

Corral’s collection of poetry, “Slow Lightning,” won the Yale Series of Younger Poets competition, making him the first Latino poet to receive the honor. His book was also selected by “Publishers Weekly” as one of the best poetry books of 2012.

Author Reading

Green Drawing Room, Main Building, Hollins University

Thursday, April 25, 2013 from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Discussion with the Author

Hollins Room, Wyndham Robertson Library, Hollins University

Friday, April 26, 2013 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Contact Information: (540) 362-6451

Description: The New River Historical Society and the Fine Arts Center of New River Valley will hold a dinner event at Rockwood Manor in Dublin featuring period music and food. After dinner, guests will be treated with a presentation and book signing by award-winning author Sharyn McCrumb.

McCrumb will talk about her book “Ghost Riders” which chronicles the Civil War in the Southern Mountains.

McCrumb will be in character for the dinner. Costumes are optional.

When: Saturday April 27, 2013 from 6:00 pm to ? Doors will open at 5:30.

Cost: $50

Tickets can be obtained at the Wilderness Road Regional Museum on Wilderness Road in Newbern (Tuesday-Saturday, 10:30 – 4:30) or at the Fine Arts Center on Main Street in Pulaski (Monday – Friday, 9:30 -4:30).  Tickets are $50 each or $75 at the head table with Sharyn McCrumb.  Tickets can also be ordered by phone with a credit card from the Fine Arts Center by calling 540-980-7363.

Where: Rockwood Manor, 5189 Rockwood Rd, Dublin, VA 24084