Jackie Collins to visit Gurnee library on Wednesday

Jackie Collins will be at the Warren-Newport Public Library in Gurnee on Wednesday - the latest in a line of big-name authors appearing there.

Executive Director Stephen Bero said Warren-Newport is the only U.S. library on Collins' current book tour. She's to be at the library starting at 7 p.m. to discuss and later sign copies of her 30th novel, "Confessions of a Wild Child," that will be available for purchase.

Bero said audience spots remained for the free Collins appearance, but reservations are suggested at (847) 244-5150, extension 4 or by navigating wnpl.info.

"I'd say RSVP," Bero said. "In the past (for major authors), we've had to turn people away."

Other than expenses associated with library staff, Bero said, no public money is covering the Collins visit. He said publishers have handled the expenses of significant authors on nationwide tours who stop at the Gurnee library while in the Midwest.

London-born Collins, 76, who has sold more than 500 million books, recently received the Order of the British Empire for fiction and charity from Queen Elizabeth. She's the younger sister of actress Joan Collins.

Erik Larson and Lisa Scottoline are among the best-selling authors who have passed through Warren-Newport's doors. Bero credited librarian Debbie Hoffman's literary world contacts for bringing the big names to Gurnee.

"We're proud of the relationships we have with the publishers and authors' agents," Bero said.