National Book Award finalist Bonnie Jo Campbell will read from her latest book, "American Salvage," and other works during the Elgin Community College Writers Center reading series on Thursday, Nov. 12. The free reading is at 7:30 p.m. in the Visual and Performing Arts Center, Room VPA 191D, on the main campus, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.

Campbell's home state of Michigan provides the setting for many of her books. Her first collection "Women & Other Animals" won the Associated Writing Programs short fiction award. Another book, "The Smallest Man in the World," was awarded a Pushcart Prize. Barnes & Noble selected her novel, "Q Road," as a best book by a new writer. Copies of Campbell's books are available for sale and signing at the event.

A pre-reading dinner with the author is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. For dinner reservations or for information about Writers Center activities, please contact Rachael Tecza at (847) 214-7578 or rtecza@elgin.edu.