Pulitzer Prize-winning author to speak in Willowbrook

Eleven area libraries have partnered to sponsor an appearance next month by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Elizabeth Strout in Willowbrook.

The author of "Olive Kitteridge" and "The Burgess Boys," Strout will talk literature, reading and her recent book during a moderated discussion by Rebecca Vnuk.

Her appearance is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 24, at Ashton Place, 341 75th St.

She also will take questions from the audience and a book signing will follow the discussion. Free tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.

The idea of the partnership began at a meeting of library officials, where several directors suggested combining efforts and resources to bring author programming to their communities. A planning committee was formed to discuss the logistics and decide on an author to invite.

The committee chose Strout because of the high quality and popularity of her books. The idea behind One Author, One Community was a celebration of literary excellence and officials felt Strout was a perfect choice.

Strout won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize for fiction with her short story collection, "Olive Kitteridge," which also was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction.

Her most recent novel, "My Name is Lucy Barton," debuted earlier this year to critical acclaim and was recently chosen for the long list for the 2016 Man Booker Prize.

Vnuk, the moderator, is the author of three Reader's Advisory nonfiction titles and is editor, collection management and library outreach for Booklist Publications.

The event is co-sponsored by the following: Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Glen Ellyn, Hinsdale y, Indian Prairie, Friends of Indian Prairie Public Library, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lisle, Thomas Ford Memorial Library, Westmont, Woodridge, and WDCB 90.9-FM.