Photo: Broward Pubic Library Foundation Literary Feast
As long as I can remember, I’ve loved to read.
So you can probably understand why last weekend I was thrilled to lend a hand to one of my absolute favorite annual events – the Broward Public Library Foundation’s Literary Feast, which combines fundraising, a silent auction, dedicated volunteers, and intimate dinner gatherings with renowned authors, all ready to share insights into their latest books and upcoming projects.
The event underwrites more than a dozen programs and services, including children’s reading programs like Books ‘n’ Bears at the Holidays, SAT/ACT Workshops for high school students, the Summer Learning Program, and a Workforce Ready program offering free check-outs of laptop computers for job-seekers. The Broward (Fort Lauderdale) library system is the largest in Florida by square footage and one of the busiest, with more than 7.5 million walk-in customers visiting its 38 locations annually.
My dinner co-host Merrie Meyers and I invited mystery/thriller authors John Searles and Elaine Viets to join us and two dozen dedicated bibliophiles for Italian cuisine, vino, and good conversation. John bravely made it to Florida after being delayed for hours at the Newark airport, and Elaine graciously filled in doing double-duty signing books and talking to readers at the pre-dinner cocktail.
It was a great event, a lot of fun, and it raised money for all the valuable programs that help turn young children into readers for life.
Photo: Broward Pubic Library Foundation Literary Feast
Warmest thanks to all the LitFeast volunteers, guests, my co-host Merrie, and our star authors John and Elaine!
Elaine Viets (@evmysterywriter) is a Midwestern American newspaperwoman and mystery writer. She has written 34 mysteries in four series. Her latest book is Life Without Parole.
John Searles (@searlesbooks) is the best-selling author of the novels Her Last Affair, Help for the Haunted, Strange But True and Boy Still Missing. His essays have appeared in national magazines and newspapers, and he contributes frequently to morning television shows as a book critic.
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