Zelienople library to welcome children's author for first Presents event of the year

The Zelienople Area Public Library will begin its annual Presents series with an appearance from children's author Brittany J. Thurman on Jan. 22.
The Zelienople Area Public Library will begin its annual Presents series with an appearance from children's author Brittany J. Thurman on Jan. 22.

ZELIENOPLE — The Zelienople Area Public Library will have its first guest speaker in its annual arts and culture speaker series, "Zelienople Library Presents," at 2 p.m. Saturday.

It will host children's author Brittany J. Thurman, who recently wrote and released a picture book called "Fly," the story of a little girl named Africa who dreams about entering a double Dutch competition.

When Africa’s brother doubts her chances of success in the competition, she seeks a little help from her friends. The book is illustrated by Anna Cunha.

Brittany is also the co-author of the middle-grade novel, "Fearless: Boulevard of Dreams," and has a forthcoming book, "Always and Forever," slated for publication in 2024.

Brittany is a native of Louisville, Ky., and was inspired by her grandmother’s storytelling. Her background includes an MFA from Carnegie Mellon University and a BA from Kingston University, London.

As a former children’s specialist with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Brittany knows children and children’s literature. Her talk at the library will include a question and answer period and a book signing.

In February, author Marie Benedict will talk about her latest novel, "Her Hidden Genius: A Novel," at 7 p.m. Feb. 16. Other works by Marie Benedict include "The Other Einstein," "Carnegie's Maid" and "The Personal Librarian."

The Zelienople Area Public Library will host author Marie Benedict on Feb. 16.
The Zelienople Area Public Library will host author Marie Benedict on Feb. 16.

The annual speaker series, Zelienople Library Presents, is an annual fundraiser for the library. Tickets for the event are $8 for adults, $3 for children.

The library also offers free tickets to the first five Seneca Valley students interested in attending a program.

Tickets can be purchased at the library, 227 S. High St in Zelienople, or online at www.zelienoplelibrary.org under the “How to Help” tab and the “fundraisers” dropdown. Please contact the library at 724-452-9330 with any questions.

This article originally appeared on Ellwood City Ledger: Zelienople library to kick off its Presents series