Support Author Talks at Eugene Public Library
In times like these, when loneliness is epidemic and free spaces to gather together are growing harder to come by, we need more opportunities to connect with others.
Eugene readers have proven time and again that there is a deep and growing appetite for opportunities to connect with celebrated authors — our literary stars. More than just book talks, these programs are community experiences. They help neighbors bond over shared stories, invite critical conversations about history and contemporary life, and affirm our library’s role as one of our city’s cultural cornerstones.
Stories shared by beloved authors create a common experience for readers to build meaningful connections.
When New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune spoke at the library last year, I witnessed firsthand the impact of someone getting to meet their favorite writer.
Klune’s inclusive stories, which explore themes of found family, acceptance, and embracing one’s true self, brought out more than 300 fans, some arriving more than an hour before he was scheduled to speak.
One of the first Klune fans to arrive, probably no more than 12 years old, staked her claim by firmly planting herself in the best seat in the house: the middle of the front row, bouncing excitedly. During Klune’s presentation, she was so engrossed that she completely stopped moving and her eyes never left the stage.
When the author asked if anyone had questions, her hand was the first to go up. She asked if she could give him something she had made. He said, “of course!” and she could barely contain her excitement. She proudly handed him a poster-sized hand drawn card, and she told him that his stories changed her life.
What an amazing opportunity for that young reader!
That is the power of connection through stories, which was made possible through contributions from generous donors like you.
We need your support to continue to bring acclaimed authors to Eugene, offering free access to events that might otherwise be out of reach for many residents. Your gift to Eugene Public Library Foundation will ensure that every resident — regardless of income — can participate in world-class literary programming.
Your donation will allow Eugene Public Library to bring celebrated voices to our community. It’s a gift that keeps giving, one unforgettable connection at a time.
Dana B. Fleming
Executive Director
Eugene Public Library Foundation
P.S. Your gift will help fill gaps left by cuts to the library over the past few years that have made it more challenging to bring literary stars to our library. Help us open the door to a new chapter for literary life in Eugene — one where every participant has a front-row seat.
I am so excited that Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees, my collection of essays about all the food that shaped me throughout my life, is one of Eugene Public Library’s selections for Summer Reading.
Make sure you pick up your free copy of my book from Eugene Public Library.
I can’t wait to chat with you this month! Thank you so much to everybody who made this happen and for showing the world that our stories do matter.
— Author Aimee Nezhukumatathil
Come see author Aimee Nezhukumatathil on July 25 at Eugene Public Library!
Check out the event video from Booked for the Evening — featuring two special guests!
Many thanks to our stellar sponsors
who have already launched us toward our goal!
⭐Supernova Champion Sponsors: Pacific Cascade Federal Credit Union, Peak Credit Union
⭐ Constellation Sponsors: SELCO Community Credit Union, Sheild Catering
⭐ Orbital Sponsors: Ashley and Troy Potter, North Eugene Automotive, Oregon Urology Institute, University of Oregon, Sapient Private Wealth Management, WaFd Bank, The Willamette Valley Company, and Arclin Brand
⭐ Lunar Sponsors: Arnold Gallagher P.C., Avant Assessment, Linda and Doug Carnine, Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians, Colleen and Steven Elliott, Eugene Airport, Gleaves Swearingen LLP, National Business Solutions, NextStep Recycling, Oregon Pacific Bank, Summit Bank
Photos from Booked for the Evening 2026
