Today, I want to talk about a service we offer for those who enjoy author talks, educational presentations, and podcasts. If that is you, be sure to check out the monthly author talks we offer in partnership with the Library Speakers Consortium. Every month we have at least three author talks from authors across genres from fiction, biography, history, true crime, and more.

The best part is that they are all virtual--meaning you can catch them live or watch the recording on your own time. Also, when you preregister for an upcoming talk, you can send in your own questions to the author, and there is a chance they may be answered live. You can view all upcoming and past virtual author talks on our website: https://libraryc.org/bplwv

Now, let’s look at the next three authors on the lineup:

On Wednesday, October 22nd at 7:00 PM, we have an author talk with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai. Her talk is about her astonishing memoir, Finding My Way. Malala reintroduces herself to the world, sharing how she navigated life as someone whose darkest moments threatened to define her narrative—while seeking the freedom to find out who she truly is.

Thrust onto the public stage at fifteen years old after the Taliban’s brutal attack on her life, Malala Yousafzai quickly became an international icon known for bravery and resilience. But away from the cameras and crowds, she spent years struggling to find her place in an unfamiliar world. Finding My Way is a story of friendship and first love, of anxiety and self-discovery, of trying to stay true to yourself when everyone wants to tell you who you are. In it, Malala traces her path from high school loner to reckless college student to a young woman at peace with her past. Through candid, often messy moments like nearly failing exams, getting ghosted, and meeting the love of her life, Malala reminds us that real role models aren’t perfect—they’re human.

Finding My Way is a vulnerable, surprising memoir that buzzes with authenticity, sharp humor, and tenderness. It is an intimate look at the life of a young woman taking charge of her destiny and is a deeply personal testament to the strength it takes to be unapologetically yourself. Register now for an online conversation you cannot miss!

Then be sure to tune in on October 29th at 2:00 PM-- Coined as the “queen of British historical fiction,” Philippa Gregory returns to the infamous Tudor Court with a tale that is both timely and timeless. We invite you to sit down with us for an intriguing conversation with Gregory about her newest novel, Boleyn Traitor.

Jane Boleyn watches from the shadows of the Tudor Court, where secrets are currency, every choice is dangerous, and even the faintest whisper can seal the fate of queens. For Jane, survival demands playing every role required of her: a loving wife who conceals her doubts, a devoted sister to Anne Boleyn at the height of her power, and an obedient spy who carefully wields her words. But in a court ruled by ambition and a tyrant’s sword, Jane must rely on her sharp wit and skillful maneuvering to outthink those around her, knowing that one wrong move could cost her everything.

With a rich tapestry of new historical insights and lyrical language honed over decades of writing, Gregory's return to the Tudors is a new definition of this most fascinating era. As the world becomes more extreme and unpredictable, Jane’s story of survival and ingenuity offers a compelling parallel, serving as both a powerful historical narrative and an echo of the challenges we face. This is a riveting tale of loyalty and betrayal, ambition and love—one that should not be missed by readers this fall. Register today for this exciting glimpse into the perilous 16th century royal court!

To kick off November’s talks, Award-Winning Journalist Joseph Lee will be chatting on Wednesday, November 5th at 2:00 PM about his stirring memoir, Nothing More of This Land: Community, Power, and the Search for Indigenous Identity. In it, he explores Indigenous identity in proximity to land that serves as an iconic vacationing spot for the wealthy–the “island paradise” Martha’s Vineyard.

Growing up Aquinnah Wampanoag, Joseph Lee grappled with what it means to be an Indigenous person in the world today, especially as tribal land, culture, and community face new threats. Starting with the story of his own tribe, which is from the iconic Martha’s Vineyard, Lee tackles key questions around Indigenous identity and the stubborn legacy of colonialism.

Lee weaves his own story—and that of his family—with conversations with Indigenous leaders, artists, and scholars from around the world about everything from culture and language to climate change and the politics of belonging. As he unpacks the meaning of Indigenous identity, Lee grants us a new understanding of our nation and what a better community might look like. Register now to join the author online as he delves into the true and vulnerable story, Nothing More of This Land.

Thank you for joining me on this week’s issue of Off the Shelf!

Editor's Note: Photo shows author Angela Spatafore watching a Library Speakers Consortium webinar next to a stack of books whose authors were featured in past webinars.