Virtual author discussions to continue June 2

Cape Region bookstores, libraries and nonprofit organizations have built a strong reputation for literary programming. Authors of wide-ranging books fill event rooms, restaurants, and libraries to discuss and sign their works. This year, the coronavirus pandemic has seriously altered the spring and summer lineup.

“We had been gearing up for a blockbuster start to 2020,” said Susan Kehoe, managing partner of Browseabout Books. “It was heartbreaking to have so many events canceled. We’ve had to rethink our approach to author events for the near term.”

To that end, Browseabout Books and the Lewes Public Library are joining forces to schedule author discussions virtually, with the library acting as host and Browseabout as official bookseller.

“The library is excited to further develop its partnership with Browseabout Books. We've held several successful events together, including working on the History Book Festival and Keep Cape Reading initiative as well as co-hosting author presentations at the library. Now we have the opportunity to expand on our collaboration. The library is always looking to promote books and reading, and Browseabout has the necessary connections with authors and publishers to make this happen,” said Lea Rosell, Lewes library director.

Since the pandemic took hold, the library has converted much of its adult programming to virtual programming via Zoom, hosting more than 50 events with over 1,000 participants to date.

“While there have been bumps here and there with virtual programming, our library audience adapted very quickly to the online platforms, especially Zoom. I include a link to basic instructions and a video tutorial for every participant who registers. Initially there were security concerns, and I heard a lot about Zoom bombing, but we quickly developed procedures which have led to secure events,” Rosell said. “Before all of this, we could only dream about bringing certain authors to Lewes because of the distance they would have to travel. Virtual events have removed that barrier, and we are excited to see who we can bring to you!”

So far, the list of authors includes New York Times bestselling authors Megan Miranda and Nancy Thayer, and two debut novelists, Francesca Serritella, author of “Ghosts of Harvard” and Rachel Beanland, author of “Florence Adler Swims Forever.” William McKeever will come back to town to talk about updates to his book about sharks, “Emperors of the Deep.”

Most events will be free to access, with registration through the library website. Signed copies of books will be available for purchase through Browseabout Books. A handful of the events will act as fundraisers, where attendees will buy a signed copy of the book as part of their virtual ticket, with a portion of the proceeds going to the library.

“We are very excited to try our hand at virtual programming with the help of Lewes library,” Kehoe said. “I expect the list of authors to get bigger in the coming weeks, so stay tuned.”

William McKeever, author of Emperors of the Deep,” will appear at 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 2. 

Francesca Serritella, “Ghosts of Harvard” author, will appear at 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 9.

Nancy Thayer, “Girls of Summer” author, will speak at 5 p.m., Friday, June 26.

Megan Miranda, “The Girl from Widow Hills” author, will speak at noon, Thursday, July 9.

Rachel Beanland, author of “Florence Adler Swims Forever,” will appear at a time to be determined the week of July 13.

For more information about the books and to register for an event, go to www.lewes.lib.de.us or www.browseaboutbooks.com.