Friends of the Library’s Author Spotlight Series now in its Fourth Year

The 2025-26 Author Spotlight Series is diving into the unsolved mystery of Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance for its November event, and then in April, it casts a look back at the “divorce ranches” that were common in Reno, Nevada, in the 1950s.

These intimate talks and book signings are hosted by the Friends of the Library of Collier County. The events are a chance to meet the authors while helping the nonprofit Friends group raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Collier County’s public libraries.

The 2025-26 Author Spotlight Series will feature:

• Lew Paper, who is an acclaimed author of several nonfiction books, has now published his fiction-based-on-fact novel Legacy of Lies, which speculates what really happened to labor leader Jimmy Hoffa, on Thursday afternoon, November 6; and

• Rowan Beaird, whose debut novel The Divorcées, is set at a 1950s Reno, Nevada, divorce ranch, was praised by People Magazine for her “rollicking thriller.” She will speak on Thursday afternoon, April 9.

The Author Spotlight Series, which is now in its fourth year, is held at The Norris Center, the former longtime home of the Gulfshore Playhouse, located at the southern end of Cambier Park near downtown Naples. Seating will be general admission, and tickets are selling quickly. Each talk will be followed by a Q&A and a book signing. (See info box for details on dates, times, and all ticket prices.)

Kelly E. Capolino of Downing-Frye Realty returns this year as the exclusive sponsor of the Author Spotlight Series.

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Author Spotlight Series

What: Author lectures that are a fundraiser by the Friends of the Library of Collier County

Where: The Norris Center, 755 Eighth Avenue South, Naples

Author lineup

• Lew Paper, Thursday, November 6, at 2 p.m., followed by a book signing

• Rowan Beaird, Thursday, April 9, at 2 p.m., followed by a book signing

Cost: Tickets are $55 for each lecture for current members of the Friends; $65 per lecture for nonmembers. All seating is general admission. Friends memberships begin at $40/year and also provide exclusive access and discounts to many other programs throughout the year.

Purchase tickets and become a member:

Go to collier-friends.org. If events sell out, a waiting list will be kept. Email Marlene Haywood, the Friends’ Program Director, at mhaywood@collier-friends.org or call 239.262.8135.