Evansville Public Library Announces SPEAK 2026 Author Lineup

The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL) has announced the author lineup for SPEAK 2026. This free, community-wide speaker series (thanks to the EVPL Foundation) is open to everyone, and this year’s theme is all about sparking – or re-sparking – your love of books and your local library.

Here’s who’s coming to Evansville:

Sarah Adams

Sarah Adams kicks things off on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at Old National Events Plaza. She’s a New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author known for her romantic comedies, including The Cheat Sheet and Practice Makes Perfect. Fans of her Rome, Kentucky series will love knowing that one of her characters has Evansville ties before moving to Rome. Romance readers, this one’s for you.

Dr. Patrick Griffin

On Tuesday, July 21 at 7 p.m., history buffs can head to the Evansville Museum of Arts, History & Science for a special presentation by Notre Dame professor Dr. Patrick Griffin. In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, he’ll present “The Revolutionary War in Three Paintings.” It’s a fresh, engaging way to look at America’s founding and the global forces that shaped it.

Candace Fleming

On Thursday, September 17 at 7 p.m. at EVPL Central, award-winning children’s and YA author Candace Fleming takes the stage. With more than 50 books to her name – including titles about Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, and even honeybees – she’s sure to inspire readers of all ages (and maybe the kids in your life, too).

Toni Tipton-Martin

The series wraps up on Thursday, October 22 at 7 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church with Toni Tipton-Martin, Editor in Chief of Cook’s Country and a three-time James Beard Award winner. Partnering with Urban Seeds, this event will celebrate food, culture, and the powerful stories behind America’s Black and female cooks.

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Every SPEAK 2026 event is free and open to the public. For full details, visit evpl.org/SPEAK2026.