Emma L. Andrews Library Author Series

William Hallett is the first of four local authors scheduled to read and discuss their books at the Emma L. Andrews Library over the next four months. Mr. Hallett, author of" Newburyport in the Civil War", is an avid student of history; dressed in Civil War era clothing, he and his wife also lead historical walking tours of Newburyport. He will give a multimedia presentation at the Library on Thursday, Feb. 21.

On Thursday, March 21, Bethany Groff, a regional site manager for Historic New England, will present a bit of earlier history, based on her book "A Brief History of Old Newbury: From Settlement to Separation". Her account helps us see some vivid personalities of Newburyʼs founding families and the tumultuous events in which they participated.

Constance Johnson Hambley of Rowley drew on her professional experiences in banking, finance, teaching and business, to write her first novel, a murder-thriller called "The Charity". The manuscript lay in her files for fifteen years, but when she decided last year to self-publish it, she found an enthusiastic audience. She will be reading and discussing her work on Thursday, April 18.

And on Thursday, May 16, North Shore humorist Doug Brendel, known as “The Outsidah,” will read selections from his funny cartoon-illustrated book "Only in Ipswich 2013.” Doug writes a column, "The Outsidah," for the Ipswich Chronicle, featuring wry commentary on life in small-town New England from the perspective of a newcomer. "Only in Ipswich 2013" follows Doug's tradition of compiling his newspaper columns each year and illustrating them with cartoons and sketches.

The Emma L. Andrews Library is located at the corner of Marlborough and Purchase Streets in Newburyport (77 Purchase St.) All these programs begin at 7:30 in the evening and are free and open to the public; light refreshments are served. Space is limited; guarantee your seat by signing up at the Library or calling 978-358-8097.