Authors Luncheon

Since 2001 we have sponsored our signature literary event, the annual Authors Luncheon. Held in November at the Clubhouse at Rancho Solano, the Luncheon celebrates literacy and reading by inviting well-known and emerging authors to talk about their work. Proceeds from the Luncheon help underwrite our commitment to Reach Out and Read and other Library programs.

The Authors Luncheon attracts up to 400 literary fans that have the opportunity to meet some of their favorite authors and have them sign their books before and after they speak during luncheon program. In addition, a live auction following the program features exciting destinations and experiences that relate to the authors or their work. Some of the past authors who have participated include: Anne Lamott, Lisa See, John Lescroart, Dr. Kevin Starr; children's authors Jonathan London, Rosemary Wells and Daniel San Souci; cookbook authors Alice Medrich, Annie Roberts, Margrit Biever Mondavi, and Judy Rogers; and local authors Fern Henry and David Corbett.

The Authors Luncheon is the Solano County Library Foundation's major fundraiser. Tickets for the luncheon are available each year in mid-September.

Authors Luncheon 2010

The annual Authors Luncheon is the Solano County Library Foundation's major fundraiser for its Reach Out and Read pediatric literacy program and other literacy programs. The Solano County Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the programs of the Solano County Library and the literacy and lifelong learning needs of the community it serves. It provides funding for special projects that the Library cannot fund with public dollars, enabling the Library to reach those who need its services the most.

Authors Luncheon 2010 will be held on Sunday, November 7 from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at The Clubhouse at Rancho Solano in Fairfield. Tickets will be available in September. Table sponsorships and program ads are available now. For more information about tickets or sponsorships for the event contact us at 707.421.8073 or libraryfoundation@sbcglobal.net.

Those who are familiar with the Authors Luncheon know that the authors are available to sign their books before and after the luncheon and give short, entertaining presentations about their work and careers. The always popular Live Auction features experiences and getaways that often include one of the participating authors. Returning this year as the emcee will be Edie Lambert from KCRA-TV Channel 3 Sacramento.

Authors Luncheon 2009

The 2009 Luncheon set a new record, raising over $80,000 for the Foundation's support of literacy programs.

There were six authors again this year and their works cover a wide range of topics and genres.

Peter Grandbois is the author of The Gravedigger, a work of magic realism that was selected for both the Barnes and Noble "Discover Great New Writers" and the Borders "Original Voices" programs. His newest work The Arsenic Lobster: A Hybrid Memoir has been called a "hilarious and poignant tour-de force" and an" innovative and lyrically stunning memoir."

Bestselling cookbook author and founding chef of Greens Restaurant in San Francisco, Deborah Madison has a new cookbook out, adding to her delicious repertoire of vegetable cookbooks. What We Eat When We Eat Alone includes recipes, stories, and the charming artwork of her partner Patrick McFarlin.

Dan Millman, former world champion athlete, university coach, martial arts instructor, and college professor has written 14 books that have been published in 29 languages. His autobiographical novel Way of the Peaceful Warrior was the basis of Peaceful Warrior, a feature film starring Nick Nolte.

Patricia Turner is professor of African American and African studies and the Vice Provost of Undergraduate Studies at UC Davis. Her newest book, Crafted Lives: Stories and Studies of African American Quilters, examines the powerful bonds between generations of African American quilt makers.

Ayelet Waldman is the author of the bestselling Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities and Occasional Moments of Grace. Among her other books is Love and Other Impossible Pursuits which is currently in film post-production with Natalie Portman in the lead role.

Artist Belle Yang is the author of 4 beautifully illustrated children's books, including her latest Foo the Flying Frog of Washtub Pond, and two adult fiction books. Amy Tan describes Belle's writing as feeling Chinese, "It is as though we, the readers of English, can now miraculously read Chinese."