Toledo Library to Host Bestselling Authors in August and September Visiting Author Programs

Daily Dose  |  07/15/2026 3:00 pm

The Toledo Lucas County Public Library will host bestselling authors this August and September through its visiting author programs, including thriller, horror, romance and contemporary fiction titles, and a featured conversation with Beverly Jenkins and Nikki Payne.

Visit toledolibrary.org for the full event calendar, registration details and locations. Tickets for Authors! programs are available for purchase in advance through Eventbrite. Seating is limited.

Romance-Con Presents with Beverly Jenkins and Nikki Payne is free to attend; registration is available at toledolibrary.org/romance-con. For assistance, call 419-259-5200.

For more upcoming visiting author information, visit toledolibrary.org/authors. Programs are subject to change.

Authors! is presented by the Library Legacy Foundation, with supporting sponsors Huntington Bank and UToledo Health, and community sponsor Friends of the Library.

Authors! with Karin Slaughter
Thursday, Aug. 13: 7–8 p.m., Glass City Center
New York Times bestselling author Karin Slaughter visits Authors! to discuss her newest standalone thriller, The Secrets We Hide. Known for her bestselling crime fiction and the Will Trent series, Slaughter is widely recognized for her gripping suspense and emotionally charged storytelling. In this latest novel, a cold case resurfaces in a small town, exposing long-buried secrets and unraveling a seemingly perfect family facade. This event features a 45-minute presentation followed by a brief audience Q&A. Tickets are available for purchase at Eventbrite. Each ticket includes a copy of the book.

Online Romance Book Club: The Open Era by Edward Schmit
Wednesday, Aug. 19: 7–8 p.m., Zoom
Author Edward Schmit joins the Online Romance Book Club to discuss his debut novel, The Open Era. The story follows professional tennis player Austin Hardy as he becomes the first openly gay man to compete in a Grand Slam tournament, navigating sudden media attention, anxiety and an unexpected connection with rival player Diego Cruz. Set against the high-stakes backdrop of the US Open, the novel explores identity, pressure and the possibility of love on and off the court. This virtual program is free to attend, but registration is required.

Authors! with Clay McLeod Chapman
Thursday, Aug. 27: 7–8 p.m., Main Library
New York Times bestselling author Clay McLeod Chapman joins Authors! to discuss his latest horror novel, Devil Inside. Known for Ghost Eaters, Whisper Down the Lane and The Remaking, Chapman is recognized for his psychological horror that blends supernatural suspense with deeply human emotion. In this new novel, a small community is shaken by a series of unexplained violent events that surface long-buried legends—and darker personal truths. This event features a 45-minute presentation followed by a brief audience Q&A. Tickets are available for purchase at Eventbrite. Each ticket includes a copy of the book.

Authors! with Ann Aguirre
Thursday, Sept. 3: 7–8 p.m., Main Library
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre visits Authors! to discuss her latest fantasy romance, The Hocus Pocus Handbook. Known for crafting cozy speculative fiction featuring found family, inclusive worlds and slow-burn romance, Aguirre's newest novel follows an unlikely pair as they navigate wildcraft magic, fae politics and an unexpected romance. This event features a 45-minute presentation followed by a brief audience Q&A. Tickets are available for purchase at Eventbrite. Each ticket includes a copy of the book.

Authors! with Jacqueline Friedland
Thursday, Sept. 10: 7–8 p.m., Main Library
USA Today bestselling author Jacqueline Friedland visits Authors! to discuss her latest novel, Breathing Under Water. Known for writing emotionally resonant contemporary and historical fiction, Friedland's newest novel explores friendship, resilience and found family through the lives of a mother raising an autistic son and a college swimmer whose paths unexpectedly intersect. This event features a 45-minute presentation followed by a brief audience Q&A. Tickets are available for purchase at Eventbrite. Each ticket includes a copy of the book.

Romance-Con Presents: Beverly Jenkins and Nikki Payne
Wednesday, Sept. 30: 6–8 p.m., Main Library
Romance-Con Presents welcomes literary icon and 2017 Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Beverly Jenkins for a conversation with acclaimed author Nikki Payne. Together, they will discuss Jenkins' celebrated career, lasting impact on the romance genre and legacy of championing inclusive love stories. The program includes an audience Q&A, followed by a book signing and photo opportunity. Books will be available for purchase at the event.