Toledo Library Announces Fall Visiting Author Lineup Featuring Bethany Joy Lenz, Beverly Jenkins and More

Daily Dose  |  08/12/2026 10:45 am

The Toledo Lucas County Public Library will welcome bestselling authors this fall, including actor and New York Times bestselling author Bethany Joy Lenz, for six programs spanning romance, fantasy, contemporary fiction, horror and psychological thrillers. The lineup also features literary icon Beverly Jenkins in conversation with acclaimed author Nikki Payne as part of Romance-Con Presents.

Visit toledolibrary.org for the full event calendar, registration details and locations. Tickets for Authors! programs are available for purchase in advance through Eventbrite. Romance-Con Presents with Beverly Jenkins and Nikki Payne is free to attend; tickets can be reserved 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! 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 her 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 through 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 contemporary and historical fiction that explores complex social and emotional realities, 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 through 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 Beverly Jenkins, recipient of the 2017 Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award, for a conversation with acclaimed author Nikki Payne. Together, they will discuss Jenkins' career, 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.

Authors! with Susan Zurenda
Thursday, Oct. 1: 7–8 p.m., Main Library
Susan Zurenda joins Authors! to discuss her latest novel, No Way Out but Through, a story of survival, trust and resilience. Inspired by an interview with a survivor of child marriage, Zurenda explores the power of vulnerability and the courage it takes to confront difficult truths. This event features a 45-minute presentation followed by a brief audience Q&A. Tickets are available for purchase through Eventbrite. Each ticket includes a copy of the book.

Horror Book Club featuring Gretchen McNeil
Wednesday, Oct. 14: 7–8 p.m., Online program
The Horror Book Club explores They Fear Not Men in the Woods by Gretchen McNeil, a chilling tale of family secrets, ancient forests and unimaginable horrors. When Jen Monroe returns home after her father’s remains are discovered, she sets out to uncover the truth about his disappearance—only to find something far more sinister waiting in the woods. This virtual program is free to attend, but registration is required.

Authors! with Bethany Joy Lenz
Thursday, Oct. 29: 7–8 p.m., Main Library
New York Times bestselling author Bethany Joy Lenz joins Authors! to discuss her debut psychological thriller, The Betrayal of Cora Wexford. Set in Victorian London, the novel follows an American portrait artist whose work painting the dead takes a dangerous turn when a series of murders echoes the crimes of Jack the Ripper. This event features a 45-minute presentation followed by a brief audience Q&A. Tickets are available for purchase through Eventbrite. Each ticket includes a copy of the book.

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