New York Times best-selling author Shannon Hale will be coming to the Provo City Library for its Family Literacy Symposium on Jan. 19.
Hale, a native of Salt Lake City, is the author of several well-known young adult fantasy novels and the Newbery Medal Award-winning book, “Princess Academy.”
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Danae Friel, community relations coordinator for the Provo City Library, said the community was looking forward to Hale’s arrival.
“We’re delighted that she (Hale) is coming. She is being very well received by the community,” Friel said.
The community is so excited about Hale’s upcoming visit that, according to Carla Zollinger, adult and teen services manager, all 500 tickets for the event went fast.
“We’ve never run out of tickets before until now,” said Zollinger. “We’re very excited for her visit.”
The library’s annual Family Literacy Symposium is a free event that increases literacy in families by helping members of the community promote reading in their own homes. According to Friel, Hale is the perfect person for this year’s symposium theme, “Fairy Tale Families.”
Hale encompasses the symposium’s objectives because her writing appeals to kids, teenagers and adults. She will not only be speaking on her books but will also be part of a panel discussion on the best books for families to read together. She will also discuss some of her favorite books. She will be joined by different members of the community from BYU, UVU, Provo School District and the Provo City Library.
Hale will also be part of a sold-out “Brunch with the Author” event taking place at the symposium. Those attendants who were able to purchase tickets to the brunch will have the opportunity to visit with Hale and will receive a copy of her new book, “Palace of Stone,” the sequel to the award-winning “Princess Academy.”
Fans of Shannon Hale who want to try their luck in hopes of getting into the symposium can take their chances in the standby line starting at 9:00 a.m. Heather Andersen, an English major from Orem, said that although she didn’t get any tickets, she will be waiting in line in hopes of hearing one of her favorite authors.
“I love Shannon Hale,” Andersen said. “She does exactly what I want to do, be a stay-at-home mom and write books.”
Hale will be signing books for those who attend the event. Book signing groups will be assigned as symposium attendants arrive for the main keynote address.
