10th annual Out Loud! Author Series to bring in 3 best-selling authors

CEDAR RAPIDS - Out Loud! The Metro Library Network Author Series will celebrate its 10th season in 2017 with a lineup of some prolific, best-selling and award-winning authors. Anne Perry, Kwame Alexander and Debbie Macomber will speak at three consecutive Friday nights in June. All three events will be held at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, 7725 Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids. The Out Loud! Author Series is a collaboration between the Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha and Marion public libraries.

The series will kickoff with Anne Perry at 7 p.m. June 9. Perry is the international best-selling author of more than 50 novels, which have sold more than 25 million copies. The Times selected her as one of the 20th century's 100 Masters of Crime. In 2015 she was awarded the Premio de Honor Aragon Negro. Her first series of Victorian crime novels, featuring Thomas and Charlotte Pitt, began with 'The Cater Street Hangman.” The latest, 'The Angel Court Affair,” was named to the appearances on the New York Times best-seller list.

Author Kwame Alexander will continue the Out Loud! series at 7 p.m. June 16. Alexander is a poet, educator, and the New York Times best-selling author of 24 books, including 'The Crossover,” which received the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American Literature for Children, the Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor, The NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor, the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award and the Paterson Poetry Prize. Alexander writes for children of all ages. Some of his other works include 'The Playbook: 52 Rules to Help You Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game of Life”; the picture books, 'Animal Ark,” 'Out of Wonder” and 'Surf's Up”; and novels 'Booked,” 'He Said She Said,” and 'Solo,” which is set to be released in August.

The series will end with No. 1 New York Times best-selling author Debbie Macomber at 7 p.m. June 23. Macomber is one of today's most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber's novels have spent more than 990 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list. Twelve of these novels hit the No. 1 spot.

In 2017, Macomber's all-new hardcover publications include 'If Not for You,” 'Any Dream Will Do,” set for release in August, and 'Merry and Bright,” which will be released in October. Macomber also has published two best-selling cookbooks, an adult coloring book, numerous inspirational and non-fiction works, and two acclaimed children's books.

While no tickets are required at any of the events, series organizers are requesting preregistration. To register, visit www.metrolibrarynetwork.org/outloud and select the author event you wish to attend. Or, patrons may contact any of the Metro Libraries or send an email to events@crlibrary.org.

All Out Loud! authors will take questions from the audience and sign books following their presentations.

- Who: Anne Perry, 7 p.m. June 9

- Who: Kwame Alexander, 7 p.m. June 16

- Who: Debbie Macomber, 7 p.m. June 23

- Where: The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, 7725 Blvd. SW, Cedar Rapids

- Cost: Free, but registration required at www.metrolibrarynetwork.org/outloud