Author Spotlight Events

Author Spotlight Events for 2024 – 2025:  The Friends of the Library Author Spotlight Events will be held in downtown Naples at The Norris Center located at 755 8th Avenue S.,  Naples, FL 34102.  Come to The Norris Center for popular authors who will stimulate and delight you with their stories and ideas….make it a day and have lunch first at one of the many wonderful restaurants in Naples.

2024 - 2025

Chanel Cleeton

Thursday, November 7, 2024 – 2 p.m.

Chanel Cleeton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick Next Year in Havana, When We Left Cuba, The Last Train to Key West, The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba, Our Last Days in Barcelona, and The Cuban Heiress.

Originally from Florida, Chanel Cleeton grew up on stories of her family’s exodus from Cuba following the events of the Cuban Revolution. Her passion for politics and history continued during her years spent studying in England, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Richmond, The American International University in London, and a master’s degree in Global Politics from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Chanel also received her Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law.

Photo Credit:  Chris Malpass


Stephanie Dray

Thursday, April 3, 2025 – 2 p.m.

Stephanie Dray is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of historical women’s fiction.  Renowned for her captivating storytelling and detailed historical narratives, Stephanie has written acclaimed works such as America’s First Daughter, My Dear Hamilton, The Women of Chateau Lafayette, and Becoming Madam Secretary.  These novels have cemented her reputation as a leading voice in historical fiction, bringing to life the stories of America’s founding mothers, and influential women beyond the revolutionary era.

Stephanie’s award-winning work consistently tops lists of the most anticipated reads of the year.  Widely praised by colleagues, recommended on the TODAY show, and translated into many languages, her work resonates with readers around the world.  Living in Maryland with her supportive husband, an extensive library of history books, and the inevitable basket of cats or foster kittens, Stephanie continues to write and share the powerful stories of women who have shaped history.

Photo Credit:  Kate Furek


Venue Details

The Norris Center
755 8th Avenue South
Naples, FL  34102
Directions

Event Schedule

Each event costs:

$49 for members

$59 for nonmembers

Lectures:
Thursday, November 7, 2024 – 2 p.m.
Thursday, April 3, 2025 – 2 p.m.

Book signing to follow.

Stephanie Dray tickets go on sale soon!

Contact Information

Author Spotlight Events Gallery

Shelley Read - Book Signing
Shelley Read, author at the Author Spotlight Event.
Author Shelley Read with attendees after her lecture.
Shana Abé

Special Thanks to the 2024-2025 Author Spotlight Sponsor

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS AND POLICIES

  • WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE ATTENDEES AT OUR EVENTS TO FOLLOW THE PROTOCOLS ESTABLISHED BY OUR VENUE HOSTS. UNVACCINATED PATRONS ARE REQUESTED TO WEAR MASKS.
  • PLEASE DO NOT ATTEND ANY EVENT IF YOU ARE FEELING ILL OR IF YOU HAVE HAD CONTACT WITH ANYONE WITHIN THE LAST TEN DAYS THAT HAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19.