Wednesday, April 10 | 7 PM | Scottish Rite Consistory (519 Park Street)
With more than 425 million books sold, James Patterson is the most popular storyteller in modern history. He has a fast-paced style, writes books that span dozens of genres, and he is the creator of unforgettable characters and series, including Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Effing Smith, and Maximum Ride. He written breathtaking true stories about the Kennedys, John Lennon, and Princess Diana, as well as our military heroes, police officers, and ER nurses.
With 67 #1 bestselling titles (and counting), Patterson has the most #1 New York Times best selling books in history. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton, told the story of his own life in James Patterson by James Patterson, and received an Edgar Award, nine Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.
Patterson was the first author to sell more than one million eBooks. He has now sold more than five million eBooks in his career.
The program will be moderated by Courtney Crowder. Courtney is the Iowa Columnist and a senior writer at The Des Moines Register. A two-time Livingston Award finalist, she tells human stories with an investigative eye and a narrative touch. A graduate of New York University, Crowder previously worked at the Chicago Tribune.
NOTE: Patterson will only be signing copies of his new book, The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians, at the event.
Book Signing Information
- What he will sign: James Patterson will ONLY be signing copies of The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians following the event. Due to the large crowd, he will not be able to sign copies of his other books.
- Buying Books: Beaverdale Books will have copies of The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians for sale on the third floor outside the auditorium. We recommend purchasing before the program starts to guarantee that you get a copy.
- Personalization: Due to the large crowd, Patterson will not be personalizing the books he signs.
- Photos: Photos of Patterson signing are allowed. However, again due to the massive crowd, he will not be able to pause signing to pose to take photos with you. Thank you for being respectful of his time, and the other attendees waiting in line behind you.
- How the line will work: If you are staying for the book signing, DMPL staff will be dismissing people by row to join the signing line. If you are not going to be staying for the book signing you are free to leave after the author's talk concludes.
Getting to the Event
- When to Arrive: Get to the Scottish Rite Consistory (519 Park Street) as early as possible to ensure that you get in. Doors open at 5 PM, and the event will begin promptly at 7 PM.
- Where to arrive: The main entrance for the venue is on Park Street east of Sixth Street. The handicapped-accessible entrance is located in the alley east of the building. The event is on the third floor, accessible via stairs or the elevator. Volunteers and staff will be on hand to direct you.
- Seating: Seating is first come, first served. We ask that you please not hold seats for people who have not arrived. If you are with a larger group, plan to arrive early, and know that you may not be able to sit together during the author's talk. The venue has a strict capacity limit. Once it is reached, we will stop admitting guests.
- VIP: If you purchased a VIP ticket, you can go to the second floor of the Scottish Rite Consistory for the reception beginning at 5 PM. VIP tickets are sold out.
James on the Web
- "Here's How Author James Patterson Writes 31 Books at the Same Time" - GQ (January 2023)
- "The Henry Ford of Books" - Vanity Fair (January 2015)
- "James Patterson talks writing stories and fighting Norman Mailer" - Wait, Wait... Don't Tell Me, NPR (October 2023)
- "Author James Patterson: I get scared by my own thrillers" - Independent (October 2023)