United for Libraries to host Gala Author Tea, sponsored by ReferenceUSA, at ALA Annual Conference

BRYN MAWR, Pennsylvania — United for Libraries will host the Gala Author Tea, sponsored by ReferenceUSA, from 2 to 4 p.m. on Monday, June 27 at the ALA Annual Conference in Orlando.

Bestselling writers Shari Lapena, Lisa Fenn, Thomas Mullen, Susan Mallery and Imbolo Mbue, along with audiobook narrator Jayne Entwistle, will discuss their new books. Enjoy tea, finger sandwiches and a variety of sweet treats. A booksigning will follow.

Advance tickets to the Gala Author Tea, sponsored by ReferenceUSA, cost $60, $55 for United for Libraries division members (event code UNI3). Onsite tickets (if available) cost $65. Early ticket purchase is recommended as the event often sells out. For more information about United for Libraries events at the ALA Annual Conference, visit www.ala.org/united/events_conferences/annual.

Shari Lapeña (“The Couple Next Door,” Pamela Dorman Books/Penguin Random House) worked as a lawyer and as an English teacher before turning to writing fiction. She has written two award-winning literary novels, and “The Couple Next Door” is her suspense debut.

Two-time Edward R. Murrow and six-time Emmy Award-winning feature producer Lisa Fenn (“Carry On: A Story of Resilience, Redemption, and an Unlikely Family,” Harper Wave/HarperCollins)) reported on professional sports for thirteen years with ESPN. A graduate of Cornell University, she continues to produce sports stories and write about the redemptive power of love.

Thomas Mullen (“Darktown,” Atria/37 INK/Simon & Schuster) is the author of "The Last Town on Earth," which was named Best Debut Novel of 2006 by USA TODAY. His stories and essays have been published in Grantland, Paste, and the Huffington Post. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and sons.

Susan Mallery’s (“Daughters of the Bride,” HQN/Harlequin) books have made Booklist’s Top 10 Romances list in four out of five consecutive years. With her popular Blackberry Island books in trade paperback and her ongoing Fool’s Gold series, Susan has reached new heights on the bestseller. Booklist says, “Novels don’t get much better than Mallery’s expert blend of emotional nuance, humor and superb storytelling.”

Imbolo Mbue (“Behold the Dreamers,” Penguin Random House) is a native of Limbe, Cameroon. She holds a BS from Rutgers University and an MA from Columbia University. A resident of the United States for more than a decade, she lives in New York City with her husband and children. This is her first novel.

Jayne Entwistle (narrator, “As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust,” Random House Audio) is an award-winning audiobook narrator. When not reading books out loud she is working on-screen in commercials, film and television - most recently appearing with Shaquille O'Neal and Flea from The Red Hot Chili Peppers in a pilot for Amazon.

The event is sponsored by United for Libraries corporate supporter ReferenceUSA.

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association that supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries. United for Libraries brings together library Trustees, advocates, friends, and foundations into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries in the 21st century. For more information or to join United for Libraries, visit the United for Libraries website or contact Jillian Wentworth at (312) 280-2161 or jwentworth@ala.org.

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