Ross Mathews added to the line-up of United for Libraries’ 'The Laugh’s On Us, sponsored by SAGE'

PHILADELPHIA – Ross Mathews of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” has been added to the line-up for “The Laugh’s On Us, sponsored by SAGE," featuring author and standup comedian Paula Poundstone, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 30 during the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago.

The full line-up also includes Selena Coppock, Nicole Knepper, Sara Levine and Paul Rudnick.

Ross Mathews (“Man Up! Tales of My Delusional Self-Confidence,” Grand Central Publishing/Hachette) grew up in Mount Vernon, Wash. He began his television career on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” in 2001, where he remains as a correspondent. Additionally, he is a regular roundtable comic and occasional guest-host on E!'s "Chelsea Lately," as well as a red carpet staple on E!. He resides in Los Angeles and Palm Springs with his partner, Salvador, and their two puppies.

Poundstone (“There’s Nothing in this Book That I Meant to Say,” Three Rivers Press/Random House), is a frequent panelist for NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!” Poundstone was the first woman to win an ACE Award for Best Standup Comedy performance and the first woman to be invited to perform at the distinguished White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner. An outspoken advocate for libraries, she works with Friends of the Library groups around the country to help them fundraise and raise awareness of the importance of libraries.

Selena Coppock (“The New Rules for Blondes: Highlights from a Fair-Haired Life,” HarperCollins), is a standup comedian, writer and storyteller based in New York City. Her storytelling abilities have been showcased at shows throughout New York and Boston, and she has been featured at comedy festivals across the country.

Nicole Knepper (“Moms Who Drink and Swear: True Tales of Loving My Kids While Losing My Mind,” Penguin) is a licensed clinical professional counselor in the fields of substance abuse, trauma, dual diagnosis and autism spectrum disorders and the mom to two special needs kids. In addition to running her Facebook page, “Moms Who Drink and Swear,” she blogs for The Chicago Tribune and works to spread awareness about special needs.  

Sara Levine (“Treasure Island!!!,” Europa Editions/Penguin) teaches at the Art Institute of Chicago. Her stories have appeared in The Iowa Review, Nerve, Conjunctions, Sonora Review and other magazines.

Paul Rudnick (“Gorgeous,” Scholastic) is a critically acclaimed playwright, screenwriter and novelist. His screenplays include "In&Out" and "Addams Family Values," and he’s written for Vogue, Entertainment Weekly, Vanity Fair and the New Yorker. His plays, including "I Hate Hamlet" and "Jeffrey," have been produced both on and off Broadway and around the world. “Gorgeous” is his first novel for young adults. He lives in New York City.

Wine and cheese will be served, and a book signing will follow. Some books will be given away free, while others will be available for purchase at a generous discount. Advance tickets to “The Laugh’s On Us, sponsored by SAGE” cost $49, $45 for United for Libraries division members (event code UFL1). Onsite tickets cost $55. Early ticket purchase is recommended as the event often sells out. More information about the event, including additional authors as they are added to the lineup, is available on the United for Libraries website at www.ala.org/united.

United for Libraries: The Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations, is a division of the American Library Association that supports citizens 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 Kalonick at (312) 280-2161 or jkalonick@ala.org.

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