York County Libraries (YCL) will host author David Baldacci during its inaugural "Beyond the Books" event. The event will begin at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts, 50 N. George St., York.

Baldacci will speak about his life as a novelist and his writing routine, and he will share humorous stories from the road. He will also sign copies of his April 2025 release "Strangers in Time" during a VIP pre-event reception at 5:30 p.m. and following his presentation.

YCL surveyed library cardholders to learn what author they wanted to hear speak, and individual respondents collectively mentioned Baldacci nearly 50 times.

Baldacci started writing as a child when his mother gave him a lined notebook to write down his stories. Years later, when he thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she had given him the notebook to keep him quiet. That childhood spark led him to publishing his first novel, "Absolute Power," in 1996. The next year, it was adapted into a feature film with Clint Eastwood as its director and star.

During his career, Baldacci has published more than 50 novels for adults, including recent titles "Long Shadows," "Simply Lies," "The Edge," and "A Calamity of Souls." Many of his novels have been adapted for film and television. His books are now published in more than 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. He has also published seven novels for young readers.

A lifelong Virginian, he received his bachelor's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, after which he practiced law in Washington, D.C. Baldacci and his family live in Virginia.

A copy of "Strangers in Time" may be ordered during ticket purchase. The books will be available for pickup at the event.

Proceeds from the event will benefit YCL, which provides delivery of free library services and resources for all community members.

To purchase tickets for "Beyond the Books: An Evening with David Baldacci," visit http://www.appellcenter.org, call 717-846-1111, or visit the Appell Center box office on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

To learn more about York County Libraries, visit http://www.yorklibraries.org.