News Release

11/10/08 Rhode Island Center for the Book at Providence Public Library and East Providence Public Library welcome author Ron McLarty Back to Rhode Island, Nov. 16

The Rhode Island Center for the Book at Providence Public Library and East Providence Public Library are partnering to welcome actor and author Ron McLarty back to Rhode Island to talk about his third novel Art In America. McLarty will speak at the Weaver Library, 41 Grove Avenue, East Providence, on Sunday, November 16 at 1:30 PM. McLarty’s bestselling first book, The Memory of Running, was the 2007 Reading Across Rhode Island selection. Over 600 people attended the Reading Across Rhode Island May Breakfast to hear the congenial native Rhode Islander speak about his writing and love for his home state. Earlier in the year, McLarty had attracted a capacity crowd to the East Providence City Hall. His heartfelt talk about his own unique road to publication gave the community an evening to remember.

McLarty’s third novel again takes readers on a journey of discovery and redemption. A story about a down-on-his luck writer who finally finds success and love, Art in America is filled with a bevy of quirky characters, and according to Kirkus Reviews is “brimming with gems of richly observed small town life.” Entertaining, funny, and big-hearted, Art in America will please McLarty fans of The Memory of Running and Traveler.

A professional recorded books narrator, and a career character actor, McLarty has been busy recording David Baldacci’s book Rescue Me and a new book from Stephen King. McLarty also recently acted with Parker Posey in The Return of Jezebel James, a Fox television series. Advance praise for Art in America recognizes McLarty’s many skills that he brings to his novels.

“The actor-playwright turned novelist offers a hefty slice of Americana-inflected entertainment in his latest novel. An actor adept at entertaining and holding an audience shows himself a novelist gifted with the same skills . . . an immensely engaging and winning performance.” …Booklist

This author appearance is one of a variety of programs and events the Rhode Island Center for the Book provides each year to help promote its mission of “celebrating the art and heritage of reading, writing, making, and sharing books.” For information about its activities and other resources, please visit www.ribook.org.

Providence Public Library is committed to providing quality programming on a variety of educational topics. The views and opinions expressed therein are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of the Library. We welcome community members to work with us to provide free, thought-provoking events of interest.

A 130-year-old private, not-for-profit institution, Providence Public Library is dedicated to providing free educational, lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities for all, regardless of background, age or income.