The Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County presents Richard Peck, winner of the Newbery Award and a finalist for the National Book Award. Peck will speak at ImaginOn: The Joe & Joan Martin Center on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 3 p.m. ImaginOn is located on 300 East Seventh Street in Charlotte.

Peck has written more than thirty middle grade and young adult novels. His award-winning Grandma Dowdel series includes A Long Way from Chicago, A Year Down Yonder, and his newest, A Season of Gifts. His books are much loved and are great choices for reading aloud.

Richard Peck’s appearance will include a presentation, a question and answer session and a book-signing. The event is free and open to the public.

Books will be available for purchase both prior to and at the event through Black Forest Books & Toys. For those unable to attend the event, but who would still like purchase a signed copy of A Season of Gifts, contact Black Forest Books and Toys at read@blackforestbooksandtoys.com or at (704) 332-4838 for details.

Since its founding in 1903 as a Carnegie Free Library, PLCMC has provided community service and outreach to the citizens of the Charlotte area. One of the premier libraries in the country, PLCMC has been recognized as a “Five Star” library in a national index of public library service from Library Journal and was named winner of the 2006 National Award for Library Service. The library sponsors a variety of community-based programs, from computer and Internet workshops to the award-winning Novello Festival of Reading, a celebration of the joys of reading and learning. With 24 locations, 1.4 million volumes, 79,000 DVDs, CDs and audiobooks, and a vast selection of titles available to download from the library’s web site, PLCMC is dedicated to its mission of expanding minds, empowering individuals and enriching the community.