Annual Friends of the Library luncheon features local author

"Entertaining Detours: Unique Tales from My Journey Along the Road Less Traveled by Michael Hawron
"Entertaining Detours: Unique Tales from My Journey Along the Road Less Traveled by Michael Hawron

Local author Michael Hawron's life detours bring him to the Friends of the Texarkana Public Library Annual Luncheon on Thursday at First United Methodist Church's Cabe Center.

Hawron's book is a memoir titled "Entertaining Detours: Unique Tales from My Journey Along the Road Less Traveled," which chronicles many of the serendipitous adventures this native upstate New Yorker enjoyed when he lived on five continents and in 30-some countries before eventually landing in New Boston, Texas, to reside with his family.

Hawron, who studied at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, works for Texarkana Digital Press. He was a longtime Hong Kong resident.

The luncheon where he'll speak starts at 11:30 a.m. and includes both a meal and his talk. 

The meal is open to anyone, although Friends memberships will be available. Friends of the Texarkana Public Library raises funds through its downtown bookstore and this luncheon for library activities.

"We try to get local authors just because it's a point of interest for us and for the area," said Jane Richards of the Friends group's luncheon, which is one way they serve the members.

Members also receive a twice-yearly newsletter, which tells of the library's activities, such as the bevvy of summer programs for kids.

"We promote the love of reading," Richards said.

The Friends of the Library bookstore, located downtown (320 W. Broad St.), also raises money for the library. It's open on the second Friday of the month and the last Friday and Saturday of the month. Open hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the store features a diverse selection of books.

"We have got nearly everything you could want," Richards said.

(Luncheon admission: $10. RSVP to the Texarkana Public Library by calling 903-794-2149 or visiting the library. First United Methodist Church is located at 400 E. 6th St. in Texarkana, Ark. Friends of the Texarkana Public Library memberships are $20.) 

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