MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—New York Times bestselling author James Ponti is set to visit the Marion Public Library on July 23 for a free public program dedicated to reading, writing, and the importance of local history.
The event will kick off with an open house at 5:30 p.m., followed by a presentation at 6 p.m. A book signing will conclude the evening. The program is open to the public, and no tickets or prior registration are required to attend.
Ponti, widely recognized for his popular middle-grade mystery and adventure novels, will share insights into his journey as a writer, the research process behind his storytelling, and tips for young readers looking to hone their own writing skills.
The evening will highlight his latest work, “The Sherlock Society,” a mystery-adventure novel that weaves historical exploration into a modern narrative. The book emphasizes how local history plays a vital role in everyday life, a theme central to the evening’s discussion.
The visit comes on the heels of a major community literacy initiative. Through the organization Let’s Read 20 and funding from the Robert M. & Dorothy C. Wopat Community Fund at the Marion Community Foundation, Free copies of “The Sherlock Society” were distributed to fourth- and fifth-grade students across Marion County earlier this spring. The books were provided to students in public, private, charter, and homeschool programs, as well as community learning centers.
Students who received their copies through school literacy liaisons are encouraged to bring them to the library for the author to sign. For those who did not receive a copy, the library will have additional free books available for young attendees while supplies last.