Award-winning author Erik Larson to be featured speaker at Library Foundation’s annual fundraiser, set for Feb. 10, 2023

Event to be held at Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota

Award-winning author Erik Larson will be the featured speaker during the Library Foundation for Sarasota County’s 11th annual Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon, the nonprofit announced this week.

The event will be held on Feb. 10, 2023 at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, a news release says.

The Love Our Libraries Author Luncheon is the Library Foundation’s only fundraiser, the release emphasizes. To date, the annual event has raised more than $1 million to support Sarasota County public libraries, the release adds.

Since its founding in 2011, the Library Foundation has secured more than $8 million in private funds “to help ensure the future of Sarasota’s libraries,” the release points out.

Larson is the author of eight books, six of which became New York Times bestsellers, the release notes. His latest books, The Splendid and the Vile and Dead Wake, both hit No. 1 on that list soon after their launch. The Devil in the White City remained on the New York Times bestseller list for more than six years, won an Edgar Award for nonfiction crime writing, and was a finalist for the National Book Award, the release adds.

“We are delighted to bring Mr. Larson to Sarasota and look forward to welcoming everyone for a wonderful afternoon celebrating our public libraries,” said Alisa Mitchell, executive director of the Foundation, in the release.

“This event is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Gulf Coast Community Foundation and by the generosity of numerous community partners,” the release says. For sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets, visit www.sarasotalibraryfoundation.org or call 941-404-3139. Tickets start at $200.