Lillian Louise Pharr Author Series
The Lillian Louise Pharr Author Series was established through a generous donation to the Friends of the Orange County Library System by the late Roger Pharr. An Orlando native, tennis legend and former Orlando Public Library volunteer, Mr. Pharr made the endowment in honor of his mother, enabling the library to bring exceptional authors and meaningful conversations to the Orlando community.
Previous Author Series Events
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved authors, and we are honored to welcome him as our next Lillian Louise Pharr Signature Author Series featured author.
Friday, January 24, 2025, 8 p.m.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Enjoy an evening with New York Times bestselling author John Green. Explore his literary journey, inspirations, and creative process through an engaging, moderated conversation.
Thursday, January 28, 2027, 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Steinmetz Hall
Join Orange County Library System for an unforgettable evening with one of the most celebrated and versatile voices in contemporary American literature. A two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize for The Underground Railroad and The Nickel Boys, Colson Whitehead is also the recipient of the National Book Award, a MacArthur Fellowship and the National Humanities Medal. His acclaimed body of work spans historical fiction, speculative fiction, satire and crime, continually reinventing genre while exploring the complexities of American life with insight, imagination and wit.
Audience members are invited to submit questions for Colson Whitehead in advance through the Orange County Library System website at ocls.org/signatureauthor. Selected questions may be read and answered by Whitehead during the event.
Tickets go on sale November 6.
Saturday, January 17, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Steinmetz Hall
Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved authors, and we are honored to welcome him as our next Lillian Louise Pharr Signature Author Series featured author. His presence is sure to draw a wide and enthusiastic audience, making this an exciting opportunity for the library and the community. His new book, Remain, will be released on October 14, 2025.
Please note: There will not be a book sale or signing at this event.
Use code SPARKSBOGO for buy one, get one free ticket offer. Apply the promo code as you choose seats, before proceeding to payment.
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