Pulitzer Prize-winner for Empire Falls and author Elsewhere (a memoir), Nobody’s Fool, Straight Man and more, Richard Russo is a master of rich characters and pitch-perfect descriptions of small-town America. His humorous lectures cover his approach to shaping narratives and how "home" has defined his work.

Russo appears at 7:30 p.m. at the Everett Performing Arts Center, following a 6 p.m. exclusive reception. Tickets for the author reception are available through Brown Paper Tickets ($10 for Friends of the Library and $25 for non-members).

A book signing follows the main event; copies of Empire Falls will be available for purchase.