Author Susan Orlean on her book and the important role libraries played in her life

Also on the program: Libraries in Central Pennsylvania play a critical role in their communities

• Scott LaMar
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Scott LaMar has worked in both radio and television for more than four decades.
  
  Currently, LaMar is the Host and Executive Producer of The Spark program on WITF-FM, 89.5 & 93.3 in Harrisburg, Pa.
  
  Previously, LaMar was WITF TV’s Sr. Public Affairs producer and produced the station’s award-winning weekly public affairs TV program, Smart Talk.
  
  In addition to his on-air duties, LaMar has moderated political candidate debates, including those for candidates running for Pennsylvania governor and the U.S. Senate and was a regular contributor to BBC World News TV before and after the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
  
  LaMar often emcees or moderates local events and has gone as far as California to emcee a national event.
  
  The American Society of Civil Engineers honored LaMar with their national Excellence in Journalism award in 2020. He has been nominated for five Mid-Atlantic Emmy Awards.
  
  LaMar and The Spark have been recognized throughout the Central Pennsylvania community including ADVOZ Lancaster’s “Dignity in Dialogue Award”, the South-Central Assembly’s “Regional Citizen Award” and was named a “Humanitarian Hero” by The Humane Society of the United States/Pennsylvania.
  
  A native of Coatesville, Pa., LaMar has also worked as a broadcast news anchor, sports play-by-play announcer and manager.

 Rachel McDevitt / WITF

Patrons use public computers at the East Shore Area Library in Lower Paxton Township, Dauphin County on Friday, Jan. 10, 2020.

It’s not an exaggeration to say writers like books. Reading led to writing. But best-selling author and New Yorker staff writer Susan Orlean really likes books, and the public library in her Ohio hometown is where her love grew.

In fact, one of Orlean’s most popular books was 2018’s The Library Book, about a fire that destroyed the Los Angeles Central Library in 1986. It’s a book about how reading and the library influenced her life, the fire, history and it is also filled with great characters.

Susan Orlean joins us on Friday’s Smart Talk.

Orlean will also be speaking with NPR’s Scott Detrow in a virtual event with the Dauphin County Library System this Saturday at 7pm.

Pennsylvania’s libraries represent an important part of quality of life

We’ll also hear about the Dauphin County Library System’s plans to expand  the McCormick Riverfront Library and the restoration of the adjacent Haldeman Haly House in Harrisburg. Andy Enders, immediate past board chair Dauphin County Library System, is with us.