Richland Library hosts New York Times bestselling author Lindy West
May 6, 2026
Richland Library invites the community to an unforgettable evening with award-winning, New York Times bestselling author Lindy West on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Richland Library Main as part of the Broader Bookshelf program.
West will discuss her recent works during an engaging author talk, followed by a reception, book sale, and book signing. The event is free and open to the public, and registration is not required. For those unable to attend in person, the event will be livestreamed on Richland Library’s YouTube channel.
Richland Library’s Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge encourages readers to diversify their bookshelves by exploring new authors and thought-provoking subjects. During the event, West will primarily discuss her acclaimed memoir Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman, which fulfills the 2026 Broader Bookshelf prompt: “Read a book that celebrates body positivity.” She will also touch on her other works, including Shit, Actually, The Witches Are Coming, and her newest title, Adult Braces.
The conversation will be moderated by Larry Hembree, a respected theatre artist and nonprofit arts administrator known for his work with organizations including the Arts Center of Kershaw County, Nickelodeon Theatre, Trustus, and the South Carolina Arts Commission. Hembree is also the founder of Inclusive Theatre Company of South Carolina, which provides performance opportunities for youth of all abilities and their families.
This special after-hours event will take place after the library’s normal operating hours. Richland Library Main will close at 6 p.m. and reopen at 6:30 p.m. for event attendees.
Broader Bookshelf programs are funded through the Richland Library Friends and Foundation and the Central Carolina Community Foundation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
West is the author of several bestselling books and a former contributing opinion writer for The New York Times. Her work has appeared in This American Life, The Guardian, Cosmopolitan, GQ, Vulture, Jezebel and more. She is the co-host of the comedy podcast Text Me Back and co-founder of the reproductive rights de-stigmatization campaign #ShoutYourAbortion. Her memoir Shrill was adapted into a successful Hulu television series.
About Richland Library
Awarded the National Medal in 2017 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services, Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information that advance the Midlands. Offering state-of-the-art technology, a variety of literary and cultural programs and 13 bustling facilities located throughout the county, Richland Library provides a truly customizable, modern library experience for residents and visitors alike.
