We are thrilled to officially announce the Season 32 author lineup of the Friends of the Central Library Author Series! We revealed this exciting group of authors at our March 10 event with Natasha Alford, and we’re delighted to now share the full season with our entire community.
Season 32 promises another year of powerful storytelling, thoughtful conversation, and unforgettable evenings celebrating books and ideas.
For Current Subscribers:
Renewal forms will be arriving in your mailbox soon. To secure your same seat(s), please renew by June 30, 2026. As a special benefit for current subscribers, renew by April 17, 2026 to lock in last year’s pricing. We look forward to welcoming you back for another exceptional season!
For New Subscribers:
To join as a Series Subscriber, please fill out the subscription form. We would love to have you join us! https://www.foclsyracuse.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FOCL_subscribeNEW_26-27.pdf
Single Ticket Sales:
Single ticket sales will be available beginning August 1, 2026.
Sept. 29, 2026: Gary Shteyngart
Gary Shteyngart is a New York Times bestselling author known for his blistering humor and satirical takedown of contemporary society, as well as his compassionate examination of modern love and loss. He is the author of six novels, a memoir, and essays for The New Yorker and The Atlantic. His newest book is Vera, or Faith. Born in Russia, Shteyngart explores life as an immigrant and an American.
Oct. 27, 2026: Abby Jimenez
Abby Jimenez is a popular romance novelist and winner of Food Network’s ”Cupcake Wars.” Her books have landed her on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Jimenez’s book, The Friend Zone, is on Oprah Magazine’s list of most addictive romance novels. The Night We Met is her newest romance novel.
Nov. 17, 2026: Kevin Young
Kevin Young is poetry editor of The New Yorker and an award-winning author of 16 books of poetry and prose. His book, Stones, was shortlisted for the T.S. Eliot Prize, and his newest work, Night Watch: Poems is a New York Times Editor’s Choice. Young’s Emile and the Field, was named a New York Times best children’s book. He was director of the Smithsonian’s National. Museum of African American History and Culture and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.
March 23, 2027: Megha Majumdar
Megha Majumdar is described as “one of the most exciting voices of her generation.” Her novel, A Guardian and a Thief, is an Oprah’s Book Club pick and a finalist for the National Book Award. Her debut novel, A Burning is a New York Times bestseller that has been translated into multiple languages. Majumdar was raised in India and lives in New York City.
April 20, 2027: Michael Chabon
Michael Chabon is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay. The LA Times describes him as “a loving craftsman of superb sentences, Chabon has been producing pitch-perfect, dazzling fiction.” His second novel, Wonder Boys, was made into a critically acclaimed film. He was born in D.C., raised in tobacco country, and now lives in California.
May 18, 2027: R.F. Kuang
Rebecca F. Kuang is an award-winning fantasy novelist. At age 21, she published her first novel, The Poppy War. It evolved into a trilogy that earned its place in TIME magazine’s “100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time.” In 2025, HarperCollins signed Kuang to a four-book deal, which includes Taipei Story. Kuang was born in China and raised in Texas.