Talk of the Stacks presents The News of Books April 21, 2009

Laurie Hertzel of the Star Tribune and Claire Kirch of Publishers Weekly write about writing every day. As the book section editor for Minnesota’s largest newspaper and the Midwest correspondent of Publisher’s Weekly, they influence the literary landscape and tastes of readers in our region. For this special edition of Talk of the Stacks, join Laurie and Claire as they talk about the world of books. Moderated by Cathy Wurzer, author of Tales of the Road: Highway 61 and host of Minnesota Public Radio's Morning Edition and TPT's Almanac, this program will explore the life and livelihood of a book critic. From literary history to the latest fads, favorite interviews, professional perils, the changing literary scene, no topic will be edited out.

Claire Kirch is a 15-year publishing industry veteran who has been Publishers Weekly magazine's Midwest Correspondent since 2003. Based in Duluth, Kirch covers book-selling and publishing news in a 12-state region. Previously, Kirch worked for Running Press, Oxford Univ. Press, and Spinsters Ink.

Laurie Hertzel, who began her journalism career with the Duluth News-Tribune and has been with the Star Tribune since 1996, was named the Star Tribune Senior Books Editor in 2008. Co-author of They Took My Father and Boomtown Landmarks, Hertzel has been on both sides of the review process.

Talk of the Stacks is a reading series exploring contemporary literature and culture, presented by the Library Foundation of Hennepin County and US Trust. Readings are held at the Central Library, Pohlad Hall, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis and are free and open the the public. Doors open at 6:15 PM. Programs begin at 7 PM.

Official Website: http://www.supporthclib.org/events-talk.html