On Wednesday, September 11, at 6:00 PM, the Rockport Library Foundation will host a presentation by internationally bestselling author Tess Gerritsen. The presentation entitled “Turning Ideas into Novels” will offer an intimate look at Gerritsen's process for creating thrilling stories and memorable characters.

Gerritsen will discuss how she moves from an idea, or an inspiration from a news item, and develops it into a plot with characters. She will talk about where her ideas come from and strategies for fleshing them out in order to write a book.

Maine resident Tess Gerritsen has written 31 suspense novels over a 36-year writing career. Her books have been translated into 40 languages, and more than 40 million copies have been sold around the world. The award-winning author’s work has been adapted to a hit television series, and she has also produced films with her son, Josh Gerritsen. She is a graduate of Stanford University, and went to medical school at the University of California, San Francisco, where she was awarded her M.D.

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The bestselling coauthor of The Moscow Rules and Argo tells her riveting, courageous story of being a female spy at the height of the Cold War in her new book In True Face: A Woman’s Life at the CIA, Unmasked. Mendez’s presentation will recount not only the drama of her high-stakes work—how her savvy operating parlayed her “everywoman” appeal into incredible subterfuge—but she’ll also discuss the grit and good fortune it took for her to navigate a misogynistic world. The audience will learn the story of an incredible spy career and what it took to achieve it. The event at the Rockport Opera House will be free, but tickets must be reserved ahead of time. (Link for ticket reservations coming soon.)

Three late afternoon/evening shows: 3:00, 4:15, & 5:30 p.m.

The Rockport Library will host the Northern Stars Planetarium Super Dome inside the Rockport Opera House for three shows especially designed for families. The program takes a look at the seasonal night sky as seen with the unaided eye. Stars, constellations, visible planets, meteors, the Moon, and northern lights are all likely to be discussed. (Ideal for grades 1 - 6). Space will be limited for each show. Please call the library at 207-236-3642 to register. 

Ben Hatke is the author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling graphic novel Zita the Spacegirl trilogy. He also is the author of the picture books Julia's House for Lost Creatures and Nobody Likes a Goblin; the graphic novels Little Robot and Mighty Jack; and his newest series, Things in the Basement. Hatke’s special presentation at the Rockport Library will be comic-centered — a way for kids to see his process for creating graphic novels and learn how to apply these ideas to their own stories. Space is limited and families must call the library at 207-236-3642 to register.