The Friends of the East Manatee Library at Lakewood Ranch are hosting two upcoming fundraisers to benefit the library. On Sept. 19, author and University of South Florida graduate Heather Graham will discuss her career and preview her upcoming book, The Unknown, the latest in her Krewe of Hunters series. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased here. The event is virtual.

 On Oct. 6, the organization will present author and longtime journalist Mary Walton at its Author Luncheon. Walton will discuss the life of Alice Paul, one of the nation's leading suffragists, who is featured in Walton's book A Woman's Crusade: Alice Paul and the Battle for the Ballot. The fundraiser will take place in person; however, seating is limited and masks are strongly encouraged. Tickets begin at $45; for more information, click here.