Pulitzer-winning author to speak here Tuesday

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Dirda will lead a discussion on "An Open Book: Coming of Age in the Heartland" on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Oberlin Public Library.

Born in Lorain, Dirda graduated from Oberlin College in 1970. He then earned master's and doctorate degrees in comparative literature from Cornell University. He is a book columnist for the Washington Post, and a former writer and senior editor for The Washington Post Book World.

In 1993, he received the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

Oberlin Public Library director Darren McDonough said Dirda is making appearances at several Lorain County libraries. The events are the culmination of an effort by the libraries to have patrons read.

"The idea was to have the community read 'An Open Book' and then to discuss it," McDonough said. "We have about 10 copies."

Dirda will be at the Oberlin library on Tuesday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.