Published July 8, 2025

The Henry Ford Centennial Library (HFCL), 16301 Michigan Ave, will host a series of book talks, youth events, and its monthly FOLD book and media sales throughout the summer, starting with author talk events on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.  

The author and professional talks will be available both virtually and in person. Registration for most library events is available on the Dearborn Public Library's event page at DearbornLibrary.org.

The speaker lineup features notable authors and editors. Attendees have the opportunity to join virtually and, in some cases, in person at the library’s auditorium.

Author & Community Talks

Author C.M. Kushins: July 8, 2025

Author C.M. Kushins will host a virtual conversation about his new book, Cooler Than Cool: The Life and Work of Elmore Leonard on Tuesday, July 8, at 6:30 p.m. Kushins is a Detroit-area resident. Leonard is known for his novels Get Shorty and Out of Sight.

Henry Ford College Communication and Media Chairperson, Sue McGraw: July 15, 2025

On Tuesday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m., Sue McGraw, Chairperson for the Department of Communication and Media at Henry Ford College, will be at the Henry Ford Centennial Library auditorium. As part of the library’s “Color Your World” summer reading theme, McGraw will discuss WHFR, the college’s radio station, and ways for residents and visitors to offer support.

Editors Sally Howell and Yasmeen Hanoosh: July 24, 2025

An in-person discussion about the book Beyond Refuge in Arab Detroit will take place on Thursday, July 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the HFCL. Book editors Howell and Hanoosh will discuss how a team of contributors explored the life of Arab Americans in Detroit, focusing on navigating political changes in their homelands and locally. It also covers topics like politics and environmental justice from the perspective of Detroit's Arab community.

Author Bryan Burrough: July 29, 2025 

New York Times bestselling author Bryan Burrough will host a virtual talk about his new book, The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild. The session will focus on the epic reconsideration of the place and time that spawned famous gunfighters such as Billy the Kid and Jesse James. The discussion will be available in person at the Henry Ford Centennial Library Auditorium on Tuesday, July 29, at 6:30 p.m. 

Author Laurie Gwen Shapiro: Aug. 12, 2025

A virtual discussion will be held for both in-person and online attendees to discuss Shapiro’s new book, The Aviator & The Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam & the Marriage that Made an American Icon. Join the discussion at the HFCL in the auditorium, or join virtually on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 6:30 p.m. 

Youth Services Programs

The Library's youth services will host two fun and educational performances in July:

Kid Chemist: July 17, 6 p.m.

Join Kid Chemist for a fun and exciting presentation that brings science to life with hands-on experiments, Thursday, July 17, from 6 - 7 p.m. This program is open to children aged 8-12 (with an adult) and teenagers aged 12-18. Registration is required. 

Magic and Comedy with Cameron Zvara: July 21, 2 p.m.

Cameron Zvara will perform a comical magic show on Monday, July 21, at 2 p.m. This event is open to all ages, and registration is not required.

FOLD Media & Book Sales

The Friends of the Library Dearborn (FOLD) are hosting their summer 2025 book and media sales in July, August, and September.

The themes for each month are as follows:

• Wednesday, July 9: Books on learning languages and in non-English print
• Wednesday, Aug. 13: Vintage and Collectible Books
• Wednesday, Sept. 14: Books for young people heading back to school with the “Fall into Reading” theme

All FOLD events take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the scheduled sale date.

Visitors can buy books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, and more for as little as 50 cents to $1. Additional items will also be available at a discounted rate.

Proceeds from the FOLD book sales support Dearborn Public Library programming.

For additional information and details on any of the library programs and events, visit DearbornLibrary.org or call 313-943-2330. 

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