It's the literary event that has Douglas County talking. Author Extravaganza is just a few weeks away and tickets are still available for An Evening with David Baldacci on October 8 and The Douglas County Libraries Writers Conference on October 10.

• An Evening with David Baldacciwill be held at the Wildlife Experience (10035 South Peoria Street, Parker) on Thursday, October 8 with a 6 p.m. reception and the presentation at 7:30 p.m. Spend an intimate evening with bestselling author David Baldacci who will discuss his experiences and his work. The reception will feature drinks, appetizers, and a chance to mingle with the author. Tickets for the event are on sale now: $50 for the reception and preferred seating at the presentation; $25 for general admission to the presentation. Tickets are available three ways: online at DouglasCountyLibraries.org, by phone at 303-791-7323, or at the library (where only cash and checks are accepted). Be sure to bring a new or gently used book to donate to Baldacci's Wish You Well Foundation! The books will be distributed at food banks in our community for the Feeding Body & Mind Program.

• The Douglas County Libraries Writers Conference is taking place at Castle View High School (5254 Meadows Drive, Castle Rock) on Saturday, October 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy an entire day of workshops, networking, and activities for writers. Gain valuable tips and insight from experienced writers and other publishing professionals. Workshop topics include writing fiction, poetry, nonfiction, publishing, and promotion. Tickets are on sale for $65 now, and $75 after Sept. 27; an optional agent pitch session is available for an additional $20. The price includes lunch and all workshops. Tickets are available two ways: online at DouglasCountyLibraries.org, or by calling Event Coordinator Elizabeth Kelsen Huber at 303-688-7628.

All proceeds from these events benefit the Douglas County Libraries Foundation. Douglas County Libraries would like to thank the sponsors of the 2009 Author Extravaganza: The Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, IREA, KKHI-FM, Colorado Community Newspapers, LMC, The Douglas County Early Literacy Coalition, The Wildlife Experience, The Town of Parker, and Tattered Cover.

For more information about Douglas County Libraries and the Author Extravaganza, stop by the library, call 303-791-7323, or visit DouglasCountyLibraries.org.