Celebrating her 75th birthday in January, popular author and Trinity English Professor Coleen Grissom is apparently just hitting her stride. She’s made headlines over the past few months in San Antonio Woman and San Antonio Express-News, and she’ll be a headliner once again for the Friends of the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library Book and Author Luncheon next month.

Book and Author Chair Bev Lemes met Grissom in 2005 at a luncheon in San Antonio. When Lemes told Grissom that Friends of the Bulverde/Spring Branch Library wanted to begin hosting a fund-raising luncheon, Grissom agreed to be the Mistress of Ceremonies and said, “I’ll be there for you.”

Grissom also hopes community leaders will chose to support the Book and Author Luncheon in recognition of a local library’s importance and what it says about the values of a community. She said, “I frequently paraphrase Thomas Carlyle’s words, ‘become all that you were created capable of being,’ and I believe one can only do that well through a commitment to a life devoted to educating and broadening oneself. Reading widely is a fundamental component of that.”

Her own contribution to options for reading widely was published by Trinity University Press in September. “A Novel Approach to Life” is a one-volume compilation of her most memorable speeches. Included are 50 year’s worth of presentations to students, alumni, parents, and counselors. The book documents the university’s cultural history as well as Grissom’s commitment to the institution.

As one of six noted authors to speak at next month’s Friends of the BSB Library Book and Author Luncheon, Grissom plans to talk about her book and share some of “the delights a commitment to reading can bring to life.” According to Lemes, listening to Grissom will be a delight in itself. Lemes commented, “I have read her book; it is provocative and funny. I have given my granddaughters autographed copies.”

Lemes said she is grateful for Grissom’s commitment to reading. She explained, “She is very aware of the need for literacy, and this fund raising event for the BSB Library helps meet that need in our community.” All proceeds will benefit the BSB Library.

The Friends of the BSB Library Book and Author Luncheon will take place at the Spring Hill Event Center from 11am until 2:30pm on March 11. For reservation forms visit www.bsb.lib.tx.us, stop by the new Bulverde/Spring Branch Library at 131 Bulverde Crossing, email dn184ems @gvtc.com, or call 830-438-3364. A portion of the $50 reservation is tax deductable.