Famous Author Coming to York

York County Libraries (YCL) will host bestselling author David Baldacci at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 22 at the Appell Center for the Performing Arts in York, PA. He is the featured author for YCL’s inaugural “Beyond the Books” event.  During the evening, Baldacci will share insights about his life as a novelist, his writing routine, and humorous stories from the road. He will also sign copies of his April 2025 new release “Strangers in Time” during a VIP pre-event reception and following his presentation.

Tickets go on sale at the Appell Center box office on Wednesday, February 12 and includes an option to order a copy of “Strangers in Time” during ticket purchase. The books will be available for pickup during arrival at the event. Regular admission tickets are priced at $52, or $72 with the book. VIP tickets cost $155, or $175 with a book. VIP tickets include admission to a private reception with Baldacci at 5:30 p.m. Proceeds from the evening benefit York County Libraries; YCL provides delivery of free library services and resources for all community members.

“We are thrilled that David Baldacci is coming to York,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “In addition to being a fascinating and prolific writer, he is dedicated to supporting family and adult literacy programs through his family’s Wish You Well Foundation®. This kind of passion and commitment to literacy is at the heart of what we do as libraries. We are honored that he has agreed to join us for our inaugural‘Beyond the Books’ event.”

According to Lambert, YCL surveyed library cardholders to learn who they wanted to see, and individual respondents collectively mentioned Baldacci nearly 50 times. “It was a clear indication of where to start,” adds Lambert. “This inaugural author event is made possible thanks to the wonderful support of our presenting sponsor John M. and Maria A. Polli. We are appreciative of their help in getting this program off the ground for our community of readers.”

Baldacci started writing as a child when his mother gave him a lined notebook to write down his stories. Years later, when he thanked her for being the spark that ignited his writing career, she revealed that she’d given him the notebook to keep him quiet, “because every mom needs a break now and then.” That childhood spark led him to publishing his first novel “Absolute Power” in 1996. It was quickly adapted into a feature film with Clint Eastwood as its director and star in 1997.

Fast forward to 2025, and Baldacci has published over 50 novels for adults including recent titles “Long Shadows,” Simply Lies,” “The Edge,” “A Calamity of Souls,” and the upcoming release of “Strangers in Time.”His body of work consistently becomes national and international bestsellers, with many novels adapted for film and television. His books are now published in over 45 languages and in more than 80 countries, with 150 million copies sold worldwide. He has also published seven novels for young readers. 

A lifelong Virginian, he received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, after which he practiced law in Washington, D.C.

Baldacci and his family live in Virginia.

Individuals interested in purchasing tickets for “Beyond the Books: An Evening with David Baldacci” can order them online at appellcenter.org; call 717.846.1111 or visit the Appell Center Box Office weekdays from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The theatre is located at 50 N. George Street in York, PA.

The Appell Center for the Performing Arts enriches the community through performing arts, education and entertainment. Featuring two historic theaters—the 1,262-seat Strand Theatre and the 450-seat Capitol Theatre—the Appell Center brings some of the biggest names in live, professional performing arts along with impactful education programs.

York County Libraries (YCL) strengthen the York County community and enrich individual lives. YCL includes 13 libraries that provide the latest in print and digital information, bestsellers, Wi-Fi, story times, book discussions and over 50 databases. In addition to their extensive collection of 534,000 physical items, YCLoffers over one million digital library materials for loan. All are available for free with a York County Libraries card. Community members without a card are invited to request one at yorklibraries.org at no cost.

 

CONTACT

Deb Sullivan                                                           

Community Relations Director                                      

York County Libraries                                                     

159 E. Market Street                                                       

York, PA 17401                                                                 

dsullivan@yorklibraries.org