Come for coffee, ambience, and celebration of the season as the Pell City Library celebrates three recent publications and their authors at an Author Coffeehouse in the library!

A library enjoys the privilege of hosting a favorite author as the opportunity arises, to speak on their latest work, and share the intimacies of its procreation.   It is a special honor, however, for a library to showcase works penned by, or about local folks.  The Pell City Library will have the opportunity to welcome three such authors to speak and sign copies of their new releases at an Author Coffeehouse   planned for Monday, December 10th at 6:30 p.m. in the library.  Pell City native, R. Kyle Hannah will be honored at this event, presenting his latest work, Time Assassins, released on October 27, 2012.  He will be joined by author, Liza Elliott and artist John Lonergan, presenting Elliot’s work, John Lonergan , Painter released on November 20, 2012 celebrating the life and works of local artist and beloved teacher, John Lonergan.  Rounding out the threesome, is Talladega author, Shirley Ferguson, presenting Birth Cry,  a poignant biography on the amazing life of nurse midwife, Hannah D. Mitchell, published on November 4, 2011.

R. Kyle Hannah, a career military officer, has served for over 26 years in the United States military, as a Finance Officer, a Logistics Officer, and a host of other positions.  He is originally from Pell City, but currently resides on the outskirts of Birmingham with his wife and two children.  He attributes his writing abilities to an exposure to and a love of reading.  His favorite genre, science fiction, is reflected in his newest novel entitled Time Assassins, and a prior work of fiction  entitled, To Aid and Protect.   Time Assassins tells the story of an apprentice assassin who, when falsely accused of a crime, goes back in time to affect history and its ultimate outcome.  It is a story of suspense and action . . . and no president is safe!

  Author Liza Elliott, and artist, John Lonergan will present the work, John Lonergan Painter.  It tells the story of beloved artist and teacher, John Lonergan.  Mr. Lonergan taught art at the Pell City High School for over 25 years, all the while, perfecting his own style of painting and pottery.  He determined at an early age to pursue a career in art.  After receiving his degree, a Bachelor in Fine Arts from the University of Alabama in 1964, he went on to earn his Master’s degree from the University of Alabama in Education Administration.  As an acclaimed and respected artist, he has shown his work at various venues throughout the United States, including, but not limited to the Littlehouse Galleries in Birmingham (since 1967), Miami Circle Gallery in Atlanta, as featured artist at the Huntsville Museum Gala in Huntsville, Alabama and at Heritage Hall Museum in Talladega, Alabama.  His work has appeared in various publications, including but not limited to Southern Accents, Southern Living, and Art South.

  Ms. Elliott lives in Birmingham, Alabama, and teaches at the Sparkman Center for Global Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  She has written various short works published in the Birmingham Arts Journal, and another book entitled, Finding Palestine, One American’s Trek from the Midwest o the Middle East.  

Shirley Ferguson is a free-lance writer and church librarian, currently residing with her husband in Talladega, Alabama.  Her experience as a former medical records librarian was invaluable in the writing of Birth Cry, a personal story of the life of Hannah D. Mitchell, nurse midwife.  Birth Cry tells the true story of Hannah D. Mitchell and her heroic work as nurse and midwife in the isolated rural mountain town of Hyden, Kentucky.   It is a story of faith and courage, and a quiet strength, even in the midst of adversity.

Each author and artist will share briefly from their work.   Copies of their publications will be available for purchase and signing at the event.  Guests are invited to stay for an informal reception afterwards with coffee and goodies, and an evening of camaraderie and celebration in the library.