The Stanislaus County Library has announced a series of online author talks, starting with two New York Times’ best-selling authors this July. The series is offered via Zoom and Stanislaus Library participants will have the opportunity to submit questions for the author when they register for the events.

“We are so excited to bring a wide array of renowned authors to our community as a virtual program. This ongoing series offers a convenient way to gain insight directly from the authors about their works,” said Stanislaus County Librarian Sarah Dentan.

First in the line-up is best-selling author, Alka Joshi, whose books have also been featured as Reese Witherspoon Book Club picks. She discusses her books, “The Henna Artist” and “The Secret Keeper of Jaipur” at 6 p.m. July 7.

During the interview, Alka will share her inspirations for her work, how her mother’s life story has influenced her writing, and what it’s been like working on creating a Netflix series based on her books.

At 9 a.m. on July 14, sit down in conversation with best-selling author David Allen, one of the world’s most influential thinkers on personal productivity. He has earned worldwide and Forbes’ recognition as one of the top five executive coaches in the United States. His book “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity,” describes the “GTD” methodology that has become a global phenomenon, and is taught in more than 90 countries. Millions have learned how to transform a fast-paced, overwhelming, overcommitted life into one that is balanced, integrated, relaxed and has more successful outcomes.

At 11 a.m. Aug. 3, Dr. Marcia Chatelain will discuss her Pulitzer prize-winning book, “Franchise: The Golden Arches in Black America.” Chatelain set out to answer the question of how fast-food restaurants so thoroughly saturate black neighborhoods. McDonald’s has often been blamed for the rising rates of obesity and diabetes among black Americans. In “Franchise,” Chatelain uncovers a surprising history of cooperation among fast-food companies, black capitalists and civil rights leaders, who — in the troubled years after King’s assassination — believed they found an economic answer to the problem of racial inequality. 

To register for these author talks and check out upcoming online author talks, visit https://libraryc.org/stanislauslibrary.