IN MEMORY OF DARLA MCKENZIE
Friends of the Roswell Library and Roswell Reads are honoring the memory of Darla McKenzie, our beloved volunteer, who passed away with her husband, Mike, on Jan. 28, 2025.
Darla served on the Roswell Reads Executive Committee as treasurer and secretary. She spearheaded Roswell Reads Book Discussion groups, provided counsel on contractual issues, and gave thoughtful input on video productions, finances, authors, books and more. Her passion for literature was boundless, and she was an active member of several book clubs.
Darla's lifelong love affair with books and reading was nothing short of magical. She felt that the ideas and words that flowed through the pages opened up endless possibilities. Every Christmas, her 30-plus nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and other dear children eagerly anticipated discovering new worlds through the carefully chosen books she gifted.
To celebrate the life of Darla McKenzie, please consider a donation in her memory to Friends of the Roswell Library, to support the Roswell Reads program.
To donate:
*Click here to make a credit card donation
*Mail a check with this form to the Roswell Library
Friends of the Roswell Library
115 Norcross Street
Roswell, GA 30075
Roswell Reads Rewind
Featuring William Kent Krueger, Geraldine Brooks, Laura Morelli, Ann Patchett, Delia Owens, and Rick Bragg.
From Friday, February 9th @ 5 p.m. through Sunday,
February 11th @ 9 p.m.
During this weekend, viewers can watch any or all of six former Roswell Reads authors delivering unforgettable presentations. Your schedule. Your home. Our treat!
You will receive a link that will be active all weekend.
It's Free!
Roswell Reads Rewind 2025
Thank you for participating in our Roswell Reads Rewind 2025 Weekend!
Stay tuned for our next Roswell Reads Event.
You can sign up for the Roswell Reads Newsletter by clicking on the button in the next section.
Selecting the Roswell Reads Book
The Steering Committee meets at least monthly and is charged with selecting a book for the annual Literary Luncheon in March, where the author is invited to speak. Criteria for choosing the book include:
• Southern Connection: The author or setting should have a connection to the Southeastern United States.
• Subject: The subject of the book should be of interest to a broad range of people in the city and to people of various ages. It should stimulate discussion, raise community issues, and examine values.
• Writing: The book should be well written with compelling issues, characters and themes.
• Author: The author should be available to attend a Roswell Reads event at a price within the Roswell Reads budget. Explore new authors. Research author’s speaking ability.
• Availability: The book should be in print and readily available. (Ideally in paperback, electronic, audio and large type formats; affordable priced)
• Length: Ideally, the book should range between 200 – 350 pages.
• Diversity: A variety of authors, subjects and themes should be explored.
Jane Harper
ARE YOU UP FOR A MYSTERY/THRILLER NOVEL FROM DOWN UNDER?
Roswell Readers are in for a real treat. Roswell Reads invites you to an event featuring Jane Harper, Australia’s Queen of Crime, the author of five novels, all set in rural Australia.
The New York Times critically acclaimed and bestselling author’s latest captivating novel, “Last One Out,” released April 14 and set in a modern ghost town, is already on Australia’s bestseller list. Rights have been sold in 27 territories worldwide, with film rights optioned to Reese Witherspoon and Bruna Papandrea.
Harper, who penned “The Dry,” (winner of various awards, including the 2015 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript, the 2017 Indie Award Book of the Year, the 2017 Australian Book Industry Awards Book of the Year Award and the CWA Gold Dagger Award for the best crime novel of 2017), also wrote “Force of Nature,” “The Lost Man” and “Exiles.” She previously worked as a print journalist for 13 years, both in Australia and the United Kingdom, and lives in Melbourne with her husband, daughter and son.
Her books “The Dry (2020),” and “Force of Nature (2024)” have been adapted into films, while “The Survivors (2025)” is now a six-part Netflix series.
Harper will be in conversation with USA Today and internationally bestselling mystery and thriller author Kimberly Belle, whose latest novel, “The Expat Affair,” comes out June 3.
Harper has dedicated her new release to all the passionate and highly knowledgeable librarians and booksellers who have helped not only her but countless others develop a love of reading over the years.
WHERE: Roswell Adult Learning Center, 830 Grimes Bridge Road, Roswell
WHEN: Saturday, April 18, at 2 p.m.
HOW TO GET TICKETS: Tickets are $20 for the presentation only or $40 for admission, an autographed and personalized hardback copy of the book, reserved seating and a photo with the author. (Handling fees will be added to both ticket options).
To order, click below, call 770-594-6232, or go to the Roswell Cultural Arts Center box office.