EVPL Announces Lineup for SPEAK 2026 Speaker Series

The free community-wide event features bestselling authors, historians, and a James Beard Award winner

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL) has revealed the author lineup for its annual SPEAK 2026 speaker series. The free, community-wide event will feature presentations by bestselling romance author Sarah Adams, Notre Dame historian Dr. Patrick Griffin, award-winning children's author Candace Fleming, and three-time James Beard Award winner Toni Tipton-Martin.

Why it matters

SPEAK 2026 aims to spark or re-spark the local community's love of books and the public library system. The diverse lineup of speakers covers a range of genres and topics, from romance fiction to American history to food culture, ensuring there is something of interest for readers of all ages and backgrounds.

The details

The SPEAK 2026 series will kick off on April 23 with a presentation by romance author Sarah Adams, known for her popular Rome, Kentucky series. On July 21, historian Dr. Patrick Griffin will discuss 'The Revolutionary War in Three Paintings' to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Children's author Candace Fleming, with over 50 books to her name, will take the stage on September 17. The series concludes on October 22 with a celebration of food, culture, and the stories of Black and female cooks, featuring Toni Tipton-Martin, Editor in Chief of Cook's Country magazine and a three-time James Beard Award winner.

  • The SPEAK 2026 speaker series will take place from April to October 2026.
  • The first event featuring Sarah Adams is scheduled for Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m.
  • Dr. Patrick Griffin's presentation is set for Tuesday, July 21 at 7 p.m.
  • Candace Fleming will speak on Thursday, September 17 at 7 p.m.
  • Toni Tipton-Martin's event is scheduled for Thursday, October 22 at 7 p.m.

The players

Sarah Adams

A New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author known for her romantic comedies, including The Cheat Sheet and Practice Makes Perfect.

Dr. Patrick Griffin

A professor at the University of Notre Dame who will present 'The Revolutionary War in Three Paintings' to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Candace Fleming

An award-winning children's and YA author with more than 50 books to her name, including titles about Amelia Earhart, Eleanor Roosevelt, and honeybees.

Toni Tipton-Martin

The Editor in Chief of Cook's Country magazine and a three-time James Beard Award winner who will celebrate food, culture, and the stories of Black and female cooks.

Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (EVPL)

The public library system hosting the SPEAK 2026 speaker series, with support from the EVPL Foundation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to bring such a diverse and engaging lineup of speakers to Evansville for SPEAK 2026. Whether you're a romance reader, a history buff, or someone who loves learning about food and culture, there's sure to be something that sparks your interest.”

— Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library

What’s next

Tickets for the SPEAK 2026 events will be available to the public starting on March 1, 2026. Attendees are encouraged to visit the EVPL website at evpl.org/SPEAK2026 for more details and to reserve their spots.

The takeaway

The SPEAK 2026 speaker series demonstrates the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library's commitment to providing the community with access to diverse, thought-provoking, and engaging literary and cultural programming. By featuring bestselling authors, renowned experts, and award-winning culinary figures, EVPL is sure to inspire readers of all ages and interests.