Stephen King, John Grisham Headlining Library Event

Tampa Bay area book lovers itching to meet literary giants John Grisham and Stephen King may get the chance early next year.

The Manatee County Library Foundation has announced the pair will headline its annual Bookends fundraiser on Jan. 19, 2016. While tickets for the event, if they’re available at all, won’t go on sale until Oct. 15, sponsors are currently being sought.

Sponsorships start at $300 and go up to $7,500. All sponsorships come with at least one ticket to the event, which takes place at State College of Florida’s Neel Performing Arts Center. Sponsors at the $2,500 silver level will also be invited to attend a VIP reception with Grisham. A wine and cheese reception is also planned before the two authors take the stage. The wine and cheese reception is open to all sponsors, including those at the $300 level.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the foundation’s efforts to deliver literacy programs throughout Manatee County. Programs are geared toward all age levels, said Bookends chairwoman Susan Wilcox. There is, however, a particular push on for early intervention programs. Almost half of Manatee County’s third-graders read below their grade level, Wilcox said. This is of particular concern because it becomes increasingly difficult for readers at that age to catch up if they are not on track.

The pairing of King and Grisham is hoped to make this year’s Bookends a big success for the foundation and the programs it supports, Wilcox said. While King appeared at last year’s event, Grisham is a newcomer. Grisham, famed for his legal thrillers, was asked personally by King to attend, she said.

When the foundation received word from King that Grisham would indeed appear, the initial reaction, Wilcox said was “disbelief.” The pairing should make January’s event a “once-in-a-lifetime” occasion, she added.

Should tickets go on sale to the general public on Oct. 15, they will be priced at $150.

To find out more about sponsorship opportunities or the event itself, visit the foundation’s website.

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