Newport library books author trio

Hear three acclaimed Oregon writers when Newport Public Library hosts a reading and conversation with finalists from the 2026 Oregon Book Awards this Friday, May 8.

The event is part of the statewide Oregon Book Awards Author Tour and will feature finalists in poetry and nonfiction sharing their work and discussing the writing process.

Jennifer Perrine, winner of the 2026 Stafford/Hall Prize in Poetry for “Beautiful Outlaw,” will appear alongside M. L. Herring, a finalist in general nonfiction for “Born of Fire and Rain: Journey into a Pacific Coastal Forest,” and Jamie Mustard, a finalist in general nonfiction for “Child X: A Memoir of Slavery, Poverty, Celebrity, and Scientology.”

Perrine is the author of five award-winning poetry collections. Herring is associate professor emerita of science communication at Oregon State University and continues to lead workshops centered on observation, art and ecology. Mustard is a conceptual artist, writer and artistic director whose work explores perception, imagery and culture.

The program offers local readers a chance to meet award-recognized authors and enjoy an afternoon of literature and conversation.

Friday’s event runs from 2 to 3 pm at Newport Public Library, located at 35 NW Nye Street. For more information, go to newportlibrary.org or call 541-265-2153.