By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—The North Shelby Library is turning up the heat this summer with the Summer Lovin’ Romance Conference on July 31 and Aug. 1. The two-day event will feature a variety of talks and panel discussions with a number of romance authors.

The Summer Lovin’ Romance Conference kicks off Friday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m. with a catered dinner, talk and book signing. It continues through Saturday, Aug. 1, with a full schedule of presentations, classes and book signings until 3 p.m.

Nine authors will be in attendance at the conference, including keynote speaker and New York Times bestselling author Dianna Love, Gayle Wilson, Lexi George, Kimberly Lang, Nancee Cain, Carla Swafford, Peggy Webb, Ingrid Seymour and Larynn Ford.

“(It’s) a chance for readers to get together,” conference organizer and reference librarian Michelyn Reid said. “I love romance, that’s my getaway escape.”

In addition to bringing together readers with a common interest, the conference is also designed to give readers time to meet, speak with and learn from romance authors.

“(Readers) will get a lot of one-on-one time with the authors,” Reid said. “Authors and readers can all mingle together.”

Authors will be seated with readers at each table during the Friday night dinner, giving readers a chance to chat in a relaxed setting. There will also be question-and-answer sessions and book signing opportunities throughout the conference.

Tickets for the Summer Lovin’ Reading Conference are $10 for the Friday night dinner event, $10 for all Saturday programs or $15 for both Friday evening and Saturday events. Meals are included with the ticket price.

For more information about the schedule of events and programs, and to purchase tickets, visit Northshelbylibrary.org/summer-lovin.