David Baldacci – whose gripping thrillers frequently top The New York Times' list of bestselling books – is this year's guest artist for the James V. Brown Library's 18th annual Author Gala, set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the Community Arts Center. Tickets start at $30 for the gala, which will include on-stage remarks and a brief Q&A, followed by a book-signing in the lobby. The campus community is invited to attend this year's event, which also features an online auction that will be live until 10 that night. Baldacci’s visit is funded by a generous sponsorship from the Friends of the James V. Brown Library.