CONTRIBUTED

In his most recent book, “My Reading Life,” author Pat Conroy describes how libraries and books shaped his passion for the written word as well as his relationship with his mother.

“To my mother, a library was a palace of desire masquerading in a wilderness of books,” Conroy writes. “She distributed books to me as though they were communion wafers.”

Conroy, who claims he was “born to be in a library,” seems an appropriate first choice for the new “Author Read” series at Southern Pines Public Library.

“This new yearlong series will be something we do every year,” says librarian Missy Miller. “It is an exciting addition to the library’s recently approved strategic plan.”

Throughout the year the library will have several programs related to Conroy’s books, including free screenings of his books that have been made into films.

Conroy was born in Atlanta, Ga., in 1945, but the family moved often as his father was a Marine Corps fighter pilot. The winner of many literary prizes, he frequently uses autobiographical material in his novels, particularly “The Great Santini” and “The Lords of Discipline.” Conroy’s work often highlights the themes of racial justice and social equality as well.

“Pat Conroy was selected in part because his books are bestsellers and popular with our patrons,” says Miller. “But he is also a distinctly Southern writer who speaks honestly about what’s good and bad about the region. We thought his work would generate lots of good discussions.”

The library will present a film based on “The Prince of Tides,” one of Conroy’s books, on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Set in New York City and the low country of South Carolina, a troubled school coach reveals a terrible hidden secret to the psychiatrist treating his suicidal sister, and falls in love with her in the process.

Barbara Streisand stars in and directs this film, which was nominated for seven Oscars in 1992, including Best Actor (Nick Nolte) and Best Picture. One reviewer described the film as “a sweeping, majestic and uplifting movie of love and forgiveness” and stated that Streisand “confirms herself as a director to be reckoned with.”

This movie is rated R and is free and open to the public. For more information call the library at (910) 692-8235, visit www.sppl.net, or visit www.facebook.com/SPPL.LIB.