The Stark Library will host a famous storyteller, an actor and a television broadcaster in its upcoming author series.
Mitch Albom, Joan Lunden and Josh Peck will appear in the Stark Library’s Dr. Audrey Lavin Speaking of Books Author Series. This will mark the 12th season of the series.
Peck, actor and comedian, speaks Sept. 24 at Canton Palace Theatre; Albom, known for the bestseller “Tuesdays with Morrie,” will appear Oct. 27 at the Palace; and Lunden, co-host of “Good Morning America” from 1980 to 1997, will make a presentation March 18 at First Christian Church.
The author events are free, but reservations must be made online via https://www.starklibrary.org/speaking-of-books/. Premium ticket packages, with meet-and-greet opportunities, also will be available.
Ticket details for Lunden and Albom will be announced on Stark Library’s website. Free tickets will be released to the public several weeks before the events take place. Tickets for Peck will be available starting Sept. 3.
Last season’s author series drew more than 5,000 attendees.
“Through Speaking of Books, we bring well-known, compelling authors to Stark County to share their impactful stories in their own authentic voices,” said Marianna DiGiacomo, Stark Library’s community services director. “We look forward to sharing these one-of-a-kind experiences with our community.”
Internationally renowed author
Albom, a former sports journalist, has sold more than 40 million books, including “Tuesdays with Morrie.”
Other bestsellers have followed, including “The Five People You Meet in Heaven” and “For One More Day.”
Albom’s most recent book is “Twice,” released in 2025 and described on his website as “a stunning love story that dares to explore how our unchecked desires might mean losing what we’ve had all along.”
‘Drake & Josh’ star explores struggles in entertainment
Peck, who first gained fame as a Nickelodeon TV star on “Drake & Josh,” will share his experiences as a child star while discussing his mental health and recovery, Stark Library said. The popular teen sitcom aired from 2004 to 2007.
Peck wrote the 2022 memoir, “Happy People are Annoying,” which reflects on his personal struggles and life in the entertainment industry. Peck, who works as an actor and podcaster, has nearly 17 million followers on Instagram.
‘Good Morning America’ co-host pens memoir
Lunden, meanwhile, was a familiar face in the ’80s and ’90s as co-host of ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
The award-winning journalist penned the 2026 memoir, “Joan: Life Beyond the Script,” which explores her “experiences, challenges and moments that shaped her remarkable life and career,” Stark Library said in its announcement.
Topics in the book include breaking barriers on national television, reshaping motherhood, survivorship and aging on her own terms, according to Lunden’s website.
Her other books include “Growing Up Healthy,” “Joan Lunden Wake-Up Calls,” and “Why Did I Come Into This Room: A Candid Conversation about Aging.”
Lunden, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2014, has served as national spokesperson for several organizations, including the American Heart Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, American Lung Association and American Red Cross, as well as championing women’s health advocacy and caregiving rights.
Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com. Follow on Instagram at ed_balint and TikTok @edwardbalint
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark Library series to feature Mitch Albom, Josh Peck, Joan Lunden
Reporting by Ed Balint, Canton Repository / The Repository
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By Ed Balint, Canton Repository | USA TODAY Network
