The Stanislaus Library Foundation will host Modesto author Paula Treick- DeBoard at its Author’s Garden Gala on Sept. 26. The gala will take place at 6 p.m. at the Modesto home of Ginger and Kent Johnson. All proceeds will benefit children’s programs at the library’s 13 branches countywide, including the Summer Reading program, which serves more than 10,000 school-age children each year.

“The event is the Foundation’s primary annual fundraiser,” said Board Chair Pat Portwood. “Guests will enjoy a sumptuous meal prepared by Surla’s Restaurant, and hear a celebrated local author speak in a lovely, intimate setting.”

DeBoard, a self-described “writer, latte drinker and slave to public education,” will speak about her writing, including her most recent novel, “The Fragile World.” A graduate of the Stonecoast MFA program at the University of Southern Maine, DeBoard teaches English and writing at Modesto Junior College. Her first novel, “The Mourning Hours” was published in 2013. 

A unique and popular feature of the Garden Gala is a lively dessert auction. “Local bakers are donating delectable sweets—from cakes to pies and pastries—for which guests will vie in friendly bidding,” said board member Carol Shour. “It’s all in fun and every penny we raise goes directly to the library.”

Tickets, at $125 each, are available at www.stanislauslibraryfoundation.org or 529-1517.