Former Dallas Morning Newsie/current hot-stuff author Rena Pederson is as busy as a frog at a princess convention. Her “The King of Diamonds: The Search for the Elusive Texas Jewel Thief” is not only burning up printing presses, it’s also got Rena being the belle of the ball for speaking engagements.
Why, just within two days, she’s booked for two North Texas non-profit venues alone.
At 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 14, she’s to have a chat with fashion designer Michael Faircloth for the Turtle Creek Park Conservancy’s “The Write Stuff” at Arlington Hall.
While the event is free for Turtle Creek Park Conservancy members and $25 for non-members, reservations are required and can be locked down by emailing Fran Filomio here.
On the following night (aka Tuesday, October 15), Rena will be at the Dallas Museum of Art’s Hamon Atrium to kick off the 75th anniversary of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library.
Having planned “a series of events in 2025 to commemorate the past 75 years of impactful advocacy and financial support from the members of the organization and those who have left a legacy to the library through their estate plans,” 75th Anniversary Campaign Co-Chairs/Board members Anne Besser and Nicole Paquette decided to kick of the year with the dinner entitled “Diamond Date Event With Author Rena Pederson.”
Upon learning the evening will be the Friends’ diamond anniversary, Rena said, “What better way to kick off a diamond anniversary than with the story of a diamond thief? I’m honored to help celebrate the 75 years of service by the Friends of the Dallas Public Library (DPL). I could not have completed my research if it had not been for the terrific library staff. The DPL is the city’s real treasure.”
With sponsorships ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, individual tickets are going for $200 and $375.
Funds resulting from the dinner will support the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, the city’s 29 branch libraries and its nearly 500 staff members, as well “the many educational programs offered by the DPL, helping to elevate literacy and education throughout the Dallas community.”
As the Dallas library soldiers on with the announced closure of the Skillman Library and the retirement of the Dallas Public Library System Director Mary Jo Giudice on Tuesday, October 1, the event will offer a refreshing break from recent developments.
* Graphic provided by Turtle Creek Park Conservancy ** Graphic courtesy of the Friends of the Dallas Public Library