Selma is known as the “Butterfly Capital” of Alabama and on March 17, Selma residents can experience the beauty of butterflies and more at the Selma-Dallas County Library’s “Lunch at the Library.”

The event, scheduled for noon will feature the work of artist and entomologist, Philip Henry Gosse.

Born in 1810 in Worcester, England, Gosse developed a passion for insects and sea organisms at a young age. In 1838, Gosse became a teacher in Dallas County and for eight months, he collected and studied insects such as butterflies to name a few.

Published by the University of Alabama Press and produced by Gary R. Mullen and Taylor D. Littleton, the book: Science and Art In Letters from Alabama and Entomologia Alabamensis, has been published for the first time in full-color watercolor illustrations.

“It’s a beautiful and neat book,” said Becky Nichols, director of the Selma-Dallas County Public Library. “Gosse was a leading nature expert who studied plants right here in Dallas County. His book is a beautiful compilation of our natural history and, his attention to detail is remarkable.”

Gosse went on to publish more than 40 books in his lifetime and he will be remembered by many as a passionate artist who captured the “beauty and vitality” of the natural world.

The lunch will cost $8 and the public can buy a copy of the book for $30.

For more information call the Selma-Dallas County Public Library at 874-1725.