Lunch at the Library kicked off at the Selma and Dallas County Public Library in November with the mission of celebrating Alabama’s bicentennial.

The series started off with Dr. Edwin C. Bridges and his book, “Alabama: The Making of An American State,” followed by Thom Gossom Jr., author of “Walk On: A Memoir My Reluctant Journey to Integration at Auburn University and A Slice of Life: Life Stories.”

Now, the library will welcome local historian Alston Fitts Thursday with his book, “Selma: A Bicentennial History.”

“We’re just so excited to have ‘Selma: A Bicentennial History’ previewed here,” said Becky Nichols, library director.  Certainly, Alston Fitts as our town historian has done a wonderful job of mending the originally ‘Selma: Queen City of the Blackbet’ as well as adding new photographs and especially the chapters of our history that were not captured in the very first book.”

Lunch at the Library has been part of the library for more than 25 years, inviting in hundreds of authors and giving them the opportunity to meet with the community, talk about their writing and even sell some books.

“Lunch at the Library is just a great opportunity for people to come together here once a month not only to enjoy a meal and fellowship, but to have a chance to listen to an author speak and have an opportunity to ask questions and maybe find out a little more about the writer within themselves and the great stories we all have,” Nichols said.

“We’re a library, and we’re about learning and we’re about all the different ways we learn together and listening to stories is one of the best ways we learn.”

Nichols said she is excited to host Fitts and for people to hear about the book and the stories inside.

“It’s exciting to welcome someone that has made such a difference to the city of Selma, like Alston Fitts. He and his wife have come here and committed to our town and made it so much better just by their presence,” Nichols said. “It’s exciting to welcome Selmians like Alston who have made an impact on our history.”

Nichols said the library has already sold around 50 tickets, and those wanting a seat should call the library at (334) 874-1725 to reserve their spot. Tickets are $8 and include lunch. The luncheon is Thursday at noon.

“I encourage everybody to come and celebrate our town with this great book,” Nichols said.