Booked for Lunch Series Kicks Off National Library Week at Pioneer Memorial Library
April 7, 2026
The Pioneer Memorial Library continued one of its most popular community traditions Tuesday afternoon, kicking off a special three-day run of its “Booked for Lunch” series as part of National Library Week.
Residents filled the library for the first of three scheduled sessions, enjoying a complimentary lunch of sloppy joes, potato chips, and brownies before settling in for a presentation from featured author Sarah Henning. The event marked day one of a series that will continue April 8 and 9, highlighting the library’s ongoing effort to connect literature with the community in an engaging, accessible way.
Henning, originally from Overland Park and now residing in Lawrence, brought both professional experience and personal insight to the program. A graduate of the University of Kansas with degrees in journalism and Spanish, Henning began her career working as a journalist in multiple states before transitioning into fiction writing. That background, she explained, continues to influence her storytelling approach today.
Her debut novel, Sea Witch, was released in 2018 and helped launch a growing catalog that now includes nearly a dozen titles. During her presentation, Henning walked attendees through her body of work, including series titles like Sea Witch Rising and The Princess Will Save You, as well as standalone novels such as Throw Like a Girl, Running Back to You, and The Lies We Conjure. Her upcoming release, Such a Witch, is scheduled to hit shelves in July.
Henning shared that much of her inspiration stems from both classic storytelling and personal experience. She often reimagines familiar narratives, drawing from sources like The Little Mermaid while also incorporating themes reminiscent of 1990s films such as Clueless, 10 Things I Hate About You, and The Princess Bride. The result is a style that blends nostalgia with modern young adult fiction, appealing primarily to teen and adult audiences.
Beyond discussing her books, Henning focused much of her time on encouraging aspiring writers in the audience. She outlined a straightforward but disciplined three-step approach to becoming an author: read, write, and don’t give up.
She emphasized that reading is essential for anyone hoping to improve their writing craft, encouraging participants to engage actively with a variety of materials, including books, newspapers, and magazines. That exposure, she noted, helps writers understand different perspectives and storytelling techniques.
Writing consistently, even in small increments, was another key point. Henning explained that while balancing a busy life and career, she made time wherever possible—often writing up to 1,000 words during a morning workout. Her novels typically range between 80,000 and 100,000 words, a goal she reached through steady, daily effort rather than long, infrequent sessions.
Perhaps her most candid advice came when discussing the realities of publishing. Henning described the traditional publishing process as lengthy and often unpredictable, requiring patience and persistence. From developing an idea and completing a manuscript to securing a literary agent and waiting months—or even years—for publication, the journey demands resilience.
Tuesday’s session not only highlighted Henning’s work but also reinforced the broader purpose of National Library Week—celebrating the role libraries play in fostering education, creativity, and community connection. Pioneer Memorial Library’s decision to expand Booked for Lunch into a three-day event underscores that mission, offering residents multiple opportunities to engage with authors and ideas in a welcoming setting.
With two more sessions scheduled, library officials are expecting continued strong turnout as the community gathers to celebrate stories, learning, and the shared experience that books provide. Next on the docket will be Marc Tyler Nobleman who created a picture book “Batman & Boy Wonder” to rectify the credit line of Batman.