Local Writing Legend Rafael Alvarez to Speak at Bel Air Library

From the Harford County Public Library:

Harford County Public Library is pleased to host a Baltimore writing legend, Rafael Alvarez on September 17th at the Bel Air Library at 6:30 pm. Alvarez, the Baltimore born and bred journalist and writer, knows the city like no one else. It was his voice that gave authenticity to HBO’s groundbreaking drama The Wire. He was the one who introduced a generation to Baltimore’s unique personalities and neighborhoods through his stories and interviews in the Baltimore Sun, where he became known as a “Neighborhood Folklorist.”

Since leaving the Baltimore Sun in 2001, Alvarez has lead a nomadic writing life, lending his talents not only to HBO, but also NBC for The Black Donnellys, and Life. His books include three short story collections – The Fountain of Highlandtown, Orlo & Leini, and the newly released Tales From the Holy Land; Baltimore histories First and Forever: The Archdiocese of Baltimore, A People’s History and The Tuerk House, the pioneering drug and alcohol treatment center for the poor; and two anthologies of journalism – Hometown Boy and Storyteller. In 2010, he was nominated for an Edgar Award for The Wire: Truth Be Told, an encyclopedic companion to the television series.

Rafael will be talking about his journeys and experiences at the Bel Air Branch on Wednesday September 17 at 6:30pm. Books will be for sale and can be signed by the author. Additionally, the Bel Air Fiction Reading and Discussion Group will be discussing Tales From the Holy Land the following evening at 6:30pm. Registration for both programs is suggested.