Registration opens:
August 14th, 2025

Behind the Books: Sy Montgomery

Meet bestselling author Sy Montgomery

Ms. Montgomery is the bestselling author of 40 nonfiction books for adults, teens, and children. She writes about animals and the human who care for them.

One of her most popular books is The Soul of An Octopus. And for her recent bestseller Of Time and Turtles, she befriended a 42-pound wild snapping turtle named Fire Chief, who shows his extraordinary trust by allowing her to feed him by hand.

Ms. Montgomery's books have garnered many awards including:

— 2015 Finalist for the National Book Awards

— 2009 New England Independent Booksellers Association Nonfiction Award

— 2010 Children’s Book Guild Nonfiction Award.

She is a 1979 graduate of Syracuse University and has been awarded honorary doctorate degree from three universities. The New York Times describes her as “equal parts poet and scientist" and the Boston Globe dubbed her “part Indiana Jones and part Emily Dickinson".

On Thursday, Sept. 25, Ms. Montgomery will read from and discuss her books. Copies of her books will be available for purchase. This event is recommended for ages 9 and up.

Free. Registration required. This event begins at 7:30 p.m. Book sales and cash bar start at 6:30 p.m.

Other details: This is an indoor event. There is no hybrid/Zoom component to this program.This program will not be recorded. There is no ticket needed on the day of the event.  If you are registered to attend, your name will be on a printed list at the check-in table. Library staff will check your name off the registrant list.

Funded by generous contributions from the Friends of Wilmington Memorial Library and a state aid grant administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.