Famous author speaks at annual Mt. Lebanon Public Library event
Alexander McCall Smith entered and exited the stage in a similar way when he gave a presentation at Mellon Middle School for the third annual Joseph Wertheim Memorial Author Lecture hosted by Mt. Lebanon Public Library Oct. 18.
Dressed in a plaid kilt, stockings, white dress shirt and suit coat, McCall Smith was first given his applause when introduced as the popular author of the “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” series, which has 17 volumes translated in 45 languages. The books have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide.
“As a writer, you have to be able to write in the voice of anybody,” the Zimbabwe-born author said about writing from a woman’s perspective.
McCall Smith has contributed to more than 100 books, including the 44 “Scotland Street” novels, the “Isabel Dalhousie” series and children’s titles.
After speaking and answering questions for nearly an hour, the same lengthy applause turned into a standing ovation.
“All of the attendees I spoke to were thrilled,” said Mt. Lebanon Public Library director Robyn Vittek. “He was very well-received by everyone. He was funny, natural, gracious and very kind. He genuinely seemed excited to be part of the event and happy to be in Mt. Lebanon.”
The Edinburgh, Scotland, resident was asked why he was donning attired that is unfamiliar in the United States.
His simple response: “It’s a traditional dress in Scotland to wear during special occasions.”
The occasion was special for the more than 700 attendees who piled into the school auditorium, where an hourlong presentation was concluded by a message from McCall Smith.
“We live in a world that’s very large and often very frightening,” he said. “The local is very personalized to us, and it’s important to hold onto. Be content with small places. It’s about the story instead of the saga.”
The event to honor Wertheim, a longtime volunteer and ambassador for the library before his death in August 2012, was preceded by a VIP experience capped at 50 tickets in the library, where people spent time with the renowned writer.
McCall Smith also took time after the event to sign copies of his books, which were also available to purchase.