Bridgehampton - Arlene Alda has been a children's book author for 25 years and a photographer for 37 years. Her latest book is "Lulu's Piano Lesson". "123: What do You See?" was named a Notable Book in 1999 by the American Library Association. She also received the Chicago Graphics Award in the Communicating Arts for her photo essay "Allison's Tonsillectomy." As director of "Bravo Gloria," a PBS documentary, she won the Silver Medal Award from the International Film and Television Festival of New York in 1988 and the film was named a finalist in the John Muir Medical Film Festival. Before becoming a photographer and author, she was a clarinetist in the Houston Symphony.

Alan Alda has received multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and Directors Guild of America Awards for his television work as well as Tony and Academy Award nominations for his work in theater and film. As an author he has made the New York Times best-seller lists.

His career includes roles in films "The Aviator", "Crimes and Misdemeanors," "Everyone Says I Love You" and "Manhattan Murder Mystery," His television shows include "MASH," "ER," "30 Rock" and "The West Wing," His memoirs are "Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself" and "Never Have Your Dog Stuffed," and "Other Things I Have Learned."

The Aldas are well-known for their support of local and national causes, including the Children's Museum of the East End and St Jude's Children's Hospital.

Each summer during July and August the Friends of the Hampton Library present different authors who discuss their latest books and participate in a question and answer exchange with audience members. The programs take place in the garden in the shade of the century-old Norway Maple tree behind the library at 2478 Main Street, Bridgehampton.

As a reminder, each reading takes place on Friday at 5 p.m. and lasts for approximately one hour.

Admission is $15 for each week or $60 for a series of five. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. Admission includes beverages and hors d'oeuvres prepared by the volunteer Friends committee members.