Published in July by Arcadia Publishing/The History Press, Lisa Olszak Zumstein’s book The Brady’s Bend Flood of 1980: Tragedy in Western Pennsylvania will be the focus of a series of upcoming author talks at three local venues. The Bradford Area Public Library (BAPL) and the Friends of Hanley Library are partnering to host an Author Visit with Zumstein, who will share the history and research behind her publication.

• Monday, October 20, 6:00 PM at Bradford Area Public Library – Learn how a
  community responds to tragedy and hear about some surprising discoveries that
  surfaced while researching floods in Bradford and McKean Counties.
• Tuesday, October 21, 11:30 AM in the University Room, University of Pittsburgh at
  Bradford – This talk will focus on the process of developing a compelling narrative built
  from more than 100 interviews.
• Monday, October 27, 7:00 PM at Hamlin Memorial Library – Hear about Zumstein’s
  work and Smethport’s world-record-setting rainfall event.

All presentations will include an open discussion with the audience.

In The Brady’s Bend Flood of 1980, Zumstein chronicles one of Western Pennsylvania’s devastating natural disasters. In August 1980, multi-cellular thunderstorms unleashed torrents of rain on Brady’s Bend, claiming lives, destroying homes, and forever changing the community.

Zumstein—who grew up in Brady’s Bend—writes from a deeply personal perspective. Although she was away at Penn State during the flood, her parents and eight siblings were home that night. Drawing on her experience as an interviewer, researcher, and writer, she weaves together technical insight and deeply human stories—capturing both the terror of the storm and the resilience that followed.

Special thanks to On the Side Books in Bradford for making Lisa’s book available for purchase prior to her speaking engagements. Autographed copies will also be available at each event. The Brady’s Bend Flood of 1980: Tragedy in Western Pennsylvania is available through major online retailers. To learn more, visit www.olszak.com