WILLIAMSPORT -- Adventurer and author Tori Murden McClure will be the speaker at this year's Library Author Gala June 16 at 5:30 p.m. at the Williamsport Country Club. Her book, "A Pearl in the Storm," will be available for sale and signing at the event or it can be purchased ahead of time at the library.

During June 1998, Tori McClure set out to row across the Atlantic Ocean by herself in a 23-foot plywood boat with no motor or sail. Within days, she lost all communication with shore, but nevertheless decided to keep going. Not only did she lose the sound of a friendly voice, she lost updates on the location of the Gulf Stream and on the weather.

Unfortunately for McClure, 1998 is still on record as the worst hurricane season in the North Atlantic. In deep solitude and perilous conditions, she was nonetheless determined to prove what one person with a mission can do. When she was finally brought to her knees by a series of violent storms that nearly killed her, she had to signal for help and go home in what felt like complete disgrace.

Back in Kentucky, however, her life began to change in unexpected ways. She fell in love. At the age of 35, she embarked on a serious relationship for the first time, making her feel even more vulnerable than sitting alone in a tiny boat in the middle of the Atlantic. She went to work for Muhammad Ali, who told her that she did not want to be known as the woman who "almost" rowed across the Atlantic Ocean. And she knew he was right.

In this thrilling story of high adventure and romantic quest, McClure discovers through her favorite way--the hard way--that the most important thing in life is not to prove you are superhuman but to fully to embrace your own humanity. With a wry sense of humor and a strong voice, she gives a true memoir of an explorer who maps her world with rare emotional honesty.

Proceeds from tickets to the dinner gala, the silent auction, and the sale of books will benefit the programs of the James V. Brown Library.

The silent auction this year will include not only donations of the work of local artists, but also some artistic services, so that auction bidders may purchase a custom work of art. The popular "Sword in the Stone" event will have two prizes this year -- a natural freshwater pearl necklace by LW Beads, and a Michael Kors leather purse.

For more information contact Robin Glossner, development coordinator, James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., Williamsport, or call 326-0536, ext.135.