The Friends of the Morgantown Public Library will begin a membership drive this week with an authorsreception featuring West Virginia University instructors and authors Mary Rodd Furbee and Pam Hanson, alias Jennifer Drew.

The reception is from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, May 2, on the main floor of the Spruce Street library.

Furbee and Hanson both teach at the WVU Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism. Furbee has recently released a new book, Outrageous Women of the American Frontier, and Hanson will release Just Desserts in July.

The authors will read a short section from their books followed by a brief discussion and book signing. Refreshments will be provided.

Furbee writes for both children and adults, and her works have been favorably reviewed by Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Pittsburgh Magazine, School Library Journal and Kidslit.com.

Hanson and Barbara Andrews, her mother, have written 15 books together, some under the pseudonym Jennifer Drew. They also write romantic comedy for Harlequin Duets. Andrews is the author of 21 books under her own name and is a noted columnist for Antique Publications.

Friends of the Morgantown Public Library is a non-profit organization. Funds generated by the group are funneled directly back into the library to buy such things as computer software and special collections.

Furbee and Hanson say they are honored to be a part of the Friends membership drive.

“The Morgantown Public Library is a valuable community resource that enriches so many lives,”Furbee noted.”I’m glad to do whatever I can to support it.”

Hanson agreed,”A drive to help the Friends gain membership is a wonderful idea, and I’m happy to be able give back to the community.”

For more information, call 304-291-7425.