On Thursday, February 22nd, Pulitzer Prize winner Jane Smiley will discuss her latest novel, Ten Days in the Hills, at the Central Library at 8:00 p.m. If you want to go, it will cost $12 for general admission or $6 for students. Ms. Smiley took a moment to chat with the Free Library Blog and answered some of our most pressing questions:

1. What role have libraries played in your life?

"I went to a lot of libraries and had a lot of overdue books as a child. Later, I enjoyed browsing the stacks and leafing through obscure books that hadn't been checked out in years."

2. What was your favorite childhood book?

"The Hound of the Baskervilles."

3. Who is your favorite fictional character?

"Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice."

4. Who are the three authors you think everyone should be required to read-which books would you start with?

"I don't think readers should ever be required to read any authors--I think they should always find books on their own--then they feel more like treasures and obligations."

5. If you couldn’t write, what other job would you like to have?

"Training horses or cooking."