Pulitzer Prize-winning humorist Dave Barry will be appearing at the Central Library's Montgomery Auditorium tomorrow, Thursday, September 20, at 12:00 p.m. (This event is free; no tickets required.) His latest book, Dave Barry's History of the Millennium (So Far), was released this past Monday. Mr. Barry recently took some time to chat with us about some of our favorite topics.

What role have libraries played in your life?

Growing up, I was a big reader. I spent many happy hours in the public library in my home town, Armonk, New York. Later I came to appreciate the value of academic libraries, especially the one at Haverford College, from which I graduated. Now I take my 7-year-old daughter, Sophie, to the library, and I'm pleased to note that she's also an avid reader.

What was your favorite childhood book?

I read everything from comic books to classics. But my favorite childhood book was Winnie-the-Pooh. It's still one of my favorites.

What made you think you could be a writer?

I was always interested in writing, and my teachers encouraged me. I wrote for my high school and college newspapers, and when I graduated I decided to try to become a reporter. I loved it right away, and have never really wanted to do anything but write since then.

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

George Orwell's Animal Farm, Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and Joseph Heller's Catch-22.

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

I'd like to be a musician. Unfortunately, I have very little talent.