Friends of the Central Library to Host Mitch Albom on May 6 to Conclude 30th Anniversary Season

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Friends of the Central Library (FOCL) will host internationally renowned, best-selling author Mitch Albom as the final speaker of its 30th anniversary season on Tuesday, May 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Civic Center’s Crouse Hinds Theater.

Albom, best known for Tuesdays with Morrie, the best-selling memoir of all time, is a celebrated author, journalist, screenwriter, playwright, broadcaster and musician. His books have sold 42 million copies worldwide and have been translated into 48 languages.

Tickets are available through the Solvay Bank Box Office at the Oncenter or online at Ticketmaster.com.

"I can’t think of a more fitting author to end our celebratory 30th season than Mitch Albom," said Angela Bernat, FOCL board president. "Beyond his tremendous skill as a writer, his commitment to philanthropy, both within his community in Detroit and in Haiti, is inspiring and serves as a reminder that one person can make an impactful difference."

Albom has written 10 New York Times bestsellers, with eight debuting at No. 1, including The First Phone Call From Heaven, Have a Little Faith, The Five People You Meet in Heaven and its sequel, The Next Person You Meet in Heaven. Tuesdays with Morrie spent four years on the bestseller list and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2022.

His latest novel, The Little Liar, explores the value of truth and the harm of lies against the backdrop of the Holocaust. His next novel, Twice, a love story about magical second chances, is scheduled for release Oct. 7, 2025.

A devoted philanthropist, Albom has founded 12 charities, including SAY Detroit, which was created after the 2006 Super Bowl to provide lasting support for Detroit’s homeless community. SAY Detroit initiatives include a family health clinic, a housing program, scholarships and more.

Albom also operates the Detroit Water Ice Factory and Brown Bag Popcorn, dessert shops whose profits fully support SAY Detroit’s efforts. In addition, he runs the Have Faith Haiti Mission in Port-au-Prince and the Chika Fund, which provides medical care for children.

In journalism, Albom is a 13-time Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) honoree as the nation’s top sports columnist. He received the APSE Red Smith Award for lifetime achievement in 2010 and has been inducted into both the National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame (2013) and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame (2017).

Tickets for the event are available through the Solvay Bank Box Office at the Oncenter or Ticketmaster.com. Group rates are available for parties of 10 or more at 20% off regular ticket prices. Student tickets are $15 with a valid student ID. For ticket information, call the Solvay Bank Box Office at (315) 435-2121, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information about the 2025–26 FOCL season, visit foclsyracuse.org. Special thanks to the 30th anniversary sponsors, the Slutzker Family Foundation and Michael and Jacki Goldberg.