On Thursday, May 5, one of America’s most acclaimed literary figures, Lauren Groff, will speak at 7 PM. Groff’s 2021 novel, Matrix, was a finalist for both the Carnegie Medal for Excellence and the National Book Award – Groff’s third time as an NBA finalist. The best-selling book tells the story of a woman cast out of royal court in France and sent to England to run an impoverished abbey. Matrix was an instant bestseller and was showered with critical praise.