LeVar Burton at SM Library

The Santa Monica Public Library is honored to welcome actor and longtime literacy advocate LeVar Burtonfor the launch of his first-ever children's picture book, The Rhinoceros Who Swallowed a Storm, on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. in the Main Library's Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

Beloved by film and television fans for his iconic performances in Alex Haley's Roots and Star Trek: The Next Generation, LeVar Burton is equally cherished by book lovers for his work on the long-running children's educational series Reading Rainbow. Now Mr. Burton ventures into the publishing field with his first-ever picture book, The Rhinoceros Who Swallowed a Storm, which will also be published by a new Reading Rainbow imprint. The book is the story of a brave little rhino who discovers that, with the help of friends and family, compassion and love, he can get through difficult and frightening experiences. At the Santa Monica Public Library, Mr. Burton will read the book in a large storytelling environment, then discuss the book with children and parents. A book sale and signing follows.

This special author event is open to all ages and is a ticketed event. Tickets are free, and will be distributed, until supply is depleted, beginning one hour prior to the program in the lobby outside the Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium. One ticket per person, and guests must be present to receive a ticket. Seating inside the auditorium is first come, first served.

For more information on this and other public programs, visit http://www.smpl.org or contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600.