The Claire T. Carney Library Associates will host “A Literary Afternoon” on October 15 at 2 p.m. at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth library’s Grand Reading Room.

Five local authors will be discussing their latest works at the event, which will also include a question-and-answers session, a book signing, and a light reception.

Among those presenting is Michael Dyer, Senior Maritime Historian at the New Bedford Whaling Museum. He’s contributed to a number of scholarly articles, periodical publications, and has written several books.

Sharon Leder, an Associate Professor Emerita at the State University of New York’s Nassau Community College, will also be at the event. Her subjects include Emily Dickinson, Christina Rosetti, Holocaust literature, and women in academia.

Journalist and sports historian Ralph Hickok will also discuss his works, which include his most recent book documenting Johnny “Blood” McNally, a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

John B. Cummings, Jr, a Fall River resident, will discuss his works, which includes books about development and crime in Fall River.

The program is free and open to the public. Parking is available in Lot 13. For more information, contact Maria Sanguinetti at msanguinetti@umassd.edu or by calling (508) 991-5096.