--- type: Conversation title: nih director hoping to bring you and your book to nih description: "email conversation, 48 messages, 2020-01-31." tags: - conversation - email medium: email message_count: 48 started_at: "2020-01-31T01:55:00" ended_at: "2020-03-12T11:02:00" duration_seconds: 3575220 sources: - { id: gates, resource: /sources/gates.md, title: Gates Package, author: "process:senate-hsgac-release", last_modified: 2026-07-31 } generated: { by: randpaul-corpus-pipeline/1.0, at: "2026-08-01T12:42:27Z" } status: stable --- A email conversation of 48 messages spanning 993h 7m. # Metadata - **Started:** 2020-01-31T01:55:00 - **Ended:** 2020-03-12T11:02:00 - **Duration:** 993h 7m - **Participants:** 9 - **Source:** [gates](/sources/gates.md) - **Pages:** 1237-1287 # Participants * [Courtney Wade](/people/courtney-wade.md) * [Emily Libresco](/people/emily-libresco.md) * [Francis S. Collins](/people/francis-s-collins.md) * [Jacqueline Roberts](/people/jacqueline-roberts.md) * [Jennifer Weisman](/people/jennifer-weisman.md) # Transcript **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-01-31T01:55:00] unknown:** Dear Melinda, It has been a truly gratifying experience working closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the decade that I have served as NIH Director. My senior staff and yours have become wonderfully effective colleagues, team members, and friends across a wide range of projects and themes, from HIV/TB/malaria to maternal and child health. But I write now with a different kind of outreach that I hope will appeal to YOU. I write to invite you to NIH as the featured author for the NIH "Big Read" in 2020. This innovative program was developed to foster engaging discussions throughout the NIH community on a single book over several months, culminating with a special event… **[2020-02-19T12:56:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks very much for being in touch. We manage Melinda's communications and events, and would like to learn more about what you propose below. Could you please share a bit more about the event? Also, I see that you mentioned aiming for May timing. If we could arrange something, would late June work as well? Thanks again for this kind invitation. All the best, Emily Emily Libresco Senior Associate, Executive Communications and Media Pronouns: She/her/hers (+1) @pivotalventures.org P I V O T A L V E N T U R E S A M E L I N D A G A T E S C O M P A N Y **[2020-02-19T12:56:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks very much for being in touch. We manage Melinda's communications and events, and would like to learn more about what you propose below. Could you please share a bit more about the event? Also, I see that you mentioned aiming for May timing. If we could arrange something, would late June work as well? Thanks again for this kind invitation. All the best, Emily Emily Libresco Senior Associate, Executive Communications and Media Pronouns: She/her/hers (+1) @pivotalventures.org P I V O T A L V E N T U R E S A M E L I N D A G A T E S C O M P A N Y **[2020-02-19T12:56:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks very much for being in touch. We manage Melinda's communications and events, and would like to learn more about what you propose below. Could you please share a bit more about the event? Also, I see that you mentioned aiming for May timing. If we could arrange something, would late June work as well? Thanks again for this kind invitation. >> >> >> >>; All the best, Emily Emily Libresco Senior Associate, Executive Communications and Media Pronouns: She/her/hers (+1) @pivotalventures.org P I V O T A L V E N T U R E S A M E L I N D A G A T E S C O M P A N Y **[2020-02-19T12:56:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks very much for being in touch. We manage Melinda's communications and events, and would like to learn more about what you propose below. Could you please share a bit more about the event? Also, I see that you mentioned aiming for May timing. If we could arrange something, would late June work as well? Thanks again for this kind invitation. All the best, Emily >> >> >> >>} Emily Libresco Senior Associate, Executive Communications and Media Pronouns: She/her/hers (+1) @pivotalventures.org P I V O T A L V E N T U R E S A M E L I N D A G A T E S C O M P A N Y **[2020-02-19T12:56:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks very much for being in touch. We manage Melinda's communications and events, and would like to learn more about what you propose below. Could you please share a bit more about the event? Also, I see that you mentioned aiming for May timing. If we could arrange something, would late June work as well? Thanks again for this kind invitation. All the best, Emily Emily Libresco Senior Associate, Executive Communications and Media Pronouns: She/her/hers (+1) @pivotalventures.org P I V O T A L V E N T U R E S A M E L I N D A G A T E S C O M P A N Y **[2020-02-19T12:56:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks very much for being in touch. We manage Melinda's communications and events, and would like to learn more about what you propose below. Could you please share a bit more about the event? Also, I see that you mentioned aiming for May timing. If we could arrange something, would late June work as well? Thanks again for this kind invitation. All the best, Emily Emily Libresco Senior Associate, Executive Communications and Media Pronouns: She/her/hers (+1) @pivotalventures.org P I V O T A L V E N T U R E S A M E L I N D A G A T E S C O M P A N Y **[2020-02-19T12:56:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks very much for being in touch. We manage Melinda's communications and events, and would like to learn more about what you propose below. Could you please share a bit more about the event? Also, I see that you mentioned aiming for May timing. If we could arrange something, would late June work as well? >> >> >> >>} Thanks again for this kind invitation. All the best, Emily Emily Libresco Senior Associate, Executive Communications and Media Pronouns: She/her/hers (+1) @pivotalventures.org P I V O T A L V E N T U R E S A M E L I N D A G A T E S C O M P A N Y **[2020-02-19T12:56:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks very much for being in touch. We manage Melinda's communications and events, and would like to learn more about what you propose below. Could you please share a bit more about the event? Also, I see that you mentioned aiming for May timing. If we could arrange something, would late June work as well? Thanks again for this kind invitation. All the best, Emily Emily Libresco Senior Associate, Executive Communications and Media Pronouns: She/her/hers (+1) >> >> >>; @pivotalventures.org P I V O T A L V E N T U R E S A M E L I N D A G A T E S C O M P A N Y **[2020-02-19T12:56:00] Emily Libresco:** >> >> >> >>} Hi Francis, Thanks very much for being in touch. We manage Melinda's communications and events, and would like to learn more about what you propose below. Could you please share a bit more about the event? Also, I see that you mentioned aiming for May timing. If we could arrange something, would late June work as well? Thanks again for this kind invitation. All the best, Emily Emily Libresco Senior Associate, Executive Communications and Media Pronouns: She/her/hers (+1) @pivotalventures.org P I V O T A L V E N T U R E S A M E L I N D A G A T E S C O M P A N Y **[2020-02-19T12:56:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks very much for being in touch. We manage Melinda's communications and events, and would like to learn more about what you propose below. Could you please share a bit more about the event? Also, I see that you mentioned aiming for May timing. If we could arrange something, would late June work as well? Thanks again for this kind invitation. All the best, Emily Emily Libresco Senior Associate, Executive Communications and Media Pronouns: She/her/hers (+1) @pivotalventures.org P I V O T A L V E N T U R E S A M E L I N D A G A T E S C O M P A N Y **[2020-02-19T12:56:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks very much for being in touch. We manage Melinda's communications and events, and would like to learn more about what you propose below. Could you please share a bit more about the event? Also, I see that you mentioned aiming for May timing. If we could arrange something, would late June work as well? Thanks again for this kind invitation. All the best, Emily Emily Libresco Senior Associate, Executive Communications and Media Pronouns: She/her/hers (+1) @pivotalventures.org P I V O T A L V E N T U R E S >> >> >>; A M E L I N D A G A T E S C O M P A N Y **[2020-02-19T12:56:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks very much for being in touch. We manage Melinda's communications and events, and would like to learn more about what you propose below. >> >> >> >>} Could you please share a bit more about the event? Also, I see that you mentioned aiming for May timing. If we could arrange something, would late June work as well? Thanks again for this kind invitation. All the best, Emily Emily Libresco Senior Associate, Executive Communications and Media Pronouns: She/her/hers (+1) @pivotalventures.org P I V O T A L V E N T U R E S A M E L I N D A G A T E S C O M P A N Y **[2020-02-19T16:14:00] Francis S. Collins:** Hi Jackie, This looks promising. Do you have a formal description of the Big Read program that would go beyond my initial letter to Melinda? If so, can you send to me so I can respond to Emily. I assume we'd be fine with a date in late June. FC **[2020-02-19T16:14:41] Francis S. Collins:** Hi Jackie, This looks promising. Do you have a formal description of the Big Read program that would go beyond my initial letter to Melinda? If so, can you send to me so I can respond to Emily. I assume we'd be fine with a date in late June. FC **[2020-02-19T21:45:13] Jacqueline Roberts:** Hi Dr. Collins, Great - we are getting closer! We have two dates held on your calendar and Masur's calendar: June 19 and June 22. Can you check with Emily on those dates? If those don't work, we can definitely find other options in June. See attached for the formal description of the NIH Big Read program as well as a draft detailed agenda for you to forward to Emily. Please let me know if you need anything else. Thanks, Jackie **[2020-02-20T03:36:00] Francis S. Collins:** Dear Emily, Thanks for your follow up note. I am delighted to know that this invitation is under consideration. Attached please find a more detailed description of the NIH Big Read program, and a possible draft agenda for what the visit might look like (though that is entirely open to revision, depending on how Melinda would most like to spend her time at NIH). A June visit would be just fine. Looking at calendars, June 19 and 22 would work particularly well, but there are lots of other options. Just let me know what would work best for Melinda. We are truly excited at the possibility of being able to host Melinda for this year's Big Read. She would have the chance to inspire many… **[2020-02-20T03:36:00] Francis S. Collins:** EXTERNAL: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Emily, Thanks for your follow up note. I am delighted to know that this invitation is under consideration. Attached please find a more detailed description of the NIH Big Read program, and a possible draft agenda for what the Looking at c Just le would ha >> >> visit might look like (though that is entirely open to revision, depending on how Melinda would most like to spend her time at NIH). A June visit would be just fine. Looking at calendars, June 19 and 22 would work particularly well, but there are lots of other… **[2020-02-20T03:36:00] Francis S. Collins:** EXTERNAL: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Emily, Thanks for your follow up note. I am delighted to know that this invitation is under consideration. Attached please find a more detailed description of the NIH Big Read program, and a possible draft agenda for what the visit might look like (though that is entirely open to revision, depending on how Melinda would most like to spend her time at NIH). A June visit would be just fine. Looking at calendars, June 19 and 22 would work particularly well, but there are lots of other options. Just let me know what would… **[2020-02-20T03:36:00] Francis S. Collins:** EXTERNAL: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Emily, Thanks for your follow up note. I am delighted to know that this invitation is under consideration. Attached please find a more detailed description of the NIH Big Read program, and a possible draft agenda for what the visit might look like (though that is entirely open to revision, depending on how Melinda would most like to spend her time at NIH). A June visit would be just fine. Looking at calendars, June 19 and 22 would work particularly well, but there are lots of other options. Just let me know what would… **[2020-02-20T03:36:00] Francis S. Collins:** EXTERNAL: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Emily, Thanks for your follow up note. I am delighted to know that this invitation is under consideration. Attached please find a more detailed description of the NIH Big Read program, and a possible draft agenda for what the visit might look like (though that is entirely open to revision, depending on how Melinda would most like to spend her time at NIH). A June visit would be just fine. Looking at calendars, June 19 and 22 would work particularly well, but there are lots of other options. Just let me know what would… **[2020-02-20T03:36:00] Francis S. Collins:** EXTERNAL: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Emily, Thanks for your follow up note. I am delighted to know that this invitation is under consideration. Attached please find a more detailed description of the NIH Big Read program, and a possible draft agenda for what the Looking at c Just le would ha >> >> visit might look like (though that is entirely open to revision, depending on how Melinda would most like to spend her time at NIH). A June visit would be just fine. Looking at calendars, June 19 and 22 would work particularly well, but there are lots of other… **[2020-02-20T03:36:00] Francis S. Collins:** EXTERNAL: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Emily, Thanks for your follow up note. I am delighted to know that this invitation is under consideration. Attached please find a more detailed description of the NIH Big Read program, and a possible draft agenda for what the visit might look like (though that is entirely open to revision, depending on how Melinda would most like to spend her time at NIH). A June visit would be just fine. Looking at calendars, June 19 and 22 would work particularly well, but there are lots of other options. Just let me know what would… **[2020-02-20T08:55:51] Jennifer Weisman:** Thanks for the visibility, Francis. Glad that her team is seriously exploring this! Jenni **[2020-03-04T17:23:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks again for this kind invitation and thorough proposal. We have a few follow-up questions: How much flexibility do you have in the programming? We'd be working with a pretty tight time frame. I noticed that you listed the lunch as optional. Would the meet/greet/book-signing time also be negotiable, if we were able to make this work? Do authors ever pre-sign books for Big Read participants instead? How many people typically attend your book talks? And what's the typical book buy size? Would 6/23 in the afternoon work for timing? I know you mentioned you have some flexibility. Thanks in advance for your thoughts on these questions. All the best, Emily **[2020-03-04T17:23:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks again for this kind invitation and thorough proposal. We have a few follow-up questions: How much flexibility do you have in the programming? We'd be working with a pretty tight time frame. I noticed that you listed the lunch as optional. Would the meet/greet/book-signing time also be negotiable, if we were able || ; Roberts, Jacqueline Looking at c Just le would ha to make this work? Do authors ever pre-sign books for Big Read participants instead? How many people typically attend your book talks? And what's the typical book buy size? Would 6/23 in the afternoon work for timing? I know you mentioned you have some flexibility. Thanks in advance for your thoughts on these… **[2020-03-04T17:23:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks again for this kind invitation and thorough proposal. We have a few follow-up questions: How much flexibility do you have in the programming? We'd be working with a pretty tight time frame. I noticed that you listed the lunch as optional. Would the meet/greet/book-signing time also be negotiable, if we were able to make this work? Do authors ever pre-sign books for Big Read participants instead? How many people typically attend your book talks? And what's the typical book buy size? Would 6/23 in the afternoon work for timing? I know you mentioned you have some flexibility. Thanks in advance for your thoughts on these questions. All the best, Emily **[2020-03-04T17:23:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks again for this kind invitation and thorough proposal. We have a few follow-up questions: How much flexibility do you have in the programming? We'd be working with a pretty tight time frame. I noticed that you listed the lunch as optional. Would the meet/greet/book-signing time also be negotiable, if we were able to make this work? Do authors ever pre-sign books for Big Read participants instead? How many people typically attend your book talks? And what's the typical book buy size? Would 6/23 in the afternoon work for timing? I know you mentioned you have some flexibility. Thanks in advance for your thoughts on these questions. All the best, Emily **[2020-03-04T17:23:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, || ; Roberts, Jacqueline Looking at c Just le would ha Thanks again for this kind invitation and thorough proposal. We have a few follow-up questions: How much flexibility do you have in the programming? We'd be working with a pretty tight time frame. I noticed that you listed the lunch as optional. Would the meet/greet/book-signing time also be negotiable, if we were able to make this work? Do authors ever pre-sign books for Big Read participants instead? How many people typically attend your book talks? And what's the typical book buy size? Would 6/23 in the afternoon work for timing? I know you mentioned you have some flexibility. Thanks in advance for your thoughts on these… **[2020-03-05T05:37:00] Francis S. Collins:** Have we ever done pre-signing? Any concern about this? And what are the answers to the second and third bullets? FC **[2020-03-05T05:37:05] Francis S. Collins:** Have we ever done pre-signing? Any concern about this? And what are the answers to the second and third bullets? FC **[2020-03-05T09:49:00] Francis S. Collins:** EXTERNAL: Do not click links or open attachments that appear suspicious. Hi Emily, Thanks for reaching back out. We can be pretty flexible here. Here are responses to the queries you posed: • How much flexibility do you have in the programming? We'd be working with a pretty tight time frame. I noticed that you listed the lunch as optional. Would the meet/greet/book-signing time also be negotiable, if we were able to make this work? Do authors ever pre-sign books for Big Read participants instead? Yes, lunch is optional, as is the meet/greet/book-signing. We have had authors do pre-signing in the past, and we could arrange a private pre-signing session if that works best with Melinda's… **[2020-03-05T09:49:00] Francis S. Collins:** EXTERNAL: Do not click links or open attachments that appear suspicious. Hi Emily, Thanks for reaching back out. We can be pretty flexible here. Here are responses to the queries you posed: • How much flexibility do you have in the programming? We'd be working with a pretty tight time frame. I noticed that you listed the lunch as optional. Would the meet/greet/book-signing time also be negotiable, if we were able to make this work? Do authors ever pre-sign books for Big Read participants instead? Yes, lunch is optional, as is the meet/greet/book-signing. We have had authors do pre-signing in the past, and we could arrange a private pre-signing session if that works best with Melinda's… **[2020-03-05T10:43:53] Jacqueline Roberts:** Yes, we had a pre-signing with Eric Kandel and it worked well. He signed the books just before his lecture. In the past FAES has sold around 100-150 books for each Big Read event, but they are projecting to sell 200 books for this event. Keep in mind those numbers are just FAES sales since some folks may have purchased the book elsewhere. We can be very flexible in the programming and timing of the events. And we can definitely make June 23 afternoon work. I've placed a hold on Masur Auditorium's calendar for that afternoon. Is your schedule open that afternoon? I answered the questions below in blue. Let me know if you need any additional information in order to reply back to Emily.… **[2020-03-12T11:02:00] Emily Libresco:** Hi Francis, Thanks for all of this helpful information. We will review it with our scheduling team and let you know what might be possible. All the best, Emily