Nationally acclaimed author Justina Ireland will speak with York County teens on Google Meet on Saturday, March 27, during the annual York County Libraries Part of the Story program. Area high school students in grades nine to 12 are invited to sign up for the free virtual event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration at http://www.yorklibraries.org/part-of-the-story is required by Thursday, March 18.

Ireland is the author of the novel "Dread Nation" and its sequel, "Deathless Divide." She is also the former co-editor-in-chief of FIYAH Literary Magazine of Black Speculative Fiction, for which she won a World Fantasy Award.

Part of the Story is a book-based program that engages teens in discussing topics with real-life impact and prompts them to create a call to action for their community. On March 27, York County teens will talk with Ireland about the themes in "Dread Nation" and then work together in small groups to create a billboard design. Lamar Advertising will provide some instruction, and the designs will be evaluated by a panel of judges. The winning design will be displayed on billboards around York County.

Any questions about this program can be emailed to YCL youth services staff members at yclyouthvoice@gmail.com.