AUGUSTA — Augusta native and author Michele Albion will give a talk about her latest book, “The Quotable Eleanor Roosevelt,” at Lithgow Public Library from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 16. The program, which is free and open to the public, will be held in the program room of Lithgow’s temporary quarters at the Ballard Center, 6 East Chestnut Street.

Albion grew up in Augusta, graduating from Cony High School in 1985. She has degrees from the University of Maine and George Washington University. Before becoming a writer, Albion worked at a number of museums, including Fort Western Museum and the Maine State Museum, both in Augusta; the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.

While curator at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Albion became fascinated with Thomas and Mina Edison. Her first book, “The Florida Life of Thomas Edison,” was published in 2008. She has subsequently published three books: “The Quotable Edison,” “The Quotable Henry Ford” and “The Quotable Eleanor Roosevelt.” Albion’s next project, “The Quotable Amelia Earhart,” will be published later in 2015.

Born in the late 1800s to one of the wealthiest families in New York City, Eleanor Roosevelt seemed destined for a traditional woman’s role within a sedate Victorian life. Instead, she married her fifth cousin and was flung into the highest levels of American politics, culminating in Franklin’s unprecedented four-term presidency.

While previous first ladies refrained from public discussion of their personal views, Eleanor’s bold opinions on political, social and racial issues took many by surprise. She held press conferences and wrote a syndicated column. She spoke at national conventions, granted interviews and often made appearances on her husband’s behalf.

Her own influence lasted years beyond his death. She advocated for human rights, worked with the United Nations and supported what later became the civil rights movement.

Of war, she said, “I hope the day will come when all that inventing and mechanical genius will be used for other purposes.” At a time when racism prevailed, Roosevelt said, “We must be proud of every one of our citizens, for regardless of nationality, or race, every one contributes to the welfare and culture of the nation.”

FMI: Lithgow Library, 626-2415 or www.lithgow.lib.me.us.