AUBURN, Ala.- The Auburn Public Library is pleased to host Auburn University alumnus James Patterson who will present "Explosions in My Life" at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, at the Boykin Community Center. Patterson's talk will overview his experiences with two historic explosions, as a student eyewitness to the 1978 Kopper Kettle explosion in downtown Auburn and as a U.S. diplomat in Washington during 9/11.

The presentation and photo exhibit commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Kopper Kettle explosion that occurred in downtown Auburn on Jan. 15, 1978. The photo exhibit will be on display at the presentation and throughout January at the Auburn Public Library. The public is invited to share their memories, stories and photographs by emailing them to libraryevents@auburnalabama.org.

The Auburn Public Library was established in 1947 to serve the residents of Auburn, Alabama. Today, the Auburn Public Library inspires, enriches and delights our residents with vital and valuable resources, services and experiences. The Auburn Public Library provides residents with a collection that reflects the diverse and dynamic interests of our community, with access to public technology and information resources and with programs and activities that contribute to an engaged, literate and informed society. The Auburn Public Library is located at 749 E. Thach Ave.

Photo courtesy Auburn University archives