Nearly 600 fans packed the Avalon Elementary School on Wednesday, July 12 as popular author Daniel Silva hosted a lecture on his latest novel, “The Black Widow” and a Q&A session and book signing.

Silva started his career with United Press International in 1984 before moving to CNN, where he worked as executive producer for a number of television programs including “Crossfire” and “Capital Gang.” After discovering his passion for writing, Silva left the television industry in 1997 and pursued writing full time. Silva’s fourth novel, “The Kill Artist” introduced Gabriel Allon, an Israeli art restorer, spy and assassin, who then became the main character in the next twelve novels, each hitting the best-seller list.

Silva discussed the fascinating process of researching and crafting the espionage novels he is famous for, as well as his detailed career in the televisions industry.

Moving forward for August the library is set for three authors listed below.

• August 2: Robert Heinly, “Victorian Cape May,” “Fire Control Tower 23, Cape May NJ” (nonfiction)
• August 9: Meg Donohue, “Every Wild Heart: A Novel,” “Dog Crazy: A Novel of Love Lost and Found,” “All the Summer Girls: A Novel,” “How to Eat a Cupcake: A Novel” (fiction)
• August 16: Dr. Paul Offit, “Pandora’s Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong,” “Do You Believe in Magic? Vitamins, Supplements, and All Things Natural: A Look Behind the Curtain,” “Deadly Choices: How the Anti-Vaccine Movement Threatens Us All” (nonfiction)

For a full explanation of each author’s presentation go to avalonfreelibrary.org.