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The �������Ƶ’s Center for Louisiana Studies will give book lovers the opportunity to learn more about Louisiana authors.

It will launch Bayou State Book Talks, a series of talks and book signings, Thursday, June 12.

The events will be held the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the South Regional Library at 6101 Johnston St. They are free and open to the public, and books will be available for purchase.

“We want to let people in our community know that there are wonderful books being written about Louisiana,” said Dr. Michael Martin, director of the Center. He is also the Cheryl Courrégé Burguières/Board of Regents Professor in History.

The inaugural Book Talk will feature Martin’s book, “Russell Long: A Life in Politics,” which was published by the University Press of Mississippi. As the son of Huey Long, Russell Long was born into Louisiana’s most influential political family and seemingly preordained for a life in politics. The book examines Russell Long’s public life as a U.S. Senator from 1948 to 1987 and places it within the context of 20th century Louisiana, Southern, and national politics.

Book Talk events in July and August will feature books published by the �������Ƶ Press, which is a division of the Center.

On July 10, author Michael Marshall will discuss “Gallant Creoles: A History of the Donaldsonville Canonniers.”

On Aug. 14, Marty Mulé, a former sportswriter for the “Times-Picayune,” will present “Game Changers: The Rousing Legacy of Louisiana Sports.” “Game Changers” is a finalist for “ForeWord Reviews’ ” Book of the Year Award, along with three other UL Lafayette Press titles: “The History of the Acadians of Louisiana” by Zachary Richard, “Megan’s Guitar and Other Poems from Acadie” by Darrell Bourque, and “Soul Exchange: The Paintings of Dennis Paul Williams,” edited by Philip Gould.

The Bayou State Book Talks series is a partnership between UL Lafayette and the Lafayette Public Library System. For more information, visit .