Book discussion with author Gail Olson at St. Anthony Library

Local author Gail Olson will discuss her book, “Hit the Deck and Pray: the 1984 St. Anthony Tornado,” Monday, April 22, at 6:30 pm, at St. Anthony Public Library, in the St. Anthony Shopping Center, 2941 Pentagon Drive. The book, commissioned by the St. Anthony Village Historical Society, is a collection of stories about those affected by the F-3 tornado that struck St. Anthony on April 26, 1984.

This is the fourth book Olson has written for the historical society; the others include “A Village in the City: the History of St. Anthony Village, Minnesota,” “World War II: Courage and Survival,” “Stories from St. Anthony Village, Minnesota,” and “More Pigs Than People!” (a children’s book).

Olson, who lives in Columbia Heights, was a Northeaster Newspaper reporter for 30 years. She taught writing at the Fridley Community Education Center and has sold more than 20 fiction and non-fiction magazine stories. She has also worked as an advertising copywriter and a playwright, co-writing New Brighton’s Centennial musical, “Tales, Ties and Tallow.” The program is free and open to the public. Books will be available for sale. Info: 612-543-6075.