Author, podcast host, screenwriter, and producer Mallory O’Meara joins Willard Library to discuss her book “The Lady from the Black Lagoon” in celebration of Women’s History Month. 

According to adult services librarian Brenna LaForge, “The book tells us all about Millicent Patrick, a brilliant woman working in old-school Hollywood. She was one of Disney’s first female animators and an artist well-ahead of her time. But when a jealous male colleague takes credit for the biggest win of her career, she disappears into obscurity.  Author Mallory O’Meara sets out to uncover what truly happened to her, and what her legacy means to women today.” 

LaForge added, “The part that always fascinates me is how though Milicent’s career was blossoming, she just disappears from history. Her legacy lives on in “the creature” but her name is relatively unknown.” O’Meara herself worked in the horror film industry, and found a kindred spirit in Milicent Patrick. Through her research, she brings Patrick’s fascinating life and career into focus. The book is described as “a true-life detective story and a celebration of a forgotten feminist trailblazer…it establishes Patrick in her rightful place in film history while calling out a Hollywood culture where little has changed since.”

O’Meara is an award-winning and bestselling author and historian. She also hosts the literary podcast “Reading Glasses” with filmmaker and writer Brea Grant. She has written several nonfiction books, including “Girly Drinks,” “Girls Make Movies,” and her most recent, “Daughter of Daring.” 

O’Meara will speak on Tuesday, March 4 at 6 p.m. in the lower level of Willard Library’s downtown location, 7 W. Van Buren St.

Willard Library programs are free and open to the public.