Author Scott McCartney to visit Ohio State Thursday

Scott McCartney, author of “Eniac: The Triumphs and Tragedies of the World’s First Computer,” will present a public lecture at 7:30 p.m. Thursday (10/16) in Room 131 of Hitchcock Hall, 2070 Neil Ave. Free tickets are available at the receptionist’s desk in Enarson Hall, 154 W. 12th Ave., and Long’s and University bookstores.

The Ohio State Office of Undergraduate Admissions and First Year Experience along with several departments and colleges are hosting McCartney, who is one of two authors who will visit campus this month to participate in “Buckeye Book Community” (BBC). In its third year, BBC is one of the largest summer reading programs in the country for first-year college students. Barbara Ehrenreich, author of “Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America,” will visit Oct. 20.

Participating students selected between the two featured titles during summer orientation sessions. This year, approximately 6,000 complimentary books were distributed. Faculty-led debates and group discussions in classes and residence halls also are held leading up to the guest author’s visit.

A staff writer for the Wall Street Journal, McCartney’s book tells the story of the three-year race to complete the world’s first computer and the three-decade debate to attribute the proper credit. His book was selected for students entering the College of Engineering.

WHAT: Public lecture and book discussion with author Scott McCartney.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. on Thursday (10/16).

WHERE: Room 131, Hitchcock Hall, 2070 Neil Ave.

WHY: To participate in the Buckeye Book Community summer reading program for first-year students.