Eleanor Clift, a political commentator, television pundit and author, will be the first speaker of the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County’s annual Literary Luncheon Lecture Series at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 20 at Strathmore Hall Mansion, 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda.

Clift will discuss her most recent book, “Two Weeks of Life: A Memoir of Love, Death and Politics.” The book parallels the lives and deaths of her husband, Tom Brazaitis, and Terri Schiavo, who lived for 15 years in a vegetative state before her feeding tube was removed. Clift uses the two stories to analyze the political and cultural implications of death in America.

On Nov. 17, journalist and author Michelle Bernard will discuss women and politics and the 2012 election. Bernard is the founder and CEO of the Bernard Center for Women, Politics and Public Policy. She is a panelist on “Hardball with Chris Matthews” and a guest commentator on NPR’s “All Things Considered.”

Lectures begin at 11:30 a.m. and are followed by a book signing and luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Books will be available for purchase. Tickets start at $25 for those who are not members of Friends of the Library.

The series will continue in the spring with two additional authors, who will be announced later.

Proceeds from the luncheons and talks benefit Friends of the Library, Montgomery County, a membership organization with 16 chapters dedicated to enhancing and promoting public libraries through fundraising and advocacy efforts. The organization supports a variety of literary projects that promote the work of local authors, encourage reading among children and enhance adult life-long learning.

For more information on this series or other Friends’ programs, call 240-777-0020 or visit www.folmc.org.