CHECK IT OUT:

Author William Mann discusses his newest book, “Kate: The Woman Who Was Hepburn” at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Friends Meeting Room of the Central Library.

This fascinating biography uses previously undisclosed research material and interviews with Hepburn’s friends and family who agreed to be interviewed after her death.

The Newport Beach Public Library Foundation sponsored the Manuscripts Literary Event, which is open to the public and free.

Light refreshments will be served, the book will be available for purchase, and the author will autograph personal copies for attendees.

Mann is not the only writer to take advantage of new materials recently unearthed in the quest for information about celebrities and other celebrated individuals, past and present.

Here are new titles that promise a wealth of tidbits, history and detailed analysis beyond the usual “vanity” celebrity puff pieces.

“Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life” by Steve Martin: Absurd, ironic and full of non-sequiturs, Martin’s inspired comedy style is truly unique. Share his autobiographical stories, from growing up in Orange County and working in Disneyland to hitting the big-time in Hollywood while becoming an actor, respected author, playwright and producer on the way.

“Flapper: A Madcap Story of Sex, Style, Celebrity, and the Women Who Made American Modern” by Joshua Zeitz: During the 1920s Jazz Age, skirts were shortened, hair was bobbed, and American social customs changed dramatically from the previous century. Discover the effects that Zelda Fitzgerald, Clara Bow, Coco Chanel and other revolutionary personalities had in shaping modern Western culture.

“Boone: A Biography” by Robert Morgan: Daniel Boone is an American legend. Now separate fact from fiction in this new study of the famous pioneer, explorer and soldier from the Revolutionary War period. Author Morgan brings the 1700s old Kentucky home into sharp focus.

“Off the Record: A Reporter Unveils the Celebrity Worlds of Hollywood, Hip-Hop and Sports” by Allison Samuels: Enter the private lives of top African-American entertainers and celebrities in a book paying tribute to Coretta Scott King, Halle Berry, Shaquille O’Neal, Eddie Murphy, and other notables heralded for their achievements.

“The Unusual Suspect: My Calling to the New Hardcore Movement of Faith” by Stephen Baldwin: The youngest of the famed acting Baldwin brothers, Stephen penned this autobiographical, ultimately Christian journey about seeking deeper fulfillment and meaning amid Hollywood and familial temptations. Find the real story about growing up Baldwin.

“Celebrity Secrets: Government Files on the Rich and Famous” by Nick Redfern: Did J. Edgar Hoover really keep secret intelligence files on entertainers and other American celebrities during his tenure with the Federal Bureau of Investigation? Find out for yourself; after all, you the taxpayer, paid for it.

“Chuck Yeager and The Bell X-1: Breaking the Sound Barrier” by Dominick Pisano: Wow! Get the latest information about a true American hero and high-speed aeronautics in a supersonic airplane. Published by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, this biography celebrates the man, the flights, the aircraft, even the engine.

CHECK IT OUT is written by Newport Beach staff member Mary Ellen Bowman. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.