Lucy Maud (L. M.) Montgomery (1874–1942) was a Canadian author best known for her popular Anne of Green Gables series, the first book of which was originally published in 1908. The PEI-born author studied literature at Dalhousie University in Halifax, and went on to publish twenty novels and hundreds of short stories and poems. Montgomery's work has inspired movies, television shows, musicals, plays, and continues to draw countless visitors to Prince Edward Island each year. Carolyn Strom Collins is the author of The Anne of Green Gables Treasury and other "Anne" companion books; she has also published companion books on Little Women and The Secret Garden. Carolyn helped found The Friends of the L. M. Montgomery Institute at UPEI as well as the L. M. Montgomery Literary Society.