In fact, this month Washington-Centerville Public Library is encouraging patrons to Read Local. Local authors often tell us they depend on the public library for not only research assistance when writing their books but also for helping them connect with readers and promoting their works.
In addition to including local works in the library collection (they can be easily found in the library catalog with a special local author designation), the Library offers events to connect readers and writers.
2nd Monday Authors: The second Monday of each month, the Library hosts two to five local authors in the lobby of Centerville Library. Writers get a chance to meet and mingle with their readers, or potential readers, and the Library gets the chance to showcase the local author collection. See our lineup of upcoming authors.
Author events: Other times, the Library hosts a speaker on a topic and that speaker has just happened to also author a book on the subject. In the coming weeks, WCPL will host authors Ray Szymanski to talk about UFOs and Hanger 18 and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and fiction author Jill Santopolo.
Writing contests: To inspire the next generation of writers, the Library also offers two writing contests — the Good Life Writing Contest for teens in grades 7-9 and the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition. Both contests encourage the budding writer and offer cash prizes.
For more information local authors and events, go online to www.wclibrary.info.
Georgia Mergler is community relations manager of the Washington-Centerville Public Library. She can be contacted by email at GMergler@wcpl.lib.oh.us.
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