Social Library, Writers' Edition
This edition of the Social Library features libraries that are hosting programs and groups in support of emerging and established writers. Writers' groups are hosted regularly, some with visiting authors and others with specific guidelines for how to prepare writing for feedback. Other libraries are hosting writing conferences or indie author showcase events, and still others have established writer-in-residence programs. And one of the libraries is preparing for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November. Explore these approaches to supporting local writers in your community, and if you'd like to see your library featured in the Social Library series, please let us know via [email protected] or find us on Facebook.
- Spokane County Library District in Washington State is focusing their fall programming, including a weekend-long conference, on self-expression, writing and all things literary. A post last week, Words Fall Programs & NaNoWriMo Readiness Conference, outlines the range of upcoming events, including a poetry discussion series, writing workshops covering flash fiction, memoirs, getting started on fiction and nonfiction, and writing local and family stories. Patrons can also learn about digital self-publishing or attend creative crafting workshops for cross stitching, the art of the letterpress and up-cycling with ink stamps. And the two-day NaNoWriMo Readiness Conference will help prepare for National Novel Writing Month (www.NaNoWriMo.org) with panels and workshops taught by local experts, and opportunities to connect with fellow NaNoWriMo participants and meet other local authors and aspiring writers.
- Varnum Memorial Library in Vermont hosts a monthly Writer's Group, inviting writers to "bring 4 printed copies of not more than 4 double-spaced pages" to share with the group.
- Augusta County Library in Virginia has announced a new group, Memoir Writers, with dates for two-hour sessions throughout the fall. Patrons are invited to "bring your writings to share and get ideas to improve your narrative and prose."
- Yelm Timberland Library in Washington State hosts a Writers' Circle twice a month for adults, led by local author Sara Steinberg. Writers are invited to bring their work, questions and creativity to the interactive writers' group.
- Buffalo & Erie County Public Library - Central Library in New York is preparing for Indie Author Day 2016, with a call to local Erie County authors to sign up for the upcoming free showcase event on October 8. The event "offers local authors visibility to discuss their work, sell copies of their books and connect with other local writers." The post includes a link to an author application form.
- The Writers' Center at Scarsdale Public Library in New York was "established by the Scarsdale Public Library in corroboration with local writers to support writing of all genres, exchange of ideas and the intellectual life within our community." The Center offers a number of different programs and events, including Critique Groups and the Festival of Writing.
- And we learned about two different writer-in-residence programs in Canada. Winnipeg Public Library announced the selection of the first duo for the residency, Christine Fellows and John K. Samson, who, as the library's Writers-in-Residence, will provide online and in-person consultation with emerging and established writers of all genres. And Vancouver Public Library announced that award-winning Vancouver mystery author Sam Wiebe will serve as their library's new writer in residence. The program was created in 2005 and is in its 12th year promoting Canadian writing and literature to Vancouverites. This year's residency focuses on mystery and thriller genres.
Thanks to all of this week's featured libraries for such outstanding service to your communities!