Local authors gather for an evening

Times Reporter

 

Libraries can be considered dusty, old places filled with books and not much to do. Jennifer Young, Library Technician at Crowther Memorial Junior High, CMJH, is trying to change that outlook. 

“We’re trying to do things…in the library, we’ve made a lot of changes there this year, just to keep it current and interesting,” said Young.

“Most people think of libraries as this big room with dusty books in it, and we’re really trying to change that.” 

Once or twice a month she tries to bring in different people within the community to speak to the kids. Young had contacted Aviva Bel’Harold, who had done some author readings at the school before, about bringing her back to the school over lunch hour to talk about her new book. Bel’Harold told Young she would go one better and bring a few of her colleagues with her. Derek Donais, Jo-Anne Sieppert, Arnold Henry and Tracy Blaine will all be the first, hopefully annual, Authors Evening.

“It’s just a fun evening. It’s four authors and an editor who are coming. I believe most of them are self-published,” said Young,

“So they’re just talking about their books, and the self publishing route, and the editor is going to talk about what needs to be done and stuff like that.”

Young said this time they are bringing in all local authors but next time may try to bring in authors from out of town. The authors range from teen fiction to fantasy, and Young said it promises to be a fun evening. Most of them will have their books for sale, and Young is hoping for a group of 30 people. 

“Anybody is welcome, parents, students, anyone interested in writing themselves, are all welcome as well,” said Stephanie Koller, who is helping organize the evening.  

The Author evening begins at 7 p.m. in the CMJH library on May 11.