Alberta Authors featured at Strathmore library

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Owing to a collaboration between three institutions, Alberta authors – including Strathmore’s own – are receiving well-deserved recognition while providing patrons a greater selection of books to read over the summer.
The Marigold Library System partnered up with the Book Publishers Association of Alberta,and the Writers’ Guild of Alberta to offer the Read Alberta Books display that is currently showcased at the Strathmore Municipal Library.
Eager to get first dibs at the collection, the library is the first Marigold member library to feature the selection before it travels to its next destination in just over a week’s time.
“The book publishing market in Canada is really tough and to get publicity is really difficult for Alberta authors, so this is kind of a way to promote them and help people discover great local literature that they may not otherwise have access to,” said Rachel Dick Hughes, director of library services in Strathmore.
“We booked it as fast as we could. Sometimes people come and see the stacks and it’s just overwhelming. Or they just pick the same popular authors they’ve always read … we’re hoping by having them featured they will step out of their comfort zone a little bit and discover this.”
Library staff supplemented 11 of the 40 books with Strathmore authors to provide a greater local presence among the selection.
With a wide variety of topics, the display offers books ranging in genres from short stories to fiction to non-fiction. Amidst the literature are some familiar names including Patricia Mullin, Derek Donais, Audrey Gene, and Denise Geremia.
Having lived in Strathmore for six years, Samantha Adkins, co-founder of the Strathmore Writers Group and author of eight books, held her first book signing at the local library and understands the importance of recognizing local talent.
“The library here has always been really supportive of my writing,” Adkins said. “Usually your first readers are people that you know, so people in your community. So having that at your local library is a great way for people to learn that you’re a writer. It’s just a way to get the word out and get new readers.”
The travelling display also includes Alberta award winning authors and nominees from 2014.
Excited about the display, Dick Hughes hopes the program will grow and include a greater children books variety.
The Read Alberta Books display has been available at the Strathmore Municipal Library since June 1, and patrons may still sign out books until July 9.