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The event, held at Headquarter’s Library, allows local writers to showcase their work to the community. Held annually since 2008, the Local Author Showcase, sponsored by the Friends of the CCPL brings recognition to the accomplishments of local authors wanting to share their work.
This year’s showcase will feature 23 authors representing fantasy/sci-fi, poetry, memoir, biography, Christian literature, self-help, conflict-management and YA literature. The criteria for submission into the showcase are simple: fill out an application, be local to the Sandhills region, and books must be published traditionally or independently (which includes self-publication). While not all books are accepted, in a push to support local writers, the library makes an extraordinary effort to approve as many applications as possible.
“It can be difficult for self-published and first-time authors to compete with larger publishers, and the showcase gives them a platform to reach readers they may never have reached before. We want our readers to connect with the writers of their community while discovering their next good — or great — read,” Adult Services Librarian, Casey Ausborn told Up & Coming Weekly.
The two-hour event is yet another way the Cumberland County Public Library strives to bring relevant and engaging events, opportunities and activities to the citizens it serves.
“A common phrase in libraries is, ‘every reader their book; every book its reader,’” Ausborn shared. “We hope to connect readers with stories and writers that will impact them, whether through seeing themselves represented in a story or successful author or through the sharing of thoughts and ideas.”
Another avenue for connection between local authors and their potential fan base is the circulation of their books. The Headquarters Branch also houses the library system’s Local Author Collection, which is entirely populated by North Carolina writers. The uncataloged collection of books is available year-round and works on an honor system for check-out.
“Before the book is placed on the shelf, a review card is placed in it,” Ausborn explained. “Patrons ... are encouraged to fill out the card and return it with the book. The library may elect to purchase a copy of a book for inclusion in the circulating collection if it receives positive reviews.”
This practice is an excellent opportunity for patrons to directly contribute to the thoughts, ideas, and stories circulated within the library and out into the greater community.
In addition to providing a platform for local authors, the event will also provide resources for aspiring authors. Two writing groups: Off the Page and Write On, Right Now, will be onsite during the event to offer resources for those just starting their writing journey.
Ausborn and CCPL hope the event encourages everyone to come out and support their friends, neighbors and family members as they courageously push their creations out into the world. The event is meant to bridge the stories people tell and the stories people need to hear.
“This event is open to everyone,” said Ausborn. “By supporting these events, the library opens the door for a two-way connection between our local authors and readers. It’s for anyone looking for their next good read or looking to start their writing career!”
The Local Author Showcase is free and open to the public and will be held in the Pate Room of the Headquarters Library at 300 Maiden Lane. For more information about the Cumberland County Library and its events, visit www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/library-group/library.