The first "Read Local" Library Book Fair will take place at the Macon County Public Library on Saturday, November 8, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event will introduce the reading public to several of the local authors in our midst, and will support the growing “shop local” movement. More than 20 local authors will be at the library, some of whom are newly published and others who are seasoned authors. Cathy and John Sill, along with Loretta Holland, will have children’s books to entice you. Barbara McRae and Cherry Jackson will have some tempting local history, while Robert Shook will have historical fiction. Gary Carden and Eva McCall will offer a sampling of regional writing. And, of course, many more selections of non-fiction and fiction will be available.
Well-known writers with big marketing budgets don’t usually have trouble attracting readers, but many of our local authors have more of a challenge. They may be self-published, published by small presses, or their books may appeal to specialized audiences. The Read Local Library Book Fair gives these authors a forum to share their work by reading selections from their books and offering their books for sale (just in time for holiday gift-giving!). This event also gives community members and visitors an opportunity to learn more about the talent that can be found right here in Macon County and the surrounding area.
Franklin’s independent bookstore, Books Unlimited, will be on hand to help with book sales during the Fair. Many of the local authors sell their books year round through Books Unlimited in downtown Franklin.
Don’t want to buy more “things” to give as holiday gifts?
We’ll be offering alternatives that can help you with that. The Friends of the Macon County Public Library will have gift memberships available. The Friends of the Library help to support the Library by contributing funds for books, story times, and other special events. Or consider giving the gift of reading by purchasing a sponsorship for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Dolly’s program provides age-appropriate books each month directly to preschool children born in Macon County. While books are provided to each child free, sponsors can cover a cost of $30 per child each year.