The Read Local Book Fairs continue to be big events for communities served by The Fontana Regional system. In November 2016, Macon County Public Library hosted their 3rd annual Fair, while Jackson County Public Library went forward with their 2nd annual program. In addition, the Marianna Black Library in Swain County wrapped up the offering with their inaugural Fair.
The current format is to host 3 separate events over 3 consecutive weekends, each featuring authors local to their county, along with a few “guest” authors who are either regionally based or who have the region as a topic or setting. The Fairs are not only promoting reading and literacy, but also the “Shop Local” theme of contributing to the local economies. Authors not only meet and converse with attendees, but also sign and sell copies of their work. The libraries also partner with local bookstores.
By hosting the Book Fairs, the libraries attract many more patrons than the authors could achieve in individually hosted programs, making it a “win-win” for the authors and the attendees -- here are some authors’ quotes regarding the most recent event: “It was wonderful meeting so many people!”; “Everything was well done!”; “Well organized in every way”; “It brings the authors together and it publicizes each of them individually”.
