Brunswick County Libraries designate Local Author sections
When the Branch Managers of Brunswick County Libraries met on April 13 this year, they agreed that they wanted to shed a light on local authors. So many talented writers make Brunswick County their home. Ultimately, they decided to designate a special “Local Authors” shelf in each of the five library branches. Now your neighbors who have worked hard to use their talents and passion to publish books will be easier to enjoy!
All branches of the Brunswick County Library system have set aside unique spaces for local authors’ books where they will be displayed and available for check-out. Maurice Tate, Brunswick County Library Director stresses that the libraries want readers and writers to feel appreciated.
According to Lisa Milligan, librarian and Branch Manager at Leland Library, the idea was simple. “We just wanted to support our local authors by putting their work on display for all to enjoy!”
The Leland Library is happy to support local authors. Its special shelf is in a sunny window illuminating the collection. The Rourk Library (Shallotte) and Barbee Library (Oak Island) invite readers to peruse the books in their original displays.
The Margaret and James Harper, Jr. Library in Southport boasts an extensive North Carolina Collection with a shelf dedicated to local authors. A yellow tab on the binding denotes a North Carolina book. Other North Carolina and locally-authored books are also interspersed with appropriate sections of fiction, non-fiction, juvenile or children.
These newly dedicated shelves offer local authors opportunities for book exposure. The commitment it takes to bring a book to print is considerable this new decision by the local libraries offers a feeling of encouragement for those who accomplished the task.
The books on these shelves come in a variety of subjects and genres including children’s picture and chapter books, fiction and non-fiction for all ages, biography, and memoir offering unique perspectives from the Brunswick County area.
Book clubs are invited to check out these local authors for reading and group discussion. Additional copies can be obtained from the authors. New authors are encouraged to submit books to their local branch for review by librarians and the director of libraries, Maurice Tate, for inclusion in the Brunswick County Library system.
Groups such as the North Carolina Writers Network Brunswick meet monthly in local libraries. This group has been meeting in Shallotte at the Rourk Library. Soon it will begin holding its meetings at the new Southwest Brunswick branch in Calabash. The NC Writers’ Network “connects, promotes, and serves the writers of this state” and advocates for local authors.
Brunswick County Libraries appreciate the reciprocal support from the community.
Browse the Local Authors’ shelf at your library. Show your support for the Brunswick County Libraries, librarians, local authors and community.
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