Library seeks area authors for signings

The Columbia County Library wants to help area authors gain exposure by inviting them to participate in a book signing and discussion.

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"I'm hoping that some authors who are published that we're not aware of will present themselves to us, and we can give them some exposure and maybe help their career," said Sherryl James, the library's reference service manager. "They'll be helping us also."

James said the library has offered the program since it opened in March 2006, and more than two dozen authors, including Naomi Williams, Karin Gillespie, Mary Ellen Cooper, Patricia Sprinkle and Terry Leiden, have participated.

James said some works are better suited for book signings as opposed to both a book discussion and signing

The program is open to self-published authors also. James said she tries to draw authors into the library's meeting room at least once each month.

"If it's going to be a book discussion and a signing, what we'll do is try to get out the information early, so that people can read the book," she said.

Once an author contacts the library, the date for the visit is set six months later.

"I try to do them on a Saturday or a Sunday, because that's when we get the most traffic through the building," she said. "We normally ask them to speak anywhere from 30 to 40 minutes, and do a little (question-and-answer session) with the audience."

Afterward, authors are allowed to sell their books to patrons.

If she thinks an author's book will be popular among guests, it will be added to the library's collection, James said, adding that she also gives the authors tips on how to add their work to other area libraries.

She said she reviews each book beforehand to ensure a book's material is suitable for the library's audience.

"There have been very few people that I have turned down," James said. "I try to preview the book beforehand, because of course, I hate to censor something, but if I feel something is very inappropriate or is not conducive for the library setting, then I do leave myself that option."

For information, or to sign up for an author visit and book signing, contact James by calling the reference desk at (706) 863-1946.