advertisement

Meet suburban authors at Vernon Hills library fair

More than a dozen Lake County writers will chat with fans - and hopefully make new ones - at the Cook Memorial Public Library District's Local Author Fair.

The third annual gathering is set to run from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Aspen Drive Library, 701 Aspen Drive, Vernon Hills.

The participating writers pen coming-of-age stories, historical fiction, murder mysteries, poetry and other types of books. All of them live in Lake County - that's the primary rule for the event.

"It allows us to introduce our patrons to the wealth and diversity of literary talent in Lake County," said Erica O'Rourke, a popular services assistant with the library district and the employee overseeing the fair. "Meeting an author face-to-face in such a relaxed setting gives the reader a chance to determine if a book is right for them in a really unique way."

Those exchanges also give readers a glimpse into the writing life, O'Rourke said, and could inspire people to begin their own writing projects.

The 16 authors scheduled to participate include mystery novelist Sue Myers, poet Jason Shimberg, romance novelist Rachelle Paige, fantasy writers Cheryl Stevens Clark and John Reed Clark, novelist Mary Driver-Thiel and romance and thriller novelist CJ Warrant.

Warrant, a Hainesville resident whose latest book is called "Mirror Image," is attending the fair for the first time.

"Events like these helps to get my name and books out to the public," she said. "And I love to meet readers and talk to them about my books."

Writing tends to be a solitary activity. O'Rourke believes events like the fair can help counteract that isolation and even build a sense of community for participating authors.

Writers will have copies of their books for sale.

The library also asks each writer to donate a copy of their work to the Cook Memorial collection. Those books will be added to a display at the Cook Park Library in Libertyville that highlights local authors.

Admission to the author fair is free. Registration isn't necessary.

For details, call (847) 362-2330 or visit cooklib.org.

New library director has big plans

Aspen Drive Library in Vernon Hills turning 5 with a party

Aspen Library expansion likely won't start until 2019

  Cook Memorial Public Library District employee Erica O'Rourke adjusts a display of books by local writers Thursday at the Cook Park Library in Libertyville. The district will host a Local Author Fair on Jan. 13. Steve Lundy/slundy@dailyherald.com
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.