Suburban libraries partner for National Novel Writing Month

Every year, more than 400,000 people across the world participate in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), a challenge to write a 50,000-word novel during the 30 days of November.

To help local writers, several suburbans libraries and NaperWriMo are joining together for the fourth annual "Library Crawl."

By attending write-ins at local libraries, writers collect cards, which can be exchanged for raffle tickets.

A prize drawing will occur at the "Thank Goodness It's Over" Party at 11:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.

The "Library Crawl" helps libraries pool their resources to cross-promote their write-ins and bring in new patrons. In addition to helping local writers reach their goals, the write-in helps them connect with each other. Many stay in touch after National Novel Writing Month.

This year's events kick off with a potluck lunch at 11:45 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Naperville Municipal Center.

Writers can be productive at an all-day write-in from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, in Meeting Room B at the Naperville Municipal Center.

New this year, authors from the Windy City Romance Writers of America will be hosting write-ins at the Plainfield Public Library on Tuesday, Nov. 6, and at the Wheaton Public Library on Thursday, Nov. 15.

For a full list of events, visit naperwrimo.org/events.

NaperWriMo is the Naperville chapter of National Novel Writing Month and is one of the most active chapters in the country. It is based in Naperville and covers the suburbs west of Chicago. Libraries participating in the "Library Crawl" include the following:

• Batavia Public Library

• Carol Stream Public Library

• Downers Grove Public Library

• Elmhurst Public Library

• Fountaindale Public Library (Bolingbrook)

• Geneva Public Library

• Glen Ellyn Public Library

• Joliet Junior College Library

• LaGrange Park Public Library

• Nichols Public Library (Naperville)

• North Riverside Public Library

• Plainfield Public Library

• Warrenville Public Library

• Woodridge Public Library

• Wheaton Public Library

• White Oak Public Library