MENOMINEE, MICH. – Book lovers are invited to a literary adventure on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the M&M Authorfest in celebration of books, authors and community.
In partnership with The Book Nook of Menominee, Mich., the Friends of Spies Public Library will host this unique bookish event where visitors can browse books from 30 local and regional authors, meet them in person, have their books signed and speak with them about their work.
“I hope people take advantage of the opportunity to meet the authors behind the books,” said library director Tarra Gamelin.
“It’s easy to order a book online, but getting to talk with the person who wrote it, hear the inspiration behind the story and have them sign your copy is a really special experience.”
The day will also feature 10 book-themed vendors selling handmade, book-inspired merchandise, as well as the chance to enter a variety of book and gift basket raffles donated by each author. Proceeds from the raffles will go towards the Spies Public Library programs and services.
“One thing we really wanted to do was make it affordable for the authors to participate,” Gamelin explained.
“Instead of charging a booth fee, we asked each author to donate a raffle basket or item, and if the library didn’t already own their book, we asked them to donate a copy to our collection. That means the library gets to expand our collection with local and regional authors, the Friends of the Library would have a ton of raffle prizes for their fundraiser, authors get a chance to connect with readers without paying a vendor fee and attendees get to discover some incredible new books. It really felt like a win for everyone involved.”
Attendees can also find coffee and specialty beverages being served by Menominee River Roasters and a variety of treats served by Sugar Mama’s Sweet Shoppe. The event will take place in the Spies Public Library parking lot from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine.
While the space is being provided by the library, Gamelin says that The Book Nook did the “heavy lifting” throughout preparing for this project.
She said, “They have established relationships with authors and took the lead on recruiting participants… Neither of us could have created the same event on our own, together we’ve been able to build something much bigger.”
While vendors will be selling their books and merchandise throughout the afternoon, admission is free for this farmer’s market for book lovers, as Gamelin described it.
Local and regional authors to expect at Authorfest include K. Rose, Jeff Knight, Samara Reed, Kath Usitalo, Mikel Classen, Amy Frances, Mark Bearss, Rene Wildes and many
more. Attendees can expect a wide range of genres from romance and poetry to psychological thrillers and children’s books.
Whether guests are avid readers looking for their next favorite book or simply looking for a fun morning full of conversation and connection, they can find it all at Authorfest.
“I also hope people walk away realizing that our region is full of talented writers and creative people,” Gamelin said.
“If this event introduces someone to a new favorite author, encourages them to visit the library more often or simply reminds them how much they love books, then I’ll consider it a success.”
For a complete list of participating authors, visit www.spiespubliclibrary.org, or find Author Spotlights of featured writers leading up to the event on The Book Nook’s Facebook page.
Pass It Forward™ editorial is sponsored by Packers Give Back, Nicolet National Bank and the National Trust for Local News.
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