Writers @ the Library

Libraries are synonymous with reading, but the flip-side of that is writing. Without writers, we wouldn’t have all of those books on the shelves, on audiobooks, and in eBook form.

There are a wide variety of authors, both local and not, coming to the Anchorage Public Library before summer arrives.

Animals are a frequent subject of children’s books, including those by Alaskan authors Tricia Brown (Groucho’s Eyebrows), Elizabeth O’Connell (Apun the Arctic Fox), and Barbara and Ethan Atwater (How Raven Got His Crooked Nose: An Alaskan Dena’ina Fable). Brown will be doing a presentation called “Sled Dogs and Other Amazing Animals” for those critter-lovers in the crowd.

For teens, we have Brendan Kiely, author of the best-selling novel All American Boys. This story about two young men, one black and one white, follows their journey as they navigate the fallout of extreme police brutality and the media storm that results from it.

Adults have plenty to look forward to as well. Have you heard of Alaska Reads? It’s a biennial statewide reading program featuring selected books by living Alaskan authors. The selection for 2017-2018 is Steam Laundry by Nicole Stellon O’Donnell. It’s a novel made up of poems based on the true story of a miner’s wife during the gold rushes in Alaska and the Klondike. There will be events around this book, but the dates are still to be determined. Stay tuned!

Hugo and Nebula Award winner Seanan McGuire, who also writes under the name Mira Grant, will be making a trip north for a few appearances. Cordova author Cathy Pegau joins us in April—she writes historical mysteries set in Alaska as well as science fiction/romance.

On April 7, Beyond the Stacks, APL’s Friends of the Library annual fundraiser, will be held at the Anchorage Marriott Downtown.

Each table at the banquet will feature a different Alaska author in attendance. When was the last time you shared a meal with a real live author?

APL will be hosting the Alaska Authors Fair on May 5 in conjunction with the semi-annual library book sale. Bring your wallets and pick up some great bargains at the book sale, then save a few dollars to spend on new books at the fair.

Finally, author Amy Seek (God; Jetfire) will be presenting, and then participating with Sarah Mouracade to lead a weekend of writing seminars for birth mothers who have given their children up for adoption.

All that writerly stuff in just three short months! Check out the schedule below, or check the Library’s website for more details on these events.

March

Brendan Kiely – Thursday, March 8, 6:30pm, Loussac Library, Wilda Marston Theater
Tricia Brown – Saturday, March 17, 3pm, Loussac Library, Storytheater
Seanan McGuire – Tuesday, March 20, 5pm, Mountain View Library
Wednesday, March 21, 6pm, Chugiak-Eagle River Library
Thursday, March 22, 7pm, Loussac Library
Elizabeth O’Connell – Wednesday, March 21, 3pm, Loussac Library, Storytheater

April

Cathy Pegau – Wednesday, April 4, 7pm, Nerd Night @ 49th State Brewery
Thursday, April 5, 6:30pm, Loussac Library, Ann Stevens Room
APL Beyond the Stacks – Saturday, April 7, 5:30pm, Anchorage Marriott Downtown
Barbara & Ethan Atwater – Tuesday, April 10, 11am, Loussac Library, Storytheater

May

APL Friends of the Library – Friday, May 4 through Sunday, May 6, hours vary, Loussac Library
Alaska Authors Fair – Saturday, May 5, 10am-4pm, Loussac Library Atrium
Amy Seek – Friday, May 11, 6:30pm, Loussac Library, Wilda Marston Theater

Nancy Clark is a lifelong Alaskan raising her family in her hometown. She has more than 25 years’ experience as a librarian, and currently serves as manager of the Chugiak-Eagle River Branch of Anchorage Public Library. In her spare time, she reads, cooks, gardens, and writes fiction.