Local Authors Expo Great Place to Shop for Literary Gifts

Start your holiday shopping with a visit to the Birmingham Public Library’s Local Authors Expo. The Sixth Annual Local Authors Expo is an extraordinary event showcasing Alabama authors and their books, including independent press and self-published titles. Shoppers will be able to meet each writer, purchase books, and obtain personalized autographed copies. The expo is Saturday, December 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Central Library. The goal of the expo is to increase awareness of self-published authors in the state and provide a forum for them to connect with community members and library patrons.

In addition to the expo, the library is hosting a program for aspiring authors titled “Every Writer Needs an Editor.” This 60-minute program, presented by freelance editor Liz Reed, will outline steps in the process of getting your book into print. “Every Writer Needs an Editor” takes place from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. in the Richard Arrington Auditorium. There is no charge for the program; however, reservations are requested, http://everywriterneedseditor.eventbrite.com.

The Local Authors Expo was started by the library's Collection Management division to spotlight the wide range of authors in the Birmingham area. Acquisitions Librarian Jared Millet, also an author and Birmingham's liaison for National Novel Writing Month, says, "Birmingham is overflowing with literary talent and creativity, so the expo is an event that really resonates with our community. For holiday gift-giving, it's a great opportunity to meet the authors and purchase unique gifts that you might not find in traditional retail outlets."

There are more than 90 authors of both adult and youth titles registered for the expo. Several of the writers registered for the expo include Antonee Boykin, Alex and Tony Learn to be Gentleman; Nancy Dorman Hixson, Diplomacy and Diamonds; Keisa Sharpe, An Easy Natural Hair Care Guide; and J.D. Weeks, Birmingham Then and Now.

The Local Authors Expo is presented by the Friends of the Birmingham Public Library. The Friends of the Birmingham Public Library is a nonprofit association that supports Birmingham Public Library special needs by providing volunteer and financial resources. For more information, visit http://www.bplonline.org/programs/LocalAuthors/.