Public libraries all across America have supplied readers with books since the early 1800s. While fee-based subscription libraries existed before then, the first tax-supported library providing services at no cost to borrowers was established in New Hampshire in 1833. While there were a number of attempts to provide library services locally in the 1930s and 1940s, the establishment of the “Bowling Green City Library” by city ordinance in 1953 created a solid funding stream, and the 1956 opening of a new facility on State Street solidified the public library’s presence. Since then, thousands of community members in town and throughout the county have been able to browse and borrow to their hearts’ content. The transition into a county system in 2007 enabled us to reach even more readers, and while our name, look, logo and book formats have changed over time, our community’s love of reading has not.
To expand excitement and to encourage the enjoyment of books and reading even more, the library began hosting special programs featuring local, state, and regional authors. Nationally-known authors were brought into the mix in 2009, one year after adults were included in the summer reading program and one year before we began offering access to e-books. Since that time, we have worked both individually and with community partners to bridge the divide between readers and authors/illustrators, illuminating the lives and the works of those who create the stories that readers hold dear.
The list of authors and illustrators the library helped bring to Bowling Green over the past two decades is long and illustrious. Some visiting authors were at the beginning of their careers, some on the cusp of success, and others were legends of the publishing industry. Special guests have included best-selling authors and artists, well-known celebrities and athletes, and award-winners galore. With fiction and non-fiction titles, topics have ranged from mysteries to romances, true crime to poetry, autobiographies to travel guides, and beyond. Creators of books for adults, teens, and children of all ages have filled library meeting rooms and local conference centers, making memories for young and old alike.
This month, WCPL is excited to present a number of author events, and (spoiler alert!) we will have even more scheduled this fall!
To start the month, we will partner with the Aviation Heritage Park and Museum Sunday, July 7, at 3pm to co-host a presentation by Sherri Smith, acclaimed author of Flygirl, and Elizabeth Wein, bestselling author of Code Name Verity. They co-wrote American Wings: Chicago’s Pioneering Black Aviators and the Race for Equality in the Sky, a thrilling and inspiring true story. Free tickets to the event, which will take place at the park’s museum located at 1825 Three Springs Road, are available through the library’s calendar of events.
Following that, on Thursday, July 11, at 6pm at the Lisa Rice Library, mystery and legal suspense lovers will enjoy a free presentation by best-selling authors Colleen Coble and Rick Acker, authors of What We Hide. It is the first title in a new series about “family secrets, historical wrongs, and the truths that refuse to stay buried.” Tickets can be reserved through the library’s calendar of events, as well.
To round out the month, on Monday, July 29, at 6pm Agatha Christie fans will particularly enjoy a presentation by Michelle Kazmer at the Bob Kirby Branch. Since 2014, Dr. Kazmer has researched Golden Age detective fiction with a focus on Agatha Christie and is part of the global community of “Agathologists” who study the acclaimed author. Leading up to the event will be the “Agatha Christie Book Spoiler Club” that will meet every Monday of this month at the Historic RailPark. Tickets for the presentation and details for the book club are available at warrenpl.org/events, too.
The final piece of exciting information (that we will share in more detail in next month’s article) is our announcement of “Back to Back Books,” a new book lovers festival presented by WCPL scheduled for Saturday, September 21! Keynote presentations will take place at the Capitol and an author hall will be hosted nearby at One Roof Event Space (400 East Main). Keynote speakers will include Jamie Ford (fiction); Lisa Gardner (mystery); Dr. Joshua Bennett (slam poetry); Blake Crouch (science fiction); and Maggie Stiefvater (young adult). Additional authors will be in the author hall; those will be announced at a later date. This event is free and will be open to all. For future announcements and updates, sign up for our online newsletter at warrenpl.org, or follow us on social media.
-by Ashley Fowlkes
Digital Content Manager, Warren County Public Library
