The pandemic caused plenty of challenges, but it also opened us up to a whole new world of connection through Zoom, webinars and other virtual events. Now, Summit County Library offers talks by bestselling authors virtually, two or three times a month.
The presentations screen nationally through libraries that join the efforts of the Library Speakers Consortium. Early last year, the group contacted Summit County Library to see if it would be interested in participating in the program, which delivers a variety of authors from different backgrounds who write in genres ranging from fiction and nonfiction, including memoir and poetry.
“I was intrigued because with our programming budget, we might be able to bring in one of these authors (in person) per year, but now, patrons can watch them from the comfort of their own home,” said Library Director Dan Compton.
The last few webinars have attracted 60 to 90 local library patrons. Amor Towles’s talk on Sept. 27 about writing three international bestsellers brought in 86 people; Rick Steves’ European travel tips drew 64 people, and Ruth Ware’s mystery writing led 71 people to tune in.
“I’ve been very impressed with the caliber of these folks,” Compton said about the authors. “I’m continually impressed with the variety and diversity of the authors. (The Library Speakers Consortium) is big on inclusion.”
Thursday, Joy Harjo will talk about why she writes. Harjo is the 23rd United States Poet Laureate — the first Native American to earn this honor and only the second person overall to hold it for three terms — and this year’s winner of Yale’s Bollingen Prize for American Poetry. She’ll talk about her most recent memoir, “Catching the Light,” as well as how being a writer and poet has been so rewarding.
In her memoir, she “examines the power of words and how poetry summons us toward justice and healing,” according to a press release. “Comprised of intimate vignettes that take us through the author’s life journey as a youth in the late 1960s, a single mother and a champion of Native nations, this book offers a fresh understanding of how poetry functions as an expression of purpose, spirit, community and memory.”
On Nov. 30, Naomi Aldermen will discuss the power of women in science fiction, as well as dystopian worlds. Dec. 5, young adult fantasy fiction writer Victoria Aveyard will talk about world building, followed by a Dec. 12 presentation on motherhood, hunger and higher education with Stephanie Land.
The list continues with various authors and topics, such as upcoming discussions about retirement plans and the “lure and lies” of processed food.
Anyone can register for the webinars, even if they do not have a library card. Within the online registration, which only asks for your name and email address, you can ask any questions you might have for the author. During the live events, authors will cover as many questions from attendees as time allows. All webinars are recorded, so you can watch them at your leisure, even if you don’t sign up ahead of time. Summit County library provides an entire page of upcoming presentations and past recordings to view under Events/Virtual Author Presentations.
So far, patron response has been extremely positive, Compton said.
“I love these programs and very much appreciate being able to participate remotely,” wrote patron Barb Bretz. “We spend part of our year out of the country, so I often tune in from Spain. I also appreciate the option of watching the recorded presentation since we are eight hours ahead of my local mountain time zone back in the USA. I especially loved the interview with John Irving. He’s been one of my favorites forever, and ‘A Prayer for Owen Meany’ is still in my top three of all time. Thanks so much for organizing and providing this wonderful opportunity. I’m thrilled my local library is part of this program.”
Since the Library Speakers Consortium offers so many diverse speakers, there’s something for everyone.
“Maybe not all of them would interest everybody, but these are authors you’ve probably heard of, and they have interesting things to share,” Compton said. “It’s free, so anyone can enjoy it.”
Summit County Library hopes to schedule live watching parties, particularly for children’s authors this summer. The library also offers at least one copy — and other books — by the authors, within its digital and physical collection.