Library Rolls Out Red Carpet For Local Authors

Anyone who has ever wanted to meet a published author to talk about how they do what they do has a chance this Saturday. The opens the doors on its second annual Local Author Fair at 10:30 a.m.

This year’s event will feature a variety of published authors from Land O’ Lakes and surrounding communities, said Michelle Howard, the library’s public service librarian.

As far as genres represented, “there’s a little bit of everything,” Howard said. “(They) span memoirs, fiction, science-fiction/fantasy (and more).”

Authors include Dr. Mark J. Yacht, the retired director of the Pasco County Health Department. He now pens fiction in his spare time, Howard said.

Other writers are Tracy Akers, John Gutowski, Michele Hart, Ruby Agnir, Toni Martin, Janis Froelich, John Mooney, Ouida Walsh, Susan Noe Harmon, Eugene Hairston and Susan Adger, Chris Coad Taylor, Peter Clark, Gail Deiderich and Jared Sandman.

The event was created last year to help authors promote their books to local readers.

“(It’s) a way for all the authors to get a chance to get their names out there,” Howard said.

Last year's event drew in about 80 visitors. Howard expects a good turnout this year, as well.

Residents can stop by the 2818 Collier Parkway library between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to meet the authors. Many of the writers will have books available for sale and will be signing copies for readers, she added.