The Flossmoor Public Library recently announced the launch of a new “Local Author Collection,” starting in 2024 as part of a strategic plan for 2024-2026. To assist the launch of this new collection, the library will be hosting a Local Author Fair in the spring of 2024.
Library Director Jamie Paicely said the impetus for the creation of the new collection was to help celebrate and support the village’s upcoming 100th birthday.
“We haven’t really thought about doing it annually, as this is our first time attempting anything like this,” Paicely said. “We are launching our local author collection in celebration of Flossmoor’s 100th year celebration next year in the spring.”
The purpose of the Local Author Collection of the Flossmoor Public Library is to support local authors/creators/illustrators and to make those works available for the community to enjoy.
“We thought this is a way that we could support the village’s birthday as well as recognize those in our community who have written books and getting them into other peoples’ hands,” Paicely said.
There are some general guidelines to follow when entering for the collection. Materials must be in print format and professionally bound. No spiral bindings will be accepted.
Materials that are accepted to the Local Author collection at the Flossmoor Public Library will be subject to the same standards as any other library materials. This may include re-evaluation or removal from the collection at any time. Items removed from the Local Author collection will be designated for sale in the library book sale or for recycling.
Materials accepted at the Flossmoor Public Library will be shelved in the designated Local Author shelving area. A “Local Author” sticker will be affixed to the item. All items in the Local Author collection will circulate to library patrons, including via interlibrary loan. The author represents and warrants full ownership and/or legal rights to publish all materials in this book, including artwork. Those materials not accepted will be returned to the author/submitter.
The event is still half a year away. Nevertheless, the library will be taking submissions from local authors from Nov. 1 to Feb. 29, 2024. All local authors who submit their items, will be considered for participation in the Local Author Book Fair in the spring of 2024.
Each local author submission should include a copy of the Local Author Submission Form, a list of all published materials, and at least one copy of a published title to be donated to the Local Author Collection.
In order to submit, all applicants must have a current or past affiliation with Flossmoor directly. Examples of this would be an applicant that has attended school, lived, or worked in the community of Flossmoor.
The local author submission form is available for pick up at the library, 1000 Sterling Ave. in Flossmoor, or can be downloaded from the library website.
Completed submissions may be dropped off at the library during open hours.