Book Lovers

Huntsville-Madison County Public Library is the first ever recipient of "The Romance Writers of America Library Grant." The grant is designed to provide a public library the opportunity to build or expand its romance fiction collection and/or host romance fiction programming. Fortunately, the library will be doing both. HMCPL's winning program is called "Book Lovers," and will include workshops, author appearances, and displays of new romance materials at all library locations.

Over the summer, all branches will feature displays of romance fiction and audiobooks. The displays will include some of the new materials purchased through the grant as well as "read-a-like" guides for readers looking for new authors. Through a special partnership with the "Heart of Dixie" Chapter of Romance Writers of America, the library will present a series of  writing workshops and author appearances. Click here for a brochure of Book Lover Events.

The final Romance Writers event is on Friday, August 27. Romance writers will converge on the Main Library on Monroe Street for a mass author appearance. Writers will be throughout the Atrium on the first floor, discussing and signing their books. Barnes & Noble Booksellers will be on hand to sell books. This event, from 2-5 p.m., is free and open to the public.

If you are a librarian and would like to attend the GENRES 2010: Romance Fiction one-day training conference on collection development and programming for romance fiction, please visit http://hmcpl.org/genres for information on how to register.

"Book Lovers" is sponsored by the Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Romance Writers of America, the Heart of Dixie Chapter of RWA, the Public Library Association, and the Friends of the Library.

Author Appearances

Romance Writers Book Signing

• Date: Friday, August 27, 2-5 p.m.
• Location: Main Library, 915 Monroe Street
• Cost: free of charge

Meet and greet dozens of romance writers in the Main Library's atrium. Barnes & Noble Booksellers will be on hand to sell books, and authors will discuss their books and autograph. Free of charge.