TINA PEPLINSKIE

tina.peplinskie@sunmedia.ca

Local authors, book publishers and distributors had an opportunity to mix and mingle with each other and the public recently as the Pembroke Public Library held its first-ever book fair.

The event came about after a request from other libraries that wanted an opportunity to connect with publishers and authors in one location, particularly because many rural authors don't have wholesalers, explained Margaret Mau, library chief executive officer.

She added the library has made an effort to focus on and help promote local writers so the majority of those taking part in the book fair were from Renfrew County. Taking part in the book fair were 11 authors and four companies and it had visitors from libraries in Beachburg, Petawawa and Head, Clara and Maria.

"This is a very good networking opportunity and I think it has been a fabulous success," Ms. Mau said. "We're happy with the response for a first-time event."

Among the featured authors was Courtney Maika of Petawawa, who had her novel A Forest of Gold published last fall. She was impressed by how well organized the event was, especially since it was a first-time endeavour. She enjoyed speaking with the other exhibitors and said having an opportunity to mingle with them added to the experience.

Alison Roesler of General Store Publishing House in Renfrew added it was nice to see various levels of the publishing industry represented at the event.

Surveys will be distributed to exhibitors and people who attended to gauge the interest in having another book fair, Ms. Mau noted.

Tina Peplinskie is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist