One of the main missions of libraries, including Fairfax County Public Library, is to support readers in the communities they serve – but did you know that we support local authors too? Throughout the year, FCPL offers local authors many opportunities to connect with fellow writers, enhance their skills and showcase their hard work. Since November is National Novel Writing Month, there is no better time than now to highlight these programs and resources.
Meet and Support Local Authors
Coming up on Saturday, November 15 is our biggest annual event for local authors, the Local Author Book Festival. This year’s festival will be held at City of Fairfax Regional Library and features an open house of over 30 local writers who are excited to discuss and showcase their work. Attendees of all ages are welcome to chat with authors, purchase a copy of their books and learn more about Fairfax County’s vibrant local writing scene. Other activities include fun for the whole family including balloon art and face painting, as well gift card giveaways.
Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library is partnering with local organization Letras Vivas DMV to host the Local Hispanic Authors Book Fair on Sunday, November 9 from 2-5 p.m. This event features 10-minute presentations from 15 authors, who will share their work and answer audience questions. The final 30 minutes of the event will consist of book sales and signings. In addition to these two larger events, our branches regularly host local and visiting authors for presentations and book signings. The work of these authors covers a variety of topics and appeals to readers across many age groups. Check out what author events we have on the schedule this month and beyond!
Hone Your Writing Skills
Whether you’ve never been published or you’re an experienced author looking for new sources of inspiration and feedback, connecting with fellow authors has never been easier than with FCPL. Currently, two of our branches offer regular meetups for local writers to share tips, give and get feedback on current projects, and offer support to each other. The Writers of Chantilly group meets bi-weekly at Chantilly Regional Library and describes themselves as “a diverse group of published and aspiring writers” that "transform our words and thoughts into creative stories that we share with each other for thoughtful discussion, positive direction and maximum impact.” The Thomas Jefferson Library Writers’ Group is a collection of writers that meets virtually each month to share work and tips in hopes of collectively improving their skills and uplifting one another.
And that is just the beginning! Several of our other branches offer other occasional writing programs for attendees of all ages. From memoir writing to creative writing, find an event at a library (or online near you) on FCPL’s online event calendar.
Read a Local Author, Be a Local Author
FCPL’s support of local authors doesn’t stop with events and programs. We carry more than 1,500 different items classified as local authors in our collection. Among these items you will find traditional books, eBooks, eAudiobooks and even DVDs, with a particularly large collection of children’s and picture books by local authors available. A complete list of local author materials available in our collection can be accessed on our online catalog.
Hoping to add your book to our collection? To be considered a local author by FCPL, you must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- live in Fairfax County
- work in Fairfax County
- own property/pay taxes in Fairfax County
- attend school in Fairfax County
AND
be a major contributor to the work, such as:
- author
- illustrator
- narrator
- actor
- editor
If you meet these criteria and wish to donate copies of your book to FCPL, please stop by any branch during operating hours and ask to speak to a manager. If you wish for FCPL to purchase copies of your book for inclusion in the system, fill out our Suggest A Title form.