In early 2006, Louis Solomon decided with some friends that it would be a good idea to establish a “Local Authors Corner” in a library in Montgomery County Maryland. The concept was that the citizens of Montgomery County could go to their local library and check out the books, which would be donated to the library by local authors. The support for this concept among the local authors was quite strong; the Montgomery County Library System was hesitant, but thought it was worth trying.
The experiment began in October of 2006. In October 2007, a reception was held at the Gaithersburg Regional Library, one of the 20 in the Montgomery County Library System to recognize the completion of the first year of the experiment. There were 75 citizens of all ages who attended. They heard that over 55 local authors had donated their books to the Local Authors Corner. The books were entered in the database of the Montgomery County Library System, and they were being checked out. Some patrons were even on a waiting list!
The Montgomery County Council recognized the value of the Local Authors Corner by issuing a proclamation to that effect. The Local Authors Corner has increased the participation of the citizens in using the library system as a whole, and it has provided emotional support to Local Authors by having their books available to be read by their friends and neighbors.
The variation of books in the Local Authors Corner is substantial. There are novels, children’s books, poetry, technical manuals, histories, and many others. The single common element is that the books are written by Local Authors.
The Friends of the Library have recognized the value of the Local Authors Corner and are taking steps to start one in a library in another part of the county. It is anticipated that the number of authors who donate their books to the Local Authors Corner will continue to increase.
Pearl River Publishing is a direct outgrowth of this effort. We are focused on helping local authors get their books ready for publication, publish their books, and help them place their books in the local libraries, as well as with book dealers who will sell their books to the local residents.
We will be happy to work with any library that wishes to follow in the footsteps of the Local Authors Corner in the Gaithersburg Regional Library. Please get in touch with us if you wish help.
Pearl River Publishing has its roots in the library system. Books sold to libraries will be offered at the same rate that we sell to book dealers, which is 75% of the retail price of the book. Under certain conditions, these prices can be adjusted.
Our authors are interested in holding readings and actively participating in programs with their local libraries. We will be happy to facilitate any requests from libraries.
