By Emily Burleigh

The inaugural Local Authors Autograph Party is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 13, in the meeting room of the Vernon Parish Library, 1401 Nolan Trace in Leesville.

Twelve authors from Vernon and surrounding parishes will gather to sign and sell their books: James Bonner, Nancy El Koubi, Leanne Jeane, Michael Kuk, Dawn Miller, Dustin Midkiff, Joe Pool, Nedra Rutherford, Carol Shaw, Dametra Taylor, Kathy Ann Taylor and Char White.

Brenda Franklin, archives director at the library, said the autograph party was organized to “inspire, educate and connect people on a much deeper level.” Events like an author autograph party can help members of a rural community realize their potential and receive personal guidance from locals who have achieved literary success.

“By engaging with authors one-on-one you can better understand their journey in the literary field, learn about possible struggles and solutions that may occur, share personal stories, and create a lasting memory and connection that can help shape an individual. Seeing others in the community achieve success can make success feel more tangible and attainable. It demonstrates that success is not restricted to distant or famous figures but that you can achieve your goals no matter where or who you are.”

To curate a more intimate and one-on-one experience for guests, there will be no organized readings from the authors, she said.

“This gives our community the opportunity to be able to come and go throughout the allotted time and not miss any aspect of it.”

The library has hosted individual author autograph events before, but nothing of this scale, she said. In addition to the autograph portion of the event, there will be a Mother Goose club children’s storytime reading in the Children’s Wing.

During storytime, librarians use books, electronic books, felt boards and puppets to create memorable experiences and instill the “love of reading in our children through lively storytelling,” she said.

Mother Goose Club occurs every Wednesday and Saturday at 10 a.m.

The Vernon Parish Library Mobile Branch will also be set up outside. The Mobile Branch has provided library services to rural areas and some assisted living facilities in Vernon Parish since 1965. The 35 unit travels about 1,000 miles a month, carrying over 2,300 books and 350 audio-visuals. The mobile unit also offers internet services, printing and copying and library cards.

As of April 10, the schedule for the Mobile is:

• Monday: Kurthwood 8:15-10:30 a.m. Woodlands Nursing Home; 11 am-12:30 p.m. Kurthwood Store Old Post Office, La. 117; 1-1:30 p.m. Lunch; 1:45-2:45 p.m. Leesville Elderly Apartments, 8396 La. 117.

• Tuesday: Evans 8:45-11:30 a.m. Evans Community Center, La. 111 W; 11:30am-12:30pm Lunch; 12:45-2:00PM TidBits & Tackles, La. 111

• Wednesday: Rosepine 8-9:15 a.m. New Llano Senior Apartments; 9:45-11:15 a.m. Masonic Lodge Rosepine; 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Lunch; Every Other Wednesday 12:30-2:30 p.m. Rosepine Nursing Home; 1:30-2:30 p.m. Sunshine Apartments.

• Thursday: Anacoco/Hornbeck 8:30-11:30 a.m. Anacoco Senior Center, 1716 Front St; 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lunch; 12:45-2:45 p.m. Hornbeck Senior Center U.S. 171 N.

• Friday: Hicks 7:45-8:30 a.m. Hicks Store, 3408 La. 121; 9:15 a.m.-noon Simpson 1st Baptist Church; 12-1 p.m. Lunch; 1:15-2:45 p.m. Slagle Senior Center, 8841 La. 8

This event is just a drop in the bucket of resources that the library has to offer, Franklin explained.

“With a wealth of online resources, dedicated children’s programs, and a steadfast dedication to preserving local history, the library remains an invaluable asset to the community. Whether you’re seeking educational support or simply a welcoming space to connect, explore, and learn, the Vernon Parish Library is here to serve and enrich the lives of all who walk through its doors.”

For more information on the autograph party and library resources, call 337-239-2027 or 800-737-2231.