Mill Valley Public Library Launches Fireside Reading LIVE Series With Talented Audio Book Narrators Bringing Stories To Life

The following news release was submitted for publication on behalf of the Mill Valley Public Library:

There was a time when reading aloud was a veritable pastime among friends, family, lovers, even strangers in pubs. This Sunday, the Mill Valley Library is bringing that pastime back with the launch of Fireside Reading LIVE; a new series featuring talented audio book readers reading short stories under a cathedral ceiling in a cozy wood-paneled library next to a one-of-a-kind oversized fireplace.

Library guests will be invited to turn off their devices and indulge in the pleasure of being read to. The Sunday evening sessions, from 5 to 6 P.M., will combine an array of beautiful elements including the resonant sounds of human voice, the power of story and a shared experience among neighbors and strangers alike. The inaugural Fireside Reading Live will take place the Sunday, September 14 with a reading by renowned audio book narrator Simon Vance.

Simon Vance has narrated more than 700 audiobooks, and earned over twenty Earphones Awards from AudioFile magazine. He is a former BBC Radio presenter and newsreader, and a full-time actor who has appeared on both stage and television. Vance has won accolades from across the publishing world and beyond for his masterful ability to bring books to life.

“We’ve seen demand for e-audio books double in the past year,” said Cara Brancoli, Senior Reference Librarian at the Library and curator of the program. “It’s clear that people love listening to the spoken word. We wanted to create a series that answered that demand and built connection among our patrons at the same time.”

Each week’s Fireside LIVE reading is selected by a group of expert librarians who pool their literary knowledge to come up with engaging story selections. The series is designed to initially feature short stories read by talented orators on a wide variety of subject matter from classics and contemporary humor to everything in between. As the series develops, reading selections will include novels that may be read over the course of several Sundays.

Registration for the Fireside Reading LIVE events is encouraged but not required. Registration is available on the library’s Program and Events website page.

(Image via Shutterstock)