19 Writers Spotlighted In Oak Lawn Library's Local Authors Showcase

OAK LAWN, IL — The Oak Lawn Public Library has assembled its largest in-house convention and celebration dedicated to spotlighting local writers – known as the Local Authors Showcase — to be hosted on Aug. 16.

Gather for an evening of dungeons, dragons, history, humor, thrillers, chillers, mayhem and murder at the Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 S. Raymond Ave. There’s no better place to celebrate the power of storytelling than the library, and that’s why 19 authors (and counting) – all based in the Oak Lawn area – have been invited to show off their work at the library’s largest event of its kind yet.

The library will be opening its doors from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 16, for guests to enjoy intimate readings, fun genre panels, and an exclusive in-library bookstore presented in partnership with Bookie’s Bookstore in West Beverly. This event is for book-lovers no matter where they’re from. The showcase will be in the lower level of the library. Readings and panels start at 7 p.m.

There’s a little something for everybody on the library’s lineup, who has invited brilliant creative minds to share their work across all genres. The roster includes Global Media Award recipient Melanie Holmes and Royal Dragonfly Book Award winner Rebecca Garner – plus 16 more writers behind lauded fantasy series, mysteries, and more. See the preview of all the featured authors.

“The library is on a mission to get Oak Lawn residents connected with the dedicated artists working in their own backyards,” said programming librarian Kate Donley. “It’s so exciting to have such a diverse range of storytellers among us, and we want to take this opportunity to celebrate and foster creativity in our neighborhood.”

The library will also be raffling off some great prizes: author Holmes will provide an “Illinois Love Basket” composed of handmade goods, memorabilia, and snacks from beloved locations across Illinois; and a bookworm-friendly prize package will be donated by Bookie’s. Light refreshments will be provided as well.

"After tabling at the Fan Fest in May, I realized just how strong of a book loving community there is here in Oak Lawn,” said Oak Lawn-native Myah Bawadi, author of Infinity Legion. “Once I heard about the showcase and how many incredible authors will be there, I knew I had to join in. It is always so great to interact with the authors in this area as they are such friendly and talented people with a passion for reading and writing. This showcase is sure to be a super fun time and I can't wait to be a part of it.”

The Local Author Showcase also serves as a preview for the library’s National Novel Writing Month programming this upcoming fall, including a fantasy world-building workshop, and a how-to session on independent and traditional publishing.

RSVP to lock in your attendance and receive announcements ahead of the event at Local Author Showcase. For more information, contact Programming Librarian Kate Donley at kdonley@olpl.org.

Here's the complete list of authors coming to the showcase:

• Alanna Turner
• Emily Hornburg
• Emily VanderBent
• Farrell McNulty
• Jennifer Worrell
• John Crivellone writing as Jack Crivalle
• Joseph Weisz
• Mark Edward Langley
• Melanie Holmes
• Myah Bawadi
• Nubia Shambee
• Pat Camalliere
• Ralph Rosenbrock
• Rebecca Garner
• Rose Gabler & Sheila Lamb-Gabler
• Sheila Maloney
• Tom Dobrez
• Zachary Jeffries