West Friends of Library Host Authors, Book Signing

In a western-themed event, the West Chapter of the Friends of the Gwinnett Library teamed up with the Gwinnett County Public Library to bring in three top Georgia authors for a book-signing event.

The event, titled the "Readin' -n- Writin' Round-Up," took place at the Norcross Cultural Arts Center in downtown Norcross Thursday (April 24). The evening began with an array of silent auction items, food, wine along with entertainmrnt provided by local musicians James Case and Charles Jundt.

The Friends of the Library Western Chapter is a brand new venture for the Gwinnett County Public Library, which will be creating more chapters that will focus on several communities rather than the entire county.

"We are the pilot," said Pat Bruschini, one of the founding members. "Other chapters will be forming later this year. The idea is to eventually have five chapters."

The West Chapter focuses on the literary needs and interests of the Norcross, Peachtree Corners and Duluth communities.

The new chapter has already secured a $1,000 grant from the Gwinnett Braves which will be used to purchase bilingual books for the Norcross branch, said Bruschini.

The committee members are Anne Case, Pat Bruschini, Linda O'Connor. Sue Golubic, Jan Huskey, Janet Watkins, Dee Dee Portman, Pat Kaemmerling and Elisabeth Roed.

Its purpose is to establish a network of book clubs, share book recommendations and promote future author events. For more information on the West Chapter, contact Pat Bruschini by email.

Over 75 attended the event to hear the authors Wendy Wax, Claire Cook and Cindy Woodsmall tell their stories on how they got their start writing novels and what inspires them to write.

The evening concluded with each of the authors signing their latest releases.

Wax's newest release, "While We Were Watching Downton Abbey," is the story of four people who meet through Downton Abbey viewing parties and develop bonds that help them through some of life’s toughest moments.

Cook, whose book "Must Love Dogs" was made into a movie, has a new release, "Time Flies" about what it takes to conquer your worst fears so you can start living your future.

Woodsmall's newest release is the second in a series about an Amish family.

~ Peachtree Corners Patch