Gilbert author a part of big book fair | Community

The Downtown Chandler Public Library’s Local Author Fair March 1-2 will showcase the creativity of about 30 authors and activities that include using a typewriter and making a zone.

Past writers-in-residence Robert Pela and Amy Fellner Dominy will share their expertise on  writing and the journey to getting published. 

 “We were inspired to create this event to celebrate local authors and provide them with a platform to connect with the community,” said Jennifer Vinikour. 

Vinikour, one of two adult services librarians at Chandler Public Library, and Katherine Silva, her counterpart at the Basha branch, organized the show.

“This year, our goal is to build on the success of last year’s fair by featuring even more authors, attracting a larger audience, and fostering deeper connections between writers and the community,” Vinikour said. 

The featured authors represent a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction. 

But they are united in wanting to meet other creatives in the area. 

Fostering community connections and a love of reading are important to Chandler author and family historian Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski, who will promote her latest work, the Rosalind Schmidt genealogy mystery, Dead Reckoning.

“It’s amazing to see so many people from different backgrounds actively engaged in their reading lives, eager to explore new authors and genres,” said Bartkowski. “For an author, it’s not just about promoting books – it’s about being part of a vibrant local culture that values creativity and lifelong learning.”

Laurie Fagen, a Chandler resident and crime fiction author, added, “It’s wonderful to have a book festival close to home. 

“I’ve traveled around the country to various book conferences and festivals and it’s always great to not have to travel far,” Fagen added. “Also, my books are actually set in Chandler, so many readers enjoy them because they live in or know the area.”

Gilbert resident and Riggs Elementary teacher Dawnielle Edwards has written two children’s books, Birthday Underpants and its sequel, Birthday Underpants: The Magical Day. 

The mother of two girls will conduct a story time featuring her second book and guide a themed craft activity.

“I am incredibly grateful to be invited to the Chandler Local Author Fair,” said Edwards. “Not only do I get to share my passion project (my children’s books), but I get to connect with other authors.”

At the library, Edwards is looking forward to meeting other writers who have similar interests and experiences. “Those connections provide a sense of belonging and community,” she said. 

Tempe author Howard Gershkowitz sees an increasing need for author-reader communication in a world that is becoming more dominated by the internet and social media.

“It is important to both the author and the reading public to be able to get together to learn more about the process and to get insights into each other’s needs,” he said. 

“What are readers searching for? What do authors have to offer that’s fresh and new? There’s still nothing more gratifying than the personal touch, people meeting with other people in person,” he added.

Gershkowitz, who will promote his suspense novels, including Not on My Watch, lauded the library event. 

“Prior to the pandemic, I think there were ample opportunities for authors and their reading public to meet in person at fairs and festivals. Obviously, that was interrupted, and it has taken a while for these events to reestablish themselves,” he said.

Ahwatukee author Janelle Molony writes nonfiction centered around family history, featuring powerful women, perspectives on war and the development of the West. 

She will promote her award-winning Emigrant Tales of the Platte River Raids, which includes a breakthrough discovery of a pivotal Civil War engagement involving a young Wyatt Earp and Johnny Ringo.

Molony said the author fair will help “book hounds” find new reads.

“Beyond that, the Chandler Public Library is demonstrating their appreciation for modern literature and supporting local authors, several of whom are internationally known and critically acclaimed, but somewhat undiscovered in their own backyard,” she said. “For that, I applaud the organizers.”

Vinikour noted Southeast Valley’s vibrant writing community that brings unique perspectives to their work. 

The downtown library branch also supports local writers through a dedicated writing group that meets regularly to provide a collaborative space for sharing ideas, connecting, and refining their work. 

Over the past two years, the library has also received a grant to support a Writer in Residence program, which provides workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and valuable opportunities for authors to develop their skills.