Author Author!

Nancy Pickard is a librarian's dream! First of all, the woman can write. Boy, can she write. And oh my, she's nice...and witty...and easy to work with. And most importantly, she can get in front of a crowd and hold them spellbound for however long she wants to talk.

On Tuesday, February 17th, Nancy charmed a crowd of nearly 60 at the Pittsburg Public Library as she eloquently discussed The Virgin of Small Plains. If anyone showed up who wasn't already a fan, they certainly left as one. It's possible they were bribed into coming so they could enjoy a picnic dinner of southeast Kansas fried chicken but were swiftly under her spell once Nancy launched into her talk.

How popular is Nancy Pickard in Pittsburg? One attendee came in sporting eye protection because she had undergone cataract surgery that afternoon--but wasn't going to let that keep away! Just this afternoon a patron told me a story about Nancy stopping at Starbucks on her way out of town the next morning and how thrilled she was to get her own private audience with the award-winning author.

If Nancy has already visited your library, you know exactly what I'm talking about. If she's coming to your town, you have so much to look forward to! Our formal programming for Kansas Reads 2009 may be over but who knows, the establishment of a Nancy Pickard Fan Club may be on the horizon.

Carol Ann Robb

Reference & Adult Services