The Park City Library seeks novelists, essayists, poets and other writers to participate in the Wasatch Back portion of the Utah Humanities Utah Book Festival.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the library will host between 15 and 20 local artists who will set up tables throughout the second floor, sign and promote their books and engage with the public, said Rylee Broach, adult services librarian.

“All authors who live in the Wasatch Back — Summit and Wasatch counties — or whose works are relevant to the Wasatch Back are invited to apply,” she said.

Applications can be accessed by visiting parkcitylibrary.org/local-author-event. The deadline is Aug. 1.

“If somebody is creative but doesn’t have books or essays or poetry where people can access them, they are still welcome to apply,” said Becca Lael, the library’s head of events and publicity. “We are looking for people who are dedicated to writing, and we want to celebrate their works at the book festival.”

The annual Utah Humanities Book Festival is held in October, which is National Book Month, and Lael is looking forward to working with Utah Humanities on this event.

“They are an amazing organization that is supportive in being champions of artists and authors throughout the state,” she said. “In addition to them, we have several Wasatch Back partners — Summit County Library, Wasatch County Library, Folklore Bookshop in Midway and Dolly’s Bookstore — who also champion the love of reading together.”

October’s event marks the second year the Park City Library has hosted the Wasatch Back portion of the Book Festival, according to Broach.

“It was one of my first events as the adult services librarian, and I was so amazed by how many people applied,” she said. “I was able to look at all of their works and found that there is so much talent here. It was awesome to work with these people and showcase their talent at the library, and it’s also great to see how they are supported in this community.”

The book festival helps the Park City Library promote literacy by connecting authors with the public, Broach said.

“The authors can inspire younger people or anyone who wants to start writing,” she said. “And it also helps authors gain more recognition.”

The event also exposes authors to readers who may not otherwise seek them out, Lael said.

“People are creatures of habit and usually don’t move away from their favorite genres,” she said. “So when we have 15 to 20 authors people may engage with somebody who they may not normally engage with.”

In addition, the book festival gives local authors a chance to meet each other and network, Broach said.

“They can build their own community,” she said. “There are so many other writers here in the Wasatch Back. So I think it’s important to give them a chance to connect with other writers and inspire each other and work together and learn from each other.”

Lael encourages all levels of authors and writers to apply.

“We would love to see more first-time authors give it a try,” she said. “You don’t have to be a New York Times Best Seller out of the box. We want anyone who is selected to participate feel comfortable.” 

Broach has already seen some applications and is ready to see more.

“We’re excited we have so many people who look forward to coming,” she said.

For information about the Utah Humanities Book Festival, visit tinyurl.com/2s4dtzdf.

For information or to apply to participate in the Wasatch Back portion of the festival at the Park City Library, visit parkcitylibrary.org/local-author-event.

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