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Ashland - Local Town Pages

Ashland Hosts Local Author Fest, Aug. 14

Ashland Library Director Meena Jaina

By Cynthia Whitty
The Ashland Public Library is partnering with the Framingham and Hopkinton libraries to showcase local authors who write for adult audiences. Meena Jain, Ashland library director, explained, “The authors had to submit a form to request participation. We’re looking for authors of adult books, who are published, even self-pubbed. We’re hoping to have up to 20 authors.”
“When I first started at the Ashland Public Library [in April 2021], a local author, Julie Nardone, approached me about this idea,” Jain said. “I am a huge supporter of local authors—if you think about it, Celeste Ng, Nathaniel Philbrick, Marjan Kamali, and so many others started out as ‘local’ authors. So, of course I jumped on the opportunity to showcase our talent. I was so pleased when Beth Reynolds, Ashland’s director of economic development and community outreach, helped us secure a time at The Corner Spot. And then, I was thrilled to partner with the Framingham and Hopkinton libraries to widen the net, so to speak, to have the best variety of authors possible for the event. We’re very excited for it!”
Jani said, “I think highlighting the talents of our writers in our communities is always the goal—not just to support them but to send the message that their work is important and should be valued. Also, people attending might discover an author or topic they’ve not encountered before—it’s always fun to expand on people’s reading experiences. And, finally, each author will have time on the ‘stage’ to do readings or short workshops. That opportunity for both the author and attendees can create the connections we’ve all been missing in the last year.”
Jain hopes to hold more of these author events. “I’m sure Ashlanders will discover that I’m a huge fan of authors, at every stage of their career. It’ll be interesting to find more ways to create paths for our local authors while also bringing in the ‘names’ for our reading enthusiasts. We actually have a bunch of author visits planned, both virtual and in person, in the coming months. They are all on our website calendar, and we hope to see many of their fans join us for the fun!”
Nardone, an Ashland author who suggested the event, said, “Metrowest has a lot of talented writers and devoted readers. I thought a down-to-earth regional authors’ event could introduce them to each other, grow the local creative economy, and provide inspiration for anyone wishing to write their own books.”
The event is free and open to the public, and will be held outside at The Corner Spot, 1-19 Pleasant St., Saturday, Aug. 14, 2 to 5 p.m. The event will also feature food and books for sale. No rain date has been set at this time.