Local Authors

Local Author Collection

The Portage District Library offers a distinct Adult Local Author’s Collection, which can be found upon entering the adult floor of the library. Fiction and nonfiction works by local authors are grouped together. These items circulate under the same terms as our regular fiction and nonfiction collections.

If you are a local author interested in having your fiction or creative nonfiction work included in this collection, please note the following guidelines for inclusion in the Local Author’s Collection:

• Works must be donated to the library.
• Authors must be residents of the Southwest Michigan region (Counties included: Kalamazoo, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun)
• Materials chosen will be labeled and placed in our Local Author’s Collection.
• Materials will be selected and maintained based on criterion detailed in our Material Selection Policy
• All books submitted for consideration become the property of the Portage District Library and will not be returned. The Library cannot assume responsibility for loss or damage of any item.

To have your work considered for our collection, please review our Local Author Information Sheet for submission instructions.

Click here for PDL Local Author Information Sheet

Annual Local Author Expo

The Portage District Library is fortunate to be part of a community rich in talent with the written word. Each year we are approached by many local authors who are eager to share their work. As a community center to experience and explore local arts and culture, the Portage District Library is happy to support local authors in their efforts.

Portage District Library offers an annual Local Author Expo event to bring together our local authors and Portage community. The Expo will feature up to 10 local authors. The library provides refreshments and tables for authors to display their books and promotional materials.

The Local Author Expo Application has more information on requirements, deadlines, expo dates and other services offered to local authors.

• Authors must bring their own books to sell and will be responsible for all sales (types of currency accepted, sales taxes, change, etc).
• Authors must be residents of the Southwest Michigan region (Counties included: Kalamazoo, Berrien, Branch, Cass, Calhoun)
• Books must have first publication dates of 2015 or later.
• Authors who have had prior Portage District Library Expo/presentation/signing events will not be eligible to participate in an Expo for the same book.
• Each participating author must email an event invitation (to be provided by Portage District Library) to 25 people in the area, or provide the library with a list of 25 email addresses to be used for the same purpose.
• Portage District Library will publicize each Expo through other channels (posters, e-newsletters, email blasts, press releases and social media, or some subset of these).
• The Portage District Library will provide tables, refreshments, and library staff dedicated to the event.
• There will be no charge for the authors or for those attending.
• The Portage District Library would be pleased to add a donated copy of your book to its collection. *

Participation in Local Author Expo is by application only. Please print, complete and return the following application by the appropriate deadline.

Click here for Local Author Expo Application