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(Enlarge) Libby Beer, left, gets her book signed by author Diana Galabdon when the author visited the East Columbia Branch Library Sept. 29. Galabdon was there to talk about \\\"An Echo in the Bone,\\\" the seventh book in the \\\"Outlander\\\" series.

Libby Beer, 26, got an early start Sept. 29. With a backpack full of books, and one in her hand, "The Outlandish Companion," No. 6 in Diana Galabdon's "Outlander" series, Beer was ready to wait until the doors of the East Columbia Branch library opened, and she could take her seat to hear the famous author speak about book No. 7, "An Echo in the Bone."

"I was definitely expecting a big crowd," Beer said. "Only the librarians setting up were there when I arrived around 9:15 -- the library actually doesn't open until 10 a.m. now, but that's a recent development, so the next several people I saw were there on regular library business, thinking it still opened at 9. I wasn't sure if I'd be the first one there or not, but I was hoping to beat most of the crowd and have a chance of getting in."

It was the Nebraska native turned Marylander's lucky day because when some VIPs didn't show up Beer was ushered to a front-row seat next to me (writing this column has its privileges) and settled in with her knitting needles and sock yarn to work while she waited for the lecture to start.

With the excitement building as the overflow crowd was seated in another room with a TV monitor, I asked Beer about her interest in Galabdon and just what is it about her action adventure, romantic 18th century Scottish Highlands historical novel that appeals to her.

Clearly, it was all the above.

"I like them because the characters are smart, witty and the books have so much depth," said Beer, who managed to keep up with the series despite pursuing a doctoral degree in mathematics from Johns Hopkins.

Reiki practitioner Anita Fox, seated behind us, agreed, "I like it because of the way the healing arts are portrayed, the characters use herbs and natural ingredients," Fox said.

Andrea Misner, of the library's public relations department, filled in the blanks as to how the library was so lucky to have an author with a following almost as huge as J.K. Rowlings at the Howard County library.

"It really is a coup," Misner said. "She only has two events in this area, and the other is tonight in northern Virginia. When we contacted her she was glad to fit in another event midday. We really are lucky to have her and this is the only library she has appeared in."

After Galabdon spoke for about 45 mintues and read from her latest book, she graciously signed copies for all who waited in line. And you have to love the library for providing a staff person you could hand your camera or cell phone to who snapped your meeting with Galabdon. Good feelings flowed all around.

With a midday event such as this one, you might not have been able to make it, but here's the beauty of the marriage between the No.1 ranked library in the nation and 21st century technology -- you can see Galabdon's speech right on your computer screen with all her zest for life and her craft coming across just as well as in person.

Follow these directions and you're in: Go to hclibrary.org and a box on the left of the opening screen flashes scenes of different library happenings. Wait until the box appears headlined 'Follow us" with the symbols for Twitter, Facebook, Flickr and YouTube. Click on the YouTube icon and the screen will open with a page directing you to Galabdon's talk.

If you don't have a computer at home head to any branch of the library and ask any of the staff to assist at one of the library's computers. And while you're there request more author appearances. These people listen.

The book connection

Another author coming to town is Julie Otsuka, author of "When the Emperor was Divine," the 2009-2010 Book Connection selection. Otsuka, will be at the Howard Community College, Smith Theatre, Oct. 20, 11 a.m. Books will be available for purchase and signing. This event is cosponsored by Howard Community College and HoCoPoLitSo. Otsuka will appear later that evening at the East Columbia branch, at 7 p.m. Call 410-313-7798 for more information.

While you were online at the library I hope you had a chance to get out the Flickr site. There you will find pictures from library events at the various branches.

If you are still not as savy with these sites as you would like the library is helping with that also. Learn about all the various social networking sites, Oct. 28, 7 p.m. at the Glenwood branch in the class "Social Web: What's In It For You."

The Miller Branch library presents a two-part class on YouTube. Oct. 29 and Nov. 12, 7 p.m. Learn how to upload a three minute video. Technology classes continue at Miller with Linkedin: Social Networking for Professionals, Nov. 17.

Join in the process

The library is seeking 12- to 16-year-olds to be among the first to read new books for the new First Look Committee. Committee members will read books before they are published and recommend their favorites to the Library.

Refreshments are served and volunteer time counts towards service learning hours. Committee meets at Central Library, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. Registration is required, online or call 414-313-7800.

Celebrate

It's time once again for the A+ Partners in Education Celebration. This year marks eight years since the library and the Howard County Public School System, and more recently the Howard Community College have joined forces to enhance the quality of education in the county for people of all ages and from all backgrounds. Join in the festivities Oct. 27, 3:45 p.m. at the Cradlerock School, 6700 Cradlerock Way, Columbia.

user comments (1)

user bradleycarpenter says...

Just announced the annual Glenelg High School Pancake Breakfast will be back sponsored by the Class of 2010. Tickets are on sale now and are only $8 for all you can eat chocolate chip and plain pancakes; a variety of juices and fruit will also be available. The breakfast will be from 8 to 10:30 AM on the morning of Homecoming, Saturday October 24th 2009 with all proceeds will benefit the Senior Class activities. For more information or to order tickets please e-mail Mrs. Oland at michelle_oland@hcpss.org. Note- Tickets will also be sold at the door, but only a limited number will be available. MEDIA: For more information regarding Homecoming activites and the Pancake Breakfast please e-mail Mrs. Oland at michelle_oland@hcpss.org.

Posted 1:32 PM, 10.15.09 | Permalink