"Local Author Showcase" Real Crowd-Pleaser at Ocean City Library

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Romance novel author Maria K. Alexander is all smiles about the show.

By MADDY VITALE Books and the authors who wrote them were on hand Saturday at the Ocean City Free Public Library, where the third “Local Author Showcase” attracted a crowd of book lovers. The event featured book signings, refreshments and even crafts. There was also a scavenger hunt with prizes for children and adults. All book genres were available, from romance novels to history, murder mystery and some for young adults and children’s. Twenty-two authors were in attendance representing South Jersey, including some from Ocean City. “We are really excited. We had a great turnout today of authors and attendees,” Adult Programming Librarian Julie Howard said. “One of the highlights for the authors today is getting to network with other authors. Not only do they get to connect with the readers, but they get to meet other authors.” Books lined tables throughout the atrium at the library. Authors chatted with attendees and amongst each other. In the Children’s section, author Deirdre Palm Adams, of Ocean City, and her mother, Eunice Palms, sat at a table that featured Adams’ two books about Rocky the poodle, her dog, “Don’t Be Afraid Rocky” and “Don’t Worry Rocky.”

Ocean City resident and author Deirdre Palm Adams, left, with her mother Eunice in the Children's area of the library to showcase the "Rocky" books. Palms Adams said she wrote the books in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her third book, “Don’t by Bullied Rocky,” will be released in May. She said of the showcase that she and her mother, “love seeing children’s faces light up when they come in and ask about the scavenger hunt. They are generally interested in reading the books and learning about the authors.” Children’s Librarian Taimi Kelley said that the scavenger hunt was a real hit Saturday and that it helped people of all ages get to know the authors. The scavenger hunt includes questions to answer about your favorite author and favorite book. Winners of Bingo on the scavenger hunt boards received small prizes. In addition, there was a Children’s section filled with kids making their own bookmark crafts. “The scavenger hunt gives readers a way to engage with the authors. It gives them a starting point of dialogue,” Kelley said. “It’s really a fun way to engage readers and authors.”

Violet Gale, left, and her sister, Peggy, make crafts in the Children's section before meeting some authors. Liz Gale, of Dennis Township, brought her daughters, Peggy, 10, and 7-year-old Violet, for the author showcase. “They are having such a nice time. It is really terrific how they get to do the scavenger hunt and meet the authors. They are having fun with crafts too,” Gale said. Peggy and Violet enjoyed making some bookmarks and other crafts, including a horse and a chicken, after they completed their scavenger hunt. The kids said they liked meeting the authors and were having fun making crafts. Murder and suspense were also the talk of the day, with authors such as JJ Lair available to chat about the genre. He has written six books of mystery, suspense, hypocrisy, and getting a chance to win. The latest novel, “Murder in the Mirror,” is a paranormal mystery.

Ocean City residents and authors Jane Rubino, left, and Gail Baldwin enjoy the event. Ocean City residents and authors Gail Baldwin and Jane Rubino talked a little bit about their books and what they liked about the day’s event. Baldwin self-published a memoir, "Mr. Brown Went to Boston," detailing the fun times she shared with her father and family in the 1950s and 60s in suburban Philadelphia. “I started taking the writing workshops at the library. I always wanted to write this memoir all about my family,” Baldwin said. “It was a fun thing to do. I never really thought I’d put it all together.” She said this was her second author’s showcase at the library and she was pleased with the turnout Saturday. Rubino spoke about her book “Hidden Fires.” She is also the co-author with her daughter, Caitlen Rubino-Bradway, of the novel “Lady Vernon and Her Daughter,” and the short story, “What Would Austen Do?” in the “Jane Austen Made Me Do It” anthology. She spoke of her genre of contemporary mystery series and Sherlockian short stories. Rubino noted that she was very happy with the showcase. “It’s been nice,” she said. For more information about the authors and the Ocean City Free Public Library, visit https://www.oceancitylibrary.org/.