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Highlighting Local Authors 

 

March is Reading Month and we are inviting local children’s authors to help us celebrate!

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During the month of March, we have a limited number of evenings and weekends open for you to share your book and related activities.  If you are an author local to the Great Lakes Bay Region, please read the guidelines/information below and apply to participate in our inaugural Local Author event no later than Monday, February 2, 2026. You will be contacted about your status via email as soon as possible.

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Guidelines

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To participate in the GADML Local Author March is Reading Month Event, you must:

  • Have a published picture book (self-published is fine)*

  • Have a program developed for a specific age group with a target of:

    • 25-35 minutes for ages 3-5

    • 30-45 minutes for grades K-5

    • The program time should include reading your published book.  Programs may also include any of the following:

      • A maximum of one other published book (may be your own, or another book related to your theme)

      • A story told using puppets or a flannel board

      • Songs

      • Fingerplays and movement activities

      • A related craft

      • A related activity

  • Be responsible for any book or related merchandise sales. You may only sell age-appropriate, book-related items that were created by you (including your book)

  • Be responsible for bringing and setting up your own supplies, including display items and payment systems. The Library will provide tables and chairs.

  • Fill out the GADML Local Author Event application in its entirety to be considered for a programming slot
     

*A picture book is the designation for any book that uses pictures to help tell the story. It is designed for an adult reader to share with a young listener, although many work well as read-alouds for elementary-aged children. Picture books have a standard length of 32 pages, with approximately 500-700 words. If you are the author of a book that is longer than 1000 words, we encourage you to consider applying for a slot in our upcoming Book Fest program.

 

The selection committee will evaluate applications and acceptance will be based on the above criteria to ensure vendors align with organizational goals and standards. You will be contacted by email about your selection status by Monday, February 9th. Please note that the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library is not compensating authors for their appearance.​​​

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