CHICAGO – November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). During the month librarians across the country and around the world will be reminding would-be writers of all the great resources they have to offer when it comes to writing their masterpiece.

Here are just a few stories of how libraries are promoting this creative initiative.  

The Denver Public Library reminds NaNoWriMo participants of its resources through National Novel Writing Month @ your library. They include books and instructional videos for full- and part-time novelists, memoir and historical writers and poets. The library also offers writers information on getting involved with local writers workshops.

The Hamilton-Wenham Public Library of South Hampton, Mass., is celebrating its third National Novel Writing Month @ your library initiative this year. Every Saturday throughout the month the library will have special “write-in” hours for NaNoWriMo writers to meet and collaborate on their stories. The library also posts books that NaNoWriMo writers have published, to inspire participants. Kids are also invited to get involved, with the library offering a Story Writing Contest for students in grades 1-6. The library reminds participants that the library space itself is a resource, providing free access to computers, Wi-Fi and librarians who can answer writers’ questions.

The Geneva (N.Y.) Public Library will kick-off National Novel Writing Month @ your library with a motivational talk by local author Cynthia Neale (“The Staying Power of Epiphanies for a Writer’s Life”). In addition, the library will give away 10 copies of “No Plot? No Problem! A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days,” by Chris Baty, NaNoWriMo founder.  The library will also be an official “Come Write In” location in November, offering NaNoWriMo participants a place to write their novels, as well as Wi-Fi and free caffeine and sugar to fuel marathon writing sessions. Two parties will also be hosted during the course of the month, a midway party to celebrate the half-way mark through the month and a TGIO (Thank Goodness It’s Over!) party.

The Campaign for America’s Libraries (www.ala.org/@yourlibrary) is ALA’s public awareness campaign that promotes the value of libraries and librarians. Thousands of libraries of all types – across the country and around the globe - use the Campaign’s @ your library® brand. The Campaign is made possible by ALA’s Library Champions, corporations and foundations.

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