Bicentennial Summer
Events

Looking Forward To...

Local Authors Day Written in for Nov. 15

By Nikki Childers Southern Standard Reporter Oct 24, 2025

Local Authors Day is turning the page on its fourth annual event next month.

On Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to noon, authors will be in attendance at Magness Library and prepared to meet the community. Although any author who is interested is invited to participate, interim Magness Library Director Merissa Chapman indicated most tend to be from closer to Warren County and its surrounding areas.“It’s important to show our small town authors that we care. The more I’ve learned about the book-publishing world, I’ve realized how much work goes into publishing a single book,” Chapman said. “They are following their dreams and it isn’t an easy one — hopefully all the authors feel supported and know we love their work just as much as our ‘big time’ authors.”

Thus far, a handful of authors have signed up to attend the event:

• McMinnville resident Mary Berelson is the authoress of “Bicentennial Summer”, which is a coming-of-age tale which journeys across America and explores growth, self-discovery and family dynamics. Berelson masterfully blends historical fiction and personal memory to connect deeply with her readers through her writing, providing them with a heartfelt and engaging narrative.

Been There, Done That

Virtual Truckee Book Club with Denise and Friends 10/28/2

Last night’s virtual book club with Denise and my old teacher friends was such a warm and lively evening. Thank you for connecting with me! We reminisced about the good ole days and dove into Bicentennial Summer with thoughtful reflections.

Everyone shared favorite moments and themes that resonated, and it felt both nostalgic and deeply connecting — like picking up right where we left off.