Fleming County Public Library's First Book Fair

Book lovers and book writers make for an interesting afternoon
By Kym King
News Reporter: Bath County News Outlook, Menifee County News and Fleming County New
Halloween was made extra fun this year as dozens of authors and book lovers gathered at the first ever book fair last Saturday afternoon at the Fleming County Public Library.
Local author Ron Thomas, who is said to have gotten the book fair started after signing and donating a copy of his book “Outward and Inward”, had this to say about his experience.
“I have really had a good time just being in the same room with so many authors, talking about our personal experiences writing books. I have always felt that I have the temperament of an artist but none of the technical skills when it comes to being a published author. But, I have had a lot of fun sharing thoughts with all the gifted writers in this room today.”
On hand to promote his books “Morehead Memories and “Patriots and Heroes” author Dr. Jack Ellis said he was impressed with such a large turnout of people who love to read in Fleming County. Ellis also said he as very impressed with the beautiful new library.
“I have been in quite a few libraries in my day, Ellis said, “And I will say you have a very impressive library here.”
Former news reporter with the CBS News and columnist for Kentucky Living Magazine, David Dick was also on hand to sign copies of is latest releases “Outhouse Blues”, Let Their be Light: the story of Rural Electrification in Kentucky” and from his View from Plum Lick series, “Follow the Storm”.
In addition to Thomas, local writers Garry Barker “Kentucky Waltz” and Chris Beckham, “Born in the Heart of God: A History of Clear Creek Bible College, 1926-2008, signed copies of their latest books.
Steve Demaree, a former movie critic, had a wonderful time meeting several followers of his“Lt. Dekker and Sgt. Murdock Murder Mystery series.
“It sure is a lot of fun to meet the people who enjoy reading my books.” Demaree said. “To get to meet new readers is really a special treat too. I feel really blessed every time I attend a book fair for the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people who love to write books as well as those you read our work.”
Other authors who enjoyed promoting their work, the company of talented writers, and a steady stream of book lovers, included Georgia Green Stamper, Macy Watt, Jan Watson, Bob Sloan, Teresa Slack, Susan Reigler, Wesley Shoemaker, Ann Gabbhart, Chris Holbrook, Nancy Allen, Sam Bevard, Tim Callahan, Kenneth Carpenter, Fred Brown, Ron Elliott, James McCormick, Paul Prater and Bob Sloan.
Usborne Children's Books and Local History, Cookbooks written by JoAnn Porter, and Cafe de Morales Coffee, were offered for sale during the book fair.
For Makayla Bowles and Cheyanne Buckley, the book fair was an event neither wanted to miss.
“We love to visit the library, Bowles said. “ We knew we couldn’t miss the book fair because we love to read so much. Anytime there is a book fair I just have to be there.”
Cheyanne Buckley had the same thoughts when it comes to books and a love for reading and was also excited to get to meet some of the writers in person.
“It is so awesome to get to see a writer in person,” Buckley said. “And it was really neat to get our books signed too.”