Virtual Author Visits at the Library with the Books and Banter Group
It is always a delight to host an author talk at the library, but it is truly remarkable that our small public library, nestled on the remote West Coast of New Zealand, can bring international authors directly to our community through virtual visits. Last year, we had the pleasure of meeting Michelle Prak, author of The Rush, and this August, we engaged in a lively conversation with Sally Colin-James, the author of One Illumined Thread.
Both authors graciously reached out to us after discovering our social media posts featuring reviews of their books—reviews written by our very own library patrons. Our Books and Banter group, known for its passionate and insightful discussions, is the most frequent contributor to these reviews. While many of these reviews are showcased inside the books on display, some—always with the reviewers’ permission—are selected by our librarians to be shared on social media, connecting our community’s voice with a global audience. We are deeply grateful for the generosity of these authors who gave their time to engage with our readers, turning these reviews into meaningful dialogues.
One Saturday morning, Sally Colin-James “Zoomed” into our library from Australia to meet virtually with the Books and Banter group. The anticipation was high, and the discussion kicked off with a question about her sources of inspiration. Sally shared her decision to write about three different women from three distinct historical periods, explaining how she wanted every woman reading the book to find a character they could identify with—a character connected by an “illumined thread” that links us all through time and space. The conversation flowed naturally into the writing process, exploring how long it took her to complete the book and how writing about womanhood influenced her relationships with her mother and other women. We delved into topics like intergenerational trauma and the healing power of compassion toward the women in our lives. Despite our diverse cultural backgrounds, education, and ages, a deep sense of togetherness emerged among us—a reminder of the universal themes that bind us.
One participant described the conversation as “truly thought-provoking,” while another found it “empowering.” The discussion was so engaging that it felt like we could have talked all day.
These virtual author visits highlight the incredible power of technology in breaking down geographical barriers, allowing our patrons to connect with world-renowned writers from across the globe without leaving the comfort of our town. Despite our library’s modest size and remote location, we are proud to offer our community such unique and enriching experiences, fostering a love for reading and learning that transcends borders. We are especially thankful to the authors who not only noticed our small library but also took the time to connect with us, making these moments truly special for everyone involved.
Text and image: Westland District Library
