Local writers group strikes unique partnership with Joliet library, bookstore to promote writing, reading and literacy

The WriteOn Joliet writers’ group is working with the Joliet Public Library and Crest Hill’s Book Market bookstore to promote Joliet-area writing, encourage literacy and support local bookstores.

The unique partnership started to form in November 2018 when The Book Market hosted the release party for WriteOn Joliet’s second annual anthology, “Write Where We Are.”

Book Market owner Jan Staley then agreed to host monthly meet-and-greets/book signings this year for WriteOn Joliet’s published members.

Finally, in September WriteOn Joliet struck a deal for the Joliet Public Library to formally sponsor the group.

The library’s Black Road branch has served as WriteOn Joliet’s home base for several years.

The special arrangement, said WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez, meets three important goals.

“Together we’re shining a light on Joliet-area writers and writing, promoting the Book Market, which is a local treasure, and educating people about the inherent value of libraries, which anchor and define communities,” Hernandez said.

“We are very happy and proud to be a part of that important process and by extension bring some attention to the local writing scene,” he added in the release.

Staley has enjoyed helping people discover and foster their own writing talents.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue these wonderful events again next year so that people who were not already aware of them can also experience the energy, joy and expertise of these great authors,” she said in the release.

The library plans to build on the new relationship with WriteOn Joliet in several ways, including showcasing members’ published works at both library branches.

“We are thrilled to foster the creative and collaborative spirit of our community's local authors,” said Joliet Public Library Deputy Director Catherine Y. Adamowski.

“We look forward to continued partnerships in promoting our local writers, and we encourage all inspired authors, and budding writers, to contact us and WriteOn to learn more,” she added in the release.

ABOUT WRITEON JOLIET

WriteOn Joliet is a welcoming, diverse group of writers of varied skills, interests and experience.

The group includes professional journalists, fiction novelists, bloggers, screenwriters, musicians and poets.

IF YOU GO

It meets the first and third Thursdays of the month from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Joliet Public Library, 3395 Black Road, Joliet.

The next meeting will be Jan. 2.

KNOW MORE

WriteOn Joliet provides a safe, comfortable and supportive atmosphere for Joliet-area writers to share their work, and constructive feedback so that everyone can benefit from its members’ shared knowledge, according to its website.

For more information, visit writeonjoliet.com; bookmarketjoliet.com; or jolietlibrary.org/index.php/en.