Article by Holly Felmlee

Local shoppers will soon be able to buy thoughtful, entertaining gifts for this Christmas, as well as improving literacy in their families.

The 2016 SLV Holiday Book Fair: A Blizzard of Books, takes place from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, at the Adams State University Nielsen Library. Parking at the Nielsen Library, a co-sponsor of the event, is free during this event.

Twenty local authors will have their books for sale. "In Iceland, they have an annual book blizzard for people to buy books as gifts for the holidays," said Linda Smith, co-host of the event. "We loved that image, so we brought it to the San Luis Valley."

During the event, besides having their books for sale, authors will read from their works and answer questions. The complete author program is available at local libraries, SLV Junction, and the Narrow Gauge Newsstand bookstore. It can also be seen at Conejoswriters.com and the "SLV Holiday Book Fair 2016" event on Facebook.

Linda Smith is co-chair, along with Frankie Colton, of the Conejos Writers Circle, a local community group that supports authors. The group meets twice a month and sponsors an annual anthology of writings and visual arts, and an annual retreat for writers.

"The San Luis Valley has so many talented writers," said Colton. "We’re excited to be a sponsor of this event."

"Of course we want friends and family to come and support the author in their lives," said Smith. "But everyone is welcome. We have books for children, memoirs, action adventures, historical novels, and non-fiction how-to. You should be able to find something for everyone on your holiday list."

Smith added that shoppers should plan to pay authors directly with cash or checks. "And while you’re paying, make sure to get your books signed."

Among the children’s books for sale, will be "The Tale of Honest Henrietta", a bi-lingual story for children written by Lucy Cisneros and illustrated by her husband Chris Cisneros. Stuffed toy versions of Henrietta the hen will be available to purchase along with the book.

Local author, Larry "Animal" Gardner, who just released his new novel, "DED Reckoning: Vengeance Takes a Road," will also have for sale his previous novel, "D-E-D Dead." Authors Lucia Olivia Lampe and R. M. Vassari will have for sale the final book in their Vespers Trilogy, "The Leopard Triumphant," as well as the first two books.

Besides these local novelists, memoirists will be present, including Kathy Park who will read from "Seeing Into Stone: A Sculptor’s Journey." Cindy Medina will read from her recently released book, "Journey Into the Heart of the Black Madonna," and Sue Foster will represent the Valley Courier’s "Alamosa County: A Century of Pictures."

"This is a family event," Smith said. "Come by the ASU library for snacks and holiday music. But best of all, the whole family will have a chance to talk to real live authors."

For more information, contact Holly Felmlee at 588-7066, or Linda Smith at 719-937-3143.