Oct. 04 |
Author Meet up
Your library is more than a place for books—it’s a home for community.
We are proud to showcase the incredible work of local authors who call our area home. By attending their events and reading their books, you’re not just enjoying unique stories and perspectives—you’re helping nurture our community.
Every book signed and every word of encouragement makes a difference.
Come celebrate local voices and talent with us! Together, we can help our authors continue to grow and inspire.
My Wingman.
Released May 2025
Tessa King
Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction/Romance
Tessa King is an emerging author whose debut novel, My Wingman, explores themes of courage and the journey of rediscovering happiness after grief. With a professional background in laboratory science, Tessa brings a unique perspective to her storytelling and enjoys analyzing rich, emotional narratives.
When she isn't writing, you can find her supporting her husband at the dragstrip, indulging in her passion for coffee and books, or enjoying quality time with her beloved German Shepherd, Preacher. Although a midwestern girl at heart, she admits to having a terrible green thumb and is still mastering the art of knitting. However, she shines in the art of sarcasm and delights in baking sweet treats. A devoted Detroit Lions fan, Tessa embraces life with humor and heart, inviting readers to join her on her literary adventures.
The Surviving Twin.
Released 2023
Larry W. Evans
Genre: Self-Help
Larry W. Evans has a true focus on helping others when they are in a situation or place in their life where they are unable to help themselves. Larry served as a volunteer EMT and firefighter for over twenty years Larry also attended Lincoln Christian College, where he received the Biblical foundation that shaped his leadership style while serving in local churches. He actively served as an elder for approximately thirty years and has a passion for leading small groups and adult Bible studies.
In 2021 Larry lost his twin brother of 64 years to a boating/drowning accident. The trauma of losing a twin brother, along with the deep level of grief and loneliness associated with twin loss, eventually led Larry to write a book, “The Surviving Twin, Enduring Twin Loss and Complicated Grief”.
Larry’s passion to help others in difficult times is advanced by his book being published and his desire to meet with small groups in an open discussion format and with large groups. Larry is also available to provide encouraging, grief-related sermons for church services. Larry has started a Facebook group, “The Surviving Twin Christian Support Group” exclusively for surviving twins.
Larry may be contacted at lwevans@frontiernet.net
Follow The Wind Home: A Novel
Released, 2023
Cammie Corlas Quinn
Genre: Historical Fiction
Join Central Illinois author Cammie Corlas Quinn at the Streator Public Library on October 4 th . She will answer questions about her historical novel, Follow the Wind Home.
Set in Civil War-era Springfield, Illinois, the novel follows Catherine Corlis, a grieving outcast whose path crosses with Mary Todd Lincoln’s on the tenth anniversary of their babies’ deaths—both lost on the same day in 1850. Mary invites Catherine to call on her, but Catherine must first find the strength to overcome her own grief before she can comfort Mary.
Fifteen years in the making, Follow the Wind Home is a deeply moving story of one woman’s journey through grief, healing, and the unyielding pull of the past. Praised for its lyrical prose and vivid historical detail, the novel brings 19th-century rural Illinois to life in the style of John Steinbeck and Willa Cather.
Quinn, a native of Auburn and lifelong writer, is also the author of Lincoln’s Springfield in the Civil War and numerous newspaper features. Her deep connection to the region strengthens her storytelling through years of archival research and personal experience. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Learn more about the author at cammiecorlasquinn.com
Write With Me!
Released 2023
Eric Elder
Genre: devotionals, historical fiction, true life testimonies, and piano music
Eric Elder writes books and music for page, stage, and screen to bring hope to audiences worldwide. Eric and his late wife Lana wrote an inspirational Christmas novella called "St. Nicholas: The Believer" which has been turned into a ballet, a musical that was performed in Streator, and an Italian puppet opera which premiered in Italy and toured this summer in the US and Canada.
Learn more about the author at ericelder.com
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A Search For Eden
Released Aug 2023
Ronn Baker
Genre: Sci- Fiction
Ronn Baker lives in Streator with his wife, Joann. He retired from Northlawn Jr. High after teaching composition and literature for thirty-three years.
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Ronn is author of the series "The Darmon Chronicles", a compelling science fiction adventure that combines romance, high stakes, and survival. The story's thrilling turns keep readers interested as it follows and alien creature's battle to survive on a primitive world looking for his partner."
His first book "A Search for Eden" is now a best seller following the release of his now 2nd and 3rd books, "Finding Eden" and "Escape from Eden."
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Besides writing, the author enjoys time with his family, golf, 5k races, gardening and guitar, and looking at the stars.
"You never know what's out there."
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Pictures From The Past
Released Aug 2023
David Reed
Genre: Non-Fiction/ History
This book presents a visual journey through Streator, Illinois, using vintage postcards to capture the city’s transformation across the decades. Each card tells a story — from bustling downtown streets to iconic landmarks, schools, industries, and community celebrations. Reed provides informative captions that place the images in historical context, offering readers not just a look at the past but an invitation to reflect on how the community has grown and changed.
Part history, part keepsake, Pictures from the Past is both a nostalgic treasure for longtime residents and a valuable resource for researchers, genealogists, and anyone curious about small-town America’s heritage.
We'll Be Monsters Together.
Released Mar 2023
Adi Ashlock
Genre: Manga
My name is Adi Ashlock, and I’m the author of a manga series called “We’ll Be Monsters Together.” I currently have two books in the series published, and I am getting really close to finishing the third.
I have always wanted to be an author and write my own stories, as I was always coming up with imaginative storylines and scenarios in my mind, but I have always had trouble getting those thoughts onto paper in word-form. Well, during the Covid Pandemic, I got really into watching anime and reading manga. Manga is a Japanese-style type of comic book. While reading these books, I realized that books
don’t have to be words-only. It dawned on me that I could tell my stories through pictures. Luckily, I have always been quite artistic, always drawing throughout my life, so throughout my sophomore and junior year of high school, I combined my imagination with my drawing abilities, and “We’ll Be Monsters Together” was being created. During my senior year, I completed the book. I wasn’t sure about publishing it though... But with the support of friends, family members, and teachers, I took the leap and self-published
it through Amazon in March of 2023. Because of this achievement, I was awarded Student of the Year in the English category.
Hand of Fate
Unpublished.
Nicole Swartz
Genre: Grimdark/ Dark Fantasy
Nicole Swartz is an aspiring dark fantasy author with a passion for good storytelling. As a child, her father often told her and her siblings fantastical stories - a quality that he instilled in her and has followed her long into adulthood. Combined with a longstanding love for reading fantasy novels and playing role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, today she is eager to create her own stories and take others on fantastic adventures into her dark universe.
Over the course of more than a decade, Nicole has crafted dozens of individual characters, each with their own thoughts, feelings, wants, goals, and obstacles to overcome. All of these players are situated within the dark fantasy universe she built. An expansive collection of countries and territories with their own rich history and culture. Fully immersion and potentially endless, it is her intention to see the readers explore and get lose in every corner of the world with her characters.
"The Hand of Fate" is her first novel that will be published since starting her literary career and promises to being the reader along for a rollercoaster of emotions, connections, mysteries, and thrilling moments.