CLEARFIELD – As part of its Summer Reading Program, the Joseph and Elizabeth Shaw Public Library will welcome two authors this week.
On Tuesday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m., Allison Crotzer Kimmel, a St. Francis and Clearfield Area High School alumna, will present her children’s book, “The Eternal Soldier.”
Kimmel, who now resides in Bakersfield, Calif., majored in English at Bucknell University and earned her Master’s degree in professional writing from USC.
She got her love of writing when she was just in the sixth grade when a teacher encouraged her to enter a fiction contest at the library.
She won but admits she didn’t realize her goal of being a children’s writer until after her son was born.
This is Kimmel’s fourth book. She loves history and enjoys telling stories that no one has heard of and wanted people to know about Sallie.
Her book tells the story of a dog named Sallie, who became a civil war hero. While home, she will travel to Gettysburg and then to Virginia to trace Sallie’s path.
When visiting Gettysburg, you can visit the statue that is dedicated to the bravery and courage of this amazing dog.
You can bring your children and join library staff for a reading of the story followed by a discussion on the publishing process. Those in attendance will have an opportunity to ask questions.
The evening will conclude with a book signing and light refreshments.
On Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., Kimmel will be back to share her love of writing. As part of this year’s theme, “A Universe of Stories,” she will offer a writing workshop to the children in the community. Children will learn how to lay-out a picture book.
Kimmel will conclude her week by visiting St. Francis School on Friday, July 12, from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., where another reading and book signing will take place. Refreshments will be served.
On Thursday, July 11 at 6:30 p.m., Rusty McCracken will present his book “Waiting on the Comeback.” He will discuss his book, which is a collection of Christian-based short stories.
McCracken is a 1979 graduate of Clearfield Area High School and has been teaching English for the past 27 years. He currently teaches at Curwensville Area High School.
His past writing experience includes time as a sports writer and editor for The Progress, contributing writer for gantnews.com and an assistant sports information director at Clarion University.
The evening will conclude with a book signing and light refreshments.
Be sure to check out all of the summer reading programs available at the library by going to www.ShawLibrary.org and clicking on programs.
