Library premieres program featuring favorite books

By Cassandra Mickens

The Selma Times-Journal

Willianna Moore, Jo Smith and Conrad Thompson all share a great love for reading.

Die hard fans of the Selma-Dallas County Public Library, the three Selma residents were selected to debut the library’s new program “Favorite Summer Reads,” which begins next month.

Library circulation coordinator Krystal Drye said the program allows local avid readers to recommend their favorite fiction authors to those interested in spending a quiet afternoon with the written word. The recent introduction of the library’s “Imagination Summer 2006” children’s program prompted Drye to create a fun activity for adults.

“People are looking for something fun to read and we want to invite people in for the summer,” Drye said.

“Favorite Summer Reads” has been divided into two categories – “Chick Lit” and “Men’s Picks.” However, library director Becky Nichols said men may read books from the “Chick Lit” list and vice versa.

Said Thompson, “I don’t worry about manhood. I know who I am.”

After moving to Selma in March 1964, Thompson made a beeline to the library, checking out at least five books once a week. Thompson, who declares library is the “cheapest entertainment in town,” has read roughly 11,000 books since then. When Drye asked Thompson to release a list of his favorite authors, he jumped at the opportunity.

“Anything we can do to help the library, we’re willing to do,” he said.

Smith and Moore both remember when the library was housed in Carnegie Hall. Smith, a daily visitor of the library, said she finds solace in books.

“I like to come in here, it’s relaxing,” Smith said. Then she joked, “I could spend the night if they wanted me to.”

Moore, who visits the library at least once a week, said books and music have guided her through tough times. She passed on her love for books to her daughter and granddaughter, who are also loyal library patrons.

Drye hopes the public will find Moore, Smith and Thompson’s recommendations enjoyable. A “Favorite Summer Reads” display is set up in the front of the library for patrons to browse. Hard copies of the June/July “Favorite Summer Reads” list are available at the library’s front desk. Drye said the list is comprised of new and veteran authors for eclectic mix. For more information, call (334) 875-1725.

Willianna Moore’s Favorite Authors

Michael Baisden

Angela Benson

Terri Blackstock

Catherine Coulter

Eric J. Dickey

John Grisham

Angela Henry

Fern Michaels

Mary Monroe

Victoria C. Murray

Robert Parker

James Patterson

Kimberla Roby

Danielle Steel

Valerie Wesley

Jo Smith’s Favorite Authors

David Baldacci

Elizabeth Berg

Anderson Cooper

John Grisham

Greg Iles

Joshilyn Jackson

Lisa Jackson

Cassandra King

Karen Kingsbury

Debbie Macomber

Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Belva Plain

Danielle Steel

Elizabeth Strout

Ann Tyler

Conrad Thompson’s Favorite Authors

Sandra Brown

Lee Child

Tom Clancy

Patricia Cornwell

Clive Cussler

Grace Livingston Hil

Jonathan Kellerman

Virginia Lanier

John D. MacDonald

James Patterson

Ridley Pearson

Nora Roberts

John Sandford

Kathleen Woodiwiss

Stuart Woods