The Writer-In-Residence Program at Forbes Library
Diana Martin Gordon
In 2003 Director Janet Moulding and writer Diana Martin Gordon put their heads together to further an engagement between the library and the literary community by extending the library’s usefulness beyond the lending of books. Diana volunteered her time and expertise for over four years. Through her creativity and hard work, a roster of literary programs, open to all, were born, including a weekly forum on contemporary poetry, writing workshops, and a poetry reading series. These programs provide the framework and impetus for the rich adult programming the library currently offers. Diana is our first Writer-in-Residence, a role that she created and developed, and still advises and contributes to in many ways. She offers programs, advises on collection development, and acts as a liaison for the writing community at large. In 2006 she mentored a second WIR, Sue Case.
Alyssa Lovell leading a poetry discussion group
The WIR is a professional writer who furthers the library's fundamental mission by volunteering numerous hours each week, creating and offering library programming. Forbes is in a unique and fortunate position to have a WIR. This program is not commonly found at public libraries.
While there isn’t one current WIR, both Sue and Diana remain active in programming and advice. Meanwhile, the group of the library’s writer-volunteers, writers who participate in part of our programming, continue to grow. Alyssa Lovell is conducting the fifth year of the poetry discussion group on Monday nights. And Celia Jeffries, Sue Case, Janet Aalfs, Jacqueline Sheehan and Chivas Sandage are giving writing workshops.
For more information about the WIR program, please contact Lisa Downing, Assistant Director.