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 was 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.
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.
Susan Stinson
Photograph by Jody Wheat
Susan Stinson: 2010
Susan Stinson, our newest Writer-In-Residence, is the award-winning author of three novels and a book of poetry and lyric essays. She recently completed Spider in a Tree, a novel about eighteenth century Northampton preacher Jonathan Edwards. Video excerpts of Susan reading from Spider in a Tree will appear on the website of the Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale in 2010. She has received grants and fellowships from the Barbara Deming/Money for Women Fund, the Wurlitzer Foundation, the Millay Colony, and the Blue Mountain Center, among others. Her work has been published in numerous anthologies and journals, including Kenyon Review, Seneca Review and The Women's Review of Books. She has given more than a hundred readings, speeches and workshops across the country, and also offers cemetery tours and talks about local history.
You can view videos of Susan Stinson reading from Spider in a Tree at the Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University.
Susan thinks that Forbes Library is an outstanding community resource and is excited about making contributions to its work as Writer in Residence.
For more information about the WIR program, please contact Lisa Downing, Assistant Director.