Margi Preus/"West of the Moon"
Author Margi Preus is a recipient of the Minnesota Book Award. "West of the Moon" explores practices that patrons did not know about their ancestors. Her research into Norwegian immigration led Preus to startling revelations about the role of women healers, the relationship between a common 19th century childhood ailment and reverence and fear our Norwegian ancestors had for "The Black Book."
83 participated
The intended outcome of the author program is to allow patrons the opportunity to learn about a Minnesota author and to develop a love of reading by listening to an author tell her story. A survey was distributed to receive feedback from those attending the programs.
Surveys were distributed to participants at all programs. 90% strongly agreed that this was an enjoyable experience and 85% strongly agreed that they would attend a similar event. Comments: I, as well as the patrons, enjoyed hearing about an author's writing process, the idea behind the story, and it's evolution. Enjoyed it a lot, especially the connection and influence of her great-great-grandmother's diary. I want to compare Finnish and Norwegian medicines and remedies and read the Bamboo Sword. Margi was very interesting and fun to listen to. This was a joy!
13 libraries provided space, staff, and additional promotion for the programs and approximately 10 regional newspapers provided marketing through press releases, photos and interviews with artists and performers.