Kent District Library wants YOUR book, film, music on our shelves

For more info contact KDL Communications Manager Heidi Nagel at 647-4146

It’s a question libraries all over have heard for years from talented writers, filmmakers and musicians who aren’t represented by major publishers, movie studios or record labels: Would you add my work to your collection?

For several reasons the answer has often been “No.” Or, if a library did accept an item, it lingered on the shelves getting dusty. Now, Kent District Library has opened the door to independent creative types through its Local Indie @ KDL initiative. Those who donate one or, better yet, two copies of their work to KDL will see them on the shelves, ready to be checked out by the public. KDL will promote not only the collection as a whole, but tout exceptional work through staff reviews and powerful word-of-mouth recommendations from our librarians.

“Technology has democratized the power of publishing, and libraries are the perfect venue to provide access to creative work, whether it’s a mega-bestseller or a slim volume of poems written by your neighbor,” said Heidi Nagel, KDL communications manager. “West Michigan is just exploding with talent and we want to make sure that everyone has access to what’s being created right here in Kent County.”

Donations are now being accepted for the Local Indie @ KDL collection. Interested authors, filmmakers and musicians can either pick up a copy of the submission form at one of 18 KDL branches, or download the form from http://www.kdl.org/books_and_more/go/LocalIndie. Donated materials must be accompanied by a completed submission form. The collection will initially be available at the Cascade Township and Kentwood branches, and will be unveiled in early 2013. As demand increases, other branches will be considered, Nagel said.