--What the Library Means to Me

"I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library" -- Jorge Luis Borges

Dear Friends & Readers:

The Nevada County Library Foundation proudly announces the publication of a new fundraising book, Open to All: What the Library Means to Me, an anthology of essays, poems, and stories by an impressive lineup of writers, ranging from skilled amateurs all the way to world renowned Ray Bradbury.

Since the earliest days of California, the area now called Nevada County has been at the leading edge of the Golden State's shining literary heritage. The area gave us John Rollin Ridge (1827-1867), widely considered the first Native American novelist and California's first novelist; Alonzo Delano (1806-1874) perhaps the greatest first-hand chronicler of the Gold Rush; Mary Hallock Foote (1874-1938), one of the most popular authors and illustrators of the American West, who penned 16 books and numerous short stories; and Josiah Royce, who wrote the first history of California by a native and achieved lasting fame as an author, educator, and philosopher. None other than William James once declared, "250 years from now, Harvard will be known as the place where Josiah Royce once taught." Patricia Limerick, author of the Legacy of Conquest called Royce "The Father of Western History."

Today the Nevada City/Grass Valley area of Nevada County is home to many stellar literary stylists, including Pulitzer Prize winners Gary Snyder and Peter Collier. Snyder is internationally recognized for his contributions as a poet, essayist, environmentalist, and agent of social change. Peter Collier is probably most well-known as the New York Times Bestselling biographer of many of the great American families, including The Kennedys, The Fords, The Rockefellers, and The Fondas. Both authors are represented in Open to All, a project co-edited by nationally-known poet Molly Fisk (Listening to Winter); Steve Sanfield, a famed storyteller, author, and poet who has been called "the master of the American haiku"; and former Nevada County Librarian and current South Pasadena City Librarian Steve Fjeldsted. All three co-editors also contributed essays and brief introductions.

The trade paperback contains artwork from luminaries Tyler Micoleau and George Mathis and literary works from such illustrious Nevada County residents as Harold Berliner, the former District Attorney turned fine press printer, who once authored the now-universal Miranda Statement; Sands Hall, the actress, playwright, and author of Catching Heaven; Madelyn Helling, another former Nevada County Librarian (for whom the Main Library is named), Louis B. Jones acclaimed author of California's Over and others; nationally-recognized standup comic and author of Fondle the Fear, Richard Stockton; Mary Ann Trygg, current Nevada County Librarian; and Grammy-nominated folksinger and all-around provocateur, the late Utah Phillips.

In addition, it showcases works from top-notch writers from other regions of the state, including David Fenimore, (Bicycling Across America); Cheryl Klein, Program Manager of the California Chapter of Poets & Writers, Inc.; Anne Lamott, whose latest is Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith; Malcolm Margolin, publisher of Heyday Books; David Mas Masumoto, multi-award-winning author of Epitaph for a Peach and many more; and Arianne Wing (Rays of Hope.)

Other standouts are by Gerald Haslam, who's written more than two dozen acclaimed fiction and nonfiction titles and has been called "The Prince of California," and the inimitable poet Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel, proclaimed "The Walt Whitman of California" after she passed away in 2007. The book concludes fittingly with an absolutely not-to-be-topped piece by the one-and-only Ray Bradbury, who was recently accorded Lifetime Achievement recognition by the National Book Award.

All writers donated their works to the handsome tome published by Comstock Bonanza Press and all proceeds will be used to buy more books for Nevada County Library. The limited edition book will please bibliophiles and library lovers alike. Obviously, it belongs on all California public library shelves. It also makes a unique gift for those on your hard-to-buy-for holiday list.

The attractively priced future collector's item is currently only available from the Nevada County Library Foundation to whom checks should be made out. Copies are only $16 each (tax included) and can be obtained by sending a check to OPEN TO ALL, c/o the Nevada County Library, 980 Helling Way, Nevada City, CA 95959. Include $3 postage and handling for the first book and 75 cents each for subsequent copies. And please consider yourself forewarned, those who wait too long may find this particular offer is, unfortunately, closed to all.