Monday, December 7, 2015

Guest Post: "Are Libraries Obsolete? Heck No!" by Cheryl C. Malandrinos

There’s a long-standing battle going on in my house. My husband feels in this age of technology libraries have become obsolete. I think that’s total garbage.

Since embarking upon my writing career, I’ve used my local library to research magazine markets and publishers.  Perhaps I should provide my husband a list showing the hundreds of dollars I’ve saved by using the library system to borrow books from as far away as Florida and Colorado to help me draft realistic historical novels.

There were days I couldn’t have made it without our adult reference librarian who has assisted me by locating hard to find research materials. It’s usually when I am at the point of deciding to shift to contemporary fiction that she saves me. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the time that our children’s librarian dug dozens of books out of basement storage so I could come up with comparable seasonal titles for a submission I was pitching to an agent.

This doesn’t even touch upon the many wonderful programs for children, teens, and adults that local libraries put on throughout the year.

Any writer can tell you that Internet research only brings you so far. Local libraries fill the gaps that complete your research and get you ready to write. It is relationships with librarians that encourage and empower local authors. Without libraries, fewer people would have the opportunity to read. Have you seen some of the prices of books these days?

Libraries and librarians will always be vital to our communities. 

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Title: A Christmas Kindness
Genre: First chapter reader
Author: Cheryl C. Malandrinos
Publisher: 4RV Publishing

About the Book:

Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who has only one request for Santa, Robert is confused over what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?



About the Author 

Cheryl Malandrinos is a freelance writer, children’s author, ghostwriter, and editor. Her children’s books include Little Shepherd (GAP, 2010) and A Christmas Kindness (4RV, 2012 & 2014). She is also a book reviewer and blogger. Ms. Malandrinos lives in Western Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married.
You can visit Cheryl online at:

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