Feb. 2, 2006 — Nationally celebrated author Homer Hickam will be the featured speaker at the annual Friends of Elaine I. Sprauve Library meeting at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 17 at the library. The public is invited
Hickam is the author of "Rocket Boys," which was made into the film "October Sky." He also wrote "The Keeper's Son" and the "The Ambassador's Son," a series about life in West Virginia coal mining town. McGuinness said he's working on a new book in that series called "The Far Reaches."
Hickam, who has a house on St. John, has donated copies of his books to the library.
Librarian Carol McGuinness said Hickam will sign copies of his books.
And local author Ophelia Powell Tores, who wrote "Caribbean Poetry, Folktales and Short Stories, " will be on hand to sign copies of her books.
The Friends group will also vote on a new slate of board members. They are McGuinness, Vashti Boynes, Joanne Keele, Vernon Lake, Chuck Pishko, Elmo L. Rabsatt Sr., Miles Stair, and Anna Tuttle.
McGuinness said that during the past year, the Friends received over $15,000 in donations. They included more than $10,000 from Golden Eagle Financial LLLP, $3,000 from the John Scruci Foundation and $1,778 from the St. John Accommodations Council.
She said the money will be used to enhance the DVD collection, update the reference and non-fiction collection and buy some new mahogany chairs for the use of library patrons.
McGuinness said that The Rotary Club of St. John donated $500 towards books for children and young adult readers. Members also read at the Thursday morning story hour that serves five classes from St. John preschools and sponsored a book-writing session for children using a computer program.
"Kids leave with a pre-bound book," McGuinness said.
She said that renovations to the library are planned. They include air conditioning, the acquisition of more public computers to add to the four already in use, painting, repairs, and landscaping.
