Did you know the library has a collection of books written by local authors?

In the past, the library has accepted donations from local authors to help get their work read, and highlighted these works in our “Local Author” section. However, sometimes books by well-known local authors have ended up in the regular collection, so we’re rewriting our policy to help showcase the breadth of Chelmsford talent.

We’ve renamed our “Local Author” section to be “Chelmsford Authors,” and will include in the section a copy of books written by authors with a connection to Chelmsford. This could be that they live or work here, were born here, graduated from Chelmsford schools, or other strong connection. We’re limiting the books in this section to just authors with a Chelmsford connection, because the prevalence of online print-on-demand services make it so easy for anyone to publish a book. We’ll still accept donations from non-Chelmsford authors, and those titles will be incorporated into our regular collection. Read our full policy here.

Items in the “Chelmsford Authors” section will get a special spine label so they’re easily identified, will be shelved together in the “Chelmsford Authors” section (in the New Book Room), and will get a special note in their catalog record.

If you have any questions about the Chelmsford Authors Collection, check with the Readers Advisory desk at 978-256-5521 x134 or email Christine Sharbrough at csharbrough@mvlc.org. If you are a Chelmsford Author and would like to have your work added to our collection, or be involved with our annual Local Authors showcase, contact Kathy Cryan-Hicks at kcryanhic@mvlc.org or 978-256-5521 x109.