Nine local writers will be locked into the Owen Sound and North Grey Library for three days this Labour Day Weekend to write novels. Each writer has raised over $250 in pledges (the total raised is over $5000 so far) with all funds going to support the Adult Learning Centre (ALC).

Located throughout the Library, the writers will start with only a one-page outline of their novels. With the full reference resources of the Library available to them, they will write from 6:00pm Friday September 2 to 6:00pm Monday September 5. The public is invited to stop by on Saturday September 3 from 9:30 to 5:00 to provide encouragement and additional pledges to the writers.

"The Three Day Novel Marathon is a significant fundraiser for the Adult Learning Centre," says Chief Librarian Tim Nicholls Harrison. "In our community there are many adults who use this program to upgrade skills for employment, high school credits, apprenticeship, post-secondary studies, or personal change. ALC services are free and available to adult learners over 19."

Writers this year include newcomers and veteran three-day novelists. Local author Richard Thomas, who is also Chair of the Library Board, has used the marathon as an opportunity to write first drafts of many of his D.B. Murphy detective series in the past. He is selling character names in his book again this year, with all money going to the ALC.

For more information about the Three Day Novel Marathon and the Adult Learning Centre, contact Tim Nicholls Harrison at The Library, (519) 376-6623 or [email protected].

source: media release, The Ginger Press