WICHITA, Kan. (GVP) —Grant Overstake seized a remarkable opportunity to showcase his resilient fictional characters to librarians from all over the country at the prestigious Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) National Conference.

Poets and authors with rural roots, such as Julie A. Sellers and Kansas Poet Laureate Traci Brimhall, gathered at the ARSL Author Fest, which was co-sponsored by Watermark Books and Café, to share their literary works and insights. It was a wonderful event that celebrated the talents of these writers and their connection to the rural American experience.

The national event was a significant milestone for Overstake and for Grain Valley Publishing Co., which is celebrating a decade of producing quality stories from the heartland.

"I'm deeply honored to have been invited to read at the Author Fest,” Overstake said. “I met some amazing librarians who are truly the lifeline of literature for their readers in rural America."

Overstake’s novels resonate with readers of all ages. His award-winning stories, set in wheat country and his hometown of Wichita, are excellent additions to rural and small library collections.

Overstake's Author Fest reading was a powerful scene from "The Real Education of TJ Crowley" set in the school library.

The librarian helps TJ listen to a tape recorded message sent from his brother, who is fighting in Vietnam. The librarian’s role in the life of the protagonist drew an outburst of applause.

Overstake warmly welcomed a group of librarians from various states including Arizona, Minnesota, Nevada, Missouri, and even Alaska. The librarians were in search of books that feature powerful protagonists capable of making a positive impact on their teenage readers.

Grain Valley Publishing held a raffle to give away two complete book club sets for their libraries, along with a virtual author visit from the author. Overstake's novels are available for purchase at Watermark Books and other retailers nationwide.

“I’m looking forward to connecting with rural and small librarians across the nation, introducing them to TJ Crowley and Maggie Steele. This conference was a great place to start,” Overstake said.

Next year’s library conference will be held in Springfield, MA. Previous events have been held in:

2023: Wichita, KS

2022: Chattanooga, TN

2021: Sparks, NV

2020: Online (originally planned for Wichita, KS)

2019: Burlington, VT

2018: Springfield, IL

2017: St. George, UT

2016: Fargo, ND

2015: Little Rock, AR

2014: Tacoma, WA

2013: Omaha, NE

2012: Raleigh, NC

2011: Frisco, TX

2010: Denver, CO

2009: Gatlinburg, TN

2008: Sacramento, CA

For more information visit the ARSL website.