Lecture Series - Friends of the Hannon Library

 

Coming This Year

All events are free and open to the public in the Southern Oregon University Hannon Library’s Meese Room (Room 305). Zoom links will be posted prior to each event. For more information on the events, contact Hannon Library staff at libraryevents@sou.edu

Metered parking is available for those visiting campus to attend the event in parking lots 1, 12, 29, 36, 37 and 41. Those who need disability accommodations to participate in the event, may contact SOU’s Disability Resources office at (541) 552-6213.


October 9, 2025, 5–6pm

Publishers’ Perspectives on Writers and Writing


portrait photographs of presenters

Publishing is a business, and a tough one at that. What are publishers looking for in potential books and in potential authors? In this panel, a trio of publishers talk about their perspectives on authors, books, and trends in the publishing industry. Featuring Anne Fonteneau, of Blackstone Publishing, Midge Raymond of Ashland Creek Press, and Jennifer McCord of Coffeetown Press, with moderator: Vicky Weiss


November 13, 2025, 5–6pm

How to Make Writing a Career

portrait photographs of presenters

Can you make a living as a writer? This panel explores how different writers have built their careers, honed their skills, developed strategies and work habits, and made connections to become professional writers. The panelists will share their stories and tips. Featuring Robert Arellano, Holly Searcy, Virginia Morell, and Ryan Pfeil, with moderator Ed Battistella.


January 8, 2026, 7–9pm

The William Stafford Birthday Reading

Moderator/Organizer: Amy Miller


February 12, 2026, 5-6pm

How Libraries Pick Books: What Writers Need to Know

Libraries and bookstores have limited resources—space and money. How do libraries and bookstores decide what to order and what to feature for their patrons? Join us for a panel featuring public librarians, academic librarians, and bookstore owners who answers the question every writer wants to know: how do I get my book on the shelves? Featuring Laurin Arnold, JCLS Collection Development Librarian, Emily Miller-Francisco, Hannon Library Interim Dean, Megan Isser, Bloomsbury Books owner, with moderator Brystan Strong.


March 12, 2026, 5–6pm

What People Are Reading

With over 4 million books published annually, how does a reader—even a voracious one—decide what’s worth reading? This panel brings together readers of all sorts to share their insights and experiences in deciding what to read and what not to read. If you feel that your reading habits could use an infusion of freshness, come to hear what our panelists have to say about finding authors—and share your own experiences and tips. Featuring Nic Anderson from Bloomsbury Books, Dr. Melissa Anderson from the Hannon Library, and author Barry Vitcov, with moderator Tony Davis.


April 9, 2026, 5–6pm

AI and Writing, Is Chat GPT your Co-author?

Is artificial intelligence going to be the end of writing? Will “authorship” by ChatGPT and other AIs make human writers, editors, and teachers of writing redundant. In this panel, a trio of writing teachers shares their experiences teaching writing in the age of AI. Learn about the pitfalls, the practicalities, and the potential of AI in the writing classroom and profession. Featuring SOU instructors Anne-Marie Pedersen, Matt Moreali, and Magdalen Sullivan, with moderator Danielle Hammer.


May 14, 2026, 5-6pm

Authors’ Meet and Greet

Join us for a meet-and-greet with local authors, with light refreshments. Authors are invited to bring a book to share, swap or give away, to introduce themselves to the Friends of Hannon Library, and to mingle with colleagues and readers.



Recordings of previous Friends of Hannon Library lectures can be found on the Hannon Library YouTube page.

 

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