For immediate release: August 7, 2023
Douglas County Libraries is proud to announce that its Community Relations Liaison Lisa Casper received the 2023 Author Advocate Award presented by the Colorado Authors League at an awards presentation on July 30 at the Washington Park Boathouse. CAL members nominate Author Advocates from those who advance the careers of established and upcoming authors, promote literacy and reading, and facilitate access to books and learning.
With this award, Ms. Casper joins the ranks of past Author Advocates Kevin Simpson of the Colorado Sun, Nicole Sullivan of BookBar, and Tattered Cover founder Joyce Meskis.
“It is so special to be recognized by authors and peers, especially when it is a job that I love so much,” Casper said. “When I started working at the Tattered Cover under Joyce Meskis and her team, I knew I loved reading and telling stories, and doing events was a dream job. I’m passionate about advocating for authors and putting books into readers’ hands.”
When Casper began working at Douglas County Libraries 16 years ago, she started doing Book Lovers talks for library customers while continuing to work author events. Through this work and her affiliation with Mountains and Plains Independent Booksellers Association, Casper was inspired to start a service for local authors to share their work, hone their elevator speeches on their books, and network. Today, the library hosts three Local Author Showcase events each year thanks to her efforts.
“In her 16 years with DCL Lisa has exemplified passionate advocacy in her support of authors and their work,” said Douglas County Libraries’ Special Events Manager Kerri Morgan.
“She has helped launch careers, raise profiles, and expose authors to new audiences. One only needs to look at the long list of accomplished authors who consider her a friend to note the impact she has had on their lives and livelihoods,” added Morgan.
Douglas County Libraries will host its next Local Author Showcase on Saturday, November 18, at the library’s Parker location (20105 East Mainstreet). Authors interested in presenting their work are encouraged to fill out an application by emailing Ms. Casper at lcasper@dclibraries.org.
For more information on author and Book Lovers events, visit DCL.org/featured-events.
Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.
