Renea Winchester – Is Outbound Train at “Your” Library?
On June 26, 2020, Renea Winchester posted an AHA message on her Facebook page. She let readers know that her 2020 published novel, Outbound Train, can be requested at libraries. I guess I knew it was an option, or did I? I\’ve borrowed books at my local libraries for years and never thought to request a book because I buy books, too. There were times when, while browsing, I\’d look for a particular title and check the catalog, only to discover that the book was not included in the library\’s inventory. Sometimes I was puzzled because of an author\’s recognizable name and work, but still, I never spoke to the librarian about it.
After seeing Renea\’s Facebook post, my lightbulb came on and I tried it. A quick look at my library\’s home page took me to the \”Ask A Librarian\” page. I typed in my question, i.e., if books can be requested for their inventory. Soon after, the system emailed a response, along with a link to fill in the few lines of information. The instructions listed the expectations, assuming the request would be approved, and told me to check the catalog occasionally. That was my only issue. I didn\’t check often enough. Weeks later, I discovered Outbound Train in the system, but someone had borrowed it. Plus, a number 2 person was waiting! I put it on hold and was notified a month later.
Finally, I had the library copy in my hands and the joy of knowing that my simple request resulted in another copy of Outbound Train being out in the world for the pleasure of many more readers.
Reading Outbound Train takes you into the life of 16-year-old Carole Anne, the daughter of Barbara, a factory worker. Pearlene is Barbara\’s mother. They live in a trailer park in Bryson City, North Carolina, where life has dealt them a bad hand, but they are proud and determined women. Renea Winchester created a compelling story of their struggles and gave them voices that sink deep beneath the surface. Read more about Renea and Outbound Train on her first postcard feature on Postcards and Authors. The postcard she sent for my collection represents the former local high school where Bryson City kids attended.
Renea, book cover postcards are pretty cool! As I occasionally cruise through the site and my eyes land on this Outbound Train postcard, I think of Carole Anne, Barbara, Pearlene, and Doretta and Connor, too. What a great tribute to the women in your family and the residents of Bryson City and Swain County who, as you said, know how to \”make do.\” Thank you.
~Anita~
❤️
