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Welcoming Writers: A Librarian’s Guide to Connecting with Local Authors

I will be at Reaching Forward South this year with a few of my librarian friends! We will be presenting a panel on Welcoming Writers: A Librarian’s Guide to Connecting with Local Authors.

Friday, April 10, 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM – Room: New York City at The Regency Conference Center in O’Fallon, IL.

Text: The Incomparable J9
Image: Buff orange tabby on the shoulder of a green haired J9 whose eyes are smiling but the rest of their face is covered by a mask with the repeating words: No Justice, No Peace * Know Justice, Know Peace — *Hi! I’m J9! (The one in the mask, not the cute cat… his name is Vellum.)*

Author

J9 Vaughn is an author who is a member of the BWA (Bizarro Writing Association), the HWA (Horror Writers Association), and The Writing Journey. Their nonfiction publications include My Swan Song for Joy: a Sister Memoir through Meander Publications and Fools in April through the Chicago Story Press. They have fiction stories in the Fragile Anthology, Ludlow Charlington’s Doghouse Anthology, Whigmaleeries & Wives’ Tales, and the Writer’s Journey anthology, Awakening.

Librarian

J9 holds a Master of Science in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. They are a member of the ALA (American Library Association), PLA (Public Library Association), and ILA (Illinois Library Association). A professional programmer, J9 is currently a Manager of the Public Services Department for a Public Library in Illinois.

Storyteller

J9 runs the No Shush Salon, a a library based gathering space for all creatives who wish to present/perform in any medium, that was started in 2013. They have participated in a variety of open mics and storytelling events. When getting their library degree they took a storytelling class that expanded their appreciation for the art and have plans for future adventures in storytelling.

Animal Advocate

J9 worked at the Hinsdale Humane Society, was a Dog Walker / Pet Sitter with OutUGo!, has fostered dozens upon dozens of kittens, a few dogs and has helped rescue feral cats, stray dogs, birds, turtles, and one raccoon. They currently live with 5 cats, have had many other animal housemates including dogs, bunnies, fish, birds, and one guinea pig. They donate when they can to a few animal rescue organizations including the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control, an organization J9 most recently fostered through.

More about J9… in case you’re curious 😉

J9 Vaughn lives in a town with more dead than living with their bestie/partner, a motley crew of rescued cats, and an assortment of housemates. They are queer, neurodivergent, disabled, vegetarian, and a bit of a weirdo. They love swimming, creating random things, reading, and taking on way too many projects that they’re totally not going to finish in this lifetime… Maybe the next one? Also, brunch is their favorite meal of the day, especially with friends.