Award-winning author gives donation to library project

By Meredith Stanton Vaselaar

Adrian Branch Librarian

On Thursday, March 16, 2017, a package arrived at the Post Office for the Adrian Branch Library.  Inside was a whimsical little dragon, bright eyed and curious. According to the note that was included, “The dragon showed up on our doorstep a while ago, looking for a nice home.  Of course, we thought of you.”  The note was signed:  “Blessings, Diane & Kent.”

The package was from William Kent Krueger and his wife, Diane.  That was not the only item in the package; inside was an envelope and a donation of $1,000 for the Adrian Branch Library project!

William Kent Krueger and his wife were in Adrian last June.  Krueger gave a presentation on writing, and highlighted his books and inspirations.  At that time he spoke of the book that was sent to come out in September 2016: “Manitou Canyon.”  The book debuted at number eleven on the New York Times Best Seller List.  Krueger’s books have won many awards, including the Edgar Award, four Minnesota Book Awards, three Anthony Awards, to name a few.

“Sulfer Springs” is the title of Krueger’s next book, due to be released in August of 2017.  His books can be checked out at the Library, and titles are available for free download from the Library website – in eBook format as well as eAudio.

I had mailed a letter to Mr. Krueger, asking him if he wouldn’t like to have his name on the wall of a Library – specifically, our Library in Adrian.  I explained how cool that would be (I mean, right? Name. On. A. Library. Wall.  The epitome of COOL!)  Happily, Kent and Diane decided having their name on our Library Wall of Donors was just the thing, and asked that we add the name “Cork O’Connor” to the other tributes.

You, too, could be as cool as the Kruegers and add your name to the Library Wall of Donators.  There is less than $5,000 to raise to reach our goal.  And wouldn’t that be cool?!