National Library Week is right around the corner and the Selma-Dallas County Public Library is celebrating with a special writers showcase.

The showcase is being held April 14, 15 and 16 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the library’s Vaughan Room.

“So many locals and community people are writing. All of them, [regardless of experience] are invited to come and share their stories at the library during National Library Week,” said Becky Nichols, library director.

“We’re inviting writers to come and take one hour to be in the Vaughan Room, be at the podium and read from their books, read from their stories … and have an opportunity to speak in front of other people.”

The showcase is the first for the library, and Nichols said she is excited to get it off and running.

“This is the first time that we’ve done it, and we’re excited,” Nichols said. “The reason behind the showcase is that there are so many people in our community that are writing and telling their stories and many have come to the library … I just felt like there was a time for these writers to share more of why they’re writing.”

One of the writers, Elnora Rogers, said she is excited and nervous about the showcase, but she is mostly looking forward to sharing her work with others.

“I’m getting excited,” Rogers said. “It’s just things that I like people to hear. Since I’ve written so many poems I just wanted to share a few at this particular time.”

Growing up with the love of books and writing, Rogers has written poems for as long as she can remember. She usually writes them for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries, but she has never shared her work with the masses.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I said books are my best friend, … and God just gave me the talent to write poems,” Rogers said. “I’m just looking forward to it. I want to see some of the people that have published and meet them too.”

The showcase is also an opportunity for fellow writers to meet and talk about their experiences and Nichols said she is excited to see what friendships and connections blossom from the event.

The event is free to the public and for the writers and there are only a few available spots left. To register or for more information, call the library at 874-1725.