Author Erin Hart

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$572
Fund Source
Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund
Recipient Type
Libraries
Status
Completed
Start Date
May 2015
End Date
May 2015
Activity Type
Education/Outreach/Engagement
Counties Affected
Brown
Brown
Project Overview
Minnesota author Erin Hart presented an hour-long program focusing on the first book in her Nora Gavin/Cormac Maguire series, “Haunted Ground,” during the library’s monthly Mystery Book Group. Hart shared insight into the development of the characters, plot, and setting of “Haunted Ground” and the Nora Gavin/Cormac Maguire series, which continues with “Lake of Sorrows,” “False Mermaid,” and “The Book of Killowen.” She discussed her writing style in general, her research methods, and her reading habits. Audience members asked questions throughout the program. The event concluded with a book signing session.
Project Details
29
Legal Citation / Subdivision
Laws of Minnesota for 2013 Chapter 137, Article 4, Section 2, Subdivision 4
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$572
Other Funds Leveraged
$155
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Written surveys were distributed to all attendees at the presentation. It was expected that a majority of
respondents would:
• learn something about Erin Hart as a writer.
• learn something about Erin Hart’s writing process.
• learn something about the setting, plot, and characters in “Haunted Ground.”
• share a positive review of this program with others.

Measurable Outcome(s)

All survey respondents indicated they learned something about
Erin Hart as a writer and about her writing process. They also learned something about the plot, setting, and characters of her first novel, “Haunted Ground.” All reported that they would share a positive review of the program with others.

This librarian observed relaxed audience members who asked questions throughout the program and listened
intently. Erin Hart was articulate and insightful, and she engaged the audience immediately. She even sang a traditional Irish song. Anecdotal responses from audience members included, “Delightful, and close to home
so I can attend.” and “Thanks – I love meeting authors!”

Pairing the author visit with one of the library’s books groups has become a tradition and a positive
experience. In addition, working with CASTLE Lifelong Learning in New Ulm helps generate more publicity,
and a number of its members attended the program because Erin Hart and her husband taught an Irish music
class for CASTLE in fall 2014.

Source of Additional Funds

New Ulm Library, o CASTLE Lifelong Learning – publicity
o Local businesses and media outlets – publicity

Project Manager
First Name
Dayle
Last Name
Zelenka
Organization Name
Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative
Street Address
1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 622
City
Mankato
State
MN
Zip Code
56002-5488
Phone
507-625-6169
Email
dzelen@tds.lib.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

1500 Highway 36 West
Roseville, MN 55113-4266

Phone
651-582-8200