As focus on e-books and downloadab­le material grows, library asks for input

Books aren’t dead, according to Buncombe County Public Library Director Ed Sheary, but he admits that libraries cannot ignore the growing popularity of e-books and digital audiobooks. As part of a federal grant, the library is seeking public input about the North Carolina Digital Library, the virtual place where patrons can check out downloadable materials. The survey closes July 7. (Photo courtesy of Pack Memorial Library)

The road to Pitchapalo­oza, part 1

Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, aka The Book Doctors and the masterminds behind “The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published,” are coming to Malaprop’s this Friday for Pitchapalooza, in which one lucky author will win an introduction to a literary agent. It all hinges on having the perfect book pitch. This is my story about working on the fail proof one-minute spiel.

Short-story glory

A review of local author Michael Hopping’s new book, MacTiernan’s Bottle. The book’s title is also the name of the first masterpiece. This story will captivate every WNC artist who’s ever worked odd jobs to support their creativity, or agonized over the heartbreaking question of whether to give up their art or not.

Moonshine in Marshall, Sunday at the FBI

Charles D. Thompson Jr., the curriculum and education director at the Center for Documentary Studies and a lecturer of cultural anthropology at Duke University, will discuss his latest book, Spirits of Just Men: Mountaineers, Liquor Bosses and Lawmen in the Moonshine Capital of the World, on Sunday, July 17, at the FBI, the “church building across the street from the firehouse” (or 68 N. Main St. in Marshall).