PLA 2022 is in the books! We were so excited to host Edgar Award-winning author Meg Gardiner. Meg spoke at the PLA Mystery Program at the conference. She talked about her upcoming book, Heat 2, written in conjunction with Michael Mann, four-time Oscar-nominated filmmaker and writer-director of Heat, Collateral, Thief, Manhunter, and Miami Vice. They have teamed up to deliver Mann’s first crime novel, an explosive return to the world and characters of his classic film Heat—an all-new story that illuminates what happened before and after the iconic film.
At the live program, Meg had very kind words for the librarians in the room. We wanted to share them with a larger audience. Meg was so gracious to share her remarks from the PLA Mystery Program below:
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I want to thank all of you here who work in and for libraries day in and day out.
Several years ago I spoke at PLA—also here in Portland—on a panel with Karin Slaughter. She described libraries as part of the national defense. At the time, I thought: that’s a powerful metaphor.
Today, I know, she wasn’t speaking symbolically. Libraries are crucial to defining, defending, and determining who we are and will be as a country.
I live in Austin and teach seminars for Texas Writes, a non-profit that brings published authors to rural libraries across the state to give free writing workshops. I see how integral libraries are to small communities.
You are the core of what we are supposed to be: promoting free expression, knowledge, and inquiry; strengthening and supporting democracy, welcoming all. Guided not by fear or narrow interest, but serving everyone in the community.
I know that right now some of you feel an oppressive atmosphere. In Texas, many librarians are embattled and threatened for doing their jobs. I honor and support you for standing up for us all.
I also want to let you know that this conference will bring in more money than four games of the men’s NCAA basketball tourney held in Portland last week! That’s how big a deal PLA is. LIBRARIANS BEAT MARCH MADNESS.
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Thank you so much, Meg!
Heat 2 publishes on August 9, 2022.
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