Forbes Library has selected Naila Moreira as its new Writer in Residence. Ms. Moreira will begin a two year term in July succeeding Susan Stinson who has held the post for five years.
The Writer in Residence is a professional writer who furthers the library’s fundamental mission by volunteering approximately five hours each week creating, offering and promoting library programming. The intention of the WIR program is to further the engagement between the library and the community’s writers and readers. Forbes Library is unique among public libraries to have a Writer in Residence. “We are so fortunate to live in an area with such a rich literary community. Having a Writer in Residence at the library allows us to reach out to the writers as well as to readers in our community in exciting and meaningful ways,” said Lisa Downing, Assistant Director.
Naila Moreira is an essayist, poet, and science journalist. Her work frequently focuses on themes of science and nature, drawing on her past experiences in the sciences, including her doctoral work in geology. Her articles and essays, including nonfiction for children, have been published in numerous venues, including The Boston Globe, The Seattle Times, Science News, The Common Online, and Science News for Students. She is the author of the poetry chapbook Gorgeous Infidelities, an art book published by Impossible Dream Editions in collaboration with internationally recognized photographer Paul Ickovic. She works at Smith College as a lecturer in the English Department and a writing instructor in the Jacobson Writing Center, and teaches a science and nature writing course for high school girls in Smith’s Summer Science and Engineering Program. She recently completed her first children’s novel and is at work on a novel for adults. You can learn more about Naila on her website, and follow her on Twitter (@nailamoreira) or on Facebook (naila.moreira).
Susan Stinson will receive the Twenty-Eighth Trustees Award at a public awards ceremony on Saturday, May 30 at 2 PM at the Forbes Library in recognition for her exceptional volunteer service.