By Joanie Morris
For the Salisbury Post
KANNAPOLIS – The Club at Irish Creek was mostly quiet. Forks clinked on plates, and low voices were scored with laughter.
The reserved mood was quickly put to rest though.
Tamar Meyer, author of 38 books currently living in Charlotte, brought her own brand of comedic stand-up to the Friends of the Cabarrus-Kannapolis Library’s annual meeting.
“I was born and raised with a tribe of headhunters in Africa,” said Meyer prior to her speaking engagement with the group. She moved to the United States when she was 16 and began writing in college. Her first novel wasn’t published until 23 years later.
“The message there is don’t ever give up,” said Meyer. “If you’ve got a passion, a dream, you’ve got to really work at it.”
Meyer called it a “fire in your belly” feeling that helped her see her dream through. All 38 of her novels — mostly mystery — have been on the mystery bestseller list.
The author’s speech was donated to the Friends of the Library — one of many donations the group relies on to bring quality programming to the area. Robin Pope, secretary of the group, said the group raises funds and utilizes grants to bring programs to the library.
Everything from author events like the event with Meyer to summer reading programs, Stories Under the Stars, book giveaways and even patio furniture are paid for with funds from the Friends.
“We pay for an awful lot of events that might have been cut from the budget,” said Pope. “It’s my goal for that to continue.”
Pope remembers visiting the library in Salisbury and watching Jackie Torrance telling stories.
“A child needs to start in the library,” said Pope.
Meyer said her speaking engagements normally net $1,800 but she was in a giving mood.
“When (Terry Prather) emailed me, Terry said she’d always really wanted me to come up,” said Meyer. “I was feeling good that day.”
She said libraries are a very important part of every community and admits to visiting the library every two weeks to return and check out books, as well as research.
“They are one of those things that politicians and governments are easy to cut funds to,” said Meyer. “It just thrills me to see parents bring little kids in and taking home books.”
Stop by any branch of the Cabarrus County Library System for more information about the programs offered and to learn more about the Friends of the Cabarrus County-Kannapolis Library.