It is an annual event and key component of the Local Author Program open to present San Diego County residents who published a book in the current year. Qualified participants must currently reside within ZIP codes 91901 - 92199.

Join us for the Author Reception in January 2025. In February 2025, the showcase of books will be on display in the Dickinson Popular Library of the San Diego Central Library.

Please submit only one (1) book per author. We accept only one copy.

Except for poetry chapbooks, only books with proper bookbinding and format may be submitted. No pamphlets, brochures or stapled material can be accepted (Teens excluded).

We’ll accept books published the year before (in 2023) that did not participate the previous year. Books published before 2023 do not qualify.

The Online Showcase features authors and their information throughout the year, including book covers, publishers, and bios. It usually opens in February at the same time as the live exhibit and closes in February of the following year.

eBooks are accepted for display purposes only. To participate, authors must upload an image of the book’s cover through the online registration form. Afterward, your submission is complete. You don’t need to do anything else.

Please register and submit only the print edition.

Registration must be completed, and books must be received by Friday, Nov. 22, 2024.

Yes. The Local Author Program reflects the diversity of the publishing world.

Books in the Showcase circulate for one year (3/25 – 3/26). Afterward, qualified books may be added to the collection in compliance with SDPL's Collection Development Policy, including whether or not they have professional reviews. eBooks cannot be added now unless they are available through the library’s digital format vendor.

Yes. After the Showcase ends in the spring, books will be shelved alphabetically by author's last name in the Local Author Collection located in the Dickenson Popular Library on the first floor. Books won’t be searchable in the library catalog, but the author and book title can be found in the Online Exhibit.

During the registration process, authors can choose whether they want their books returned to them or donated to the Friends of the Library, where they may be sold to benefit the library.

Yes. Authors are encouraged to host their own book talks and signings. Most of the library branch locations have spacious community rooms that authors may reserve free of charge. Please see SDPL’s meeting room policies for more information.