PDA Event: Bringing the Past to Life: Readers’ Advisory for Historical Fiction

Historical fiction draws readers in because it lets them discover something new through story - whether that’s an unfamiliar time period, a new place, or a different perspective on history. Many readers turn to the genre to escape repetitive themes, explore deeper context, or find rich, discussion-worthy titles.

This readers’ advisory webinar will focus on why readers love historical fiction and how library staff can make confident, engaging recommendations. We’ll talk about key appeal factors, strategies for selecting standout titles, and ways to offer variety within the genre from sweeping epics to quieter, character-driven stories.

We’ll also explore how libraries can connect historical fiction to local history and programming with Leigh Thomas, who leads the Past Tense: Historical Fiction Book Club at New Hanover County Public Library. Leigh will share how the book club is structured, how titles are selected, and how historical fiction can spark meaningful community conversations and partnerships.

Attendees will leave with practical readers’ advisory strategies and fresh ideas for engaging readers through the past.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the key appeal factors of historical fiction that draw readers in, including unique time periods, rich context, and compelling perspectives, and use these factors to guide confident readers’ advisory.
• Apply practical strategies to select and recommend standout historical fiction titles, ensuring variety across style, scope, and theme to engage different reader interests.
• Connect historical fiction to local history and library programming, using book clubs, community partnerships, and events to bring the past to life for readers and spark meaningful discussions.

Presenters:

Leigh Thomas, Branch Manager at New Hanover County Public Library and Devon Waugh, Instruction Librarian for NC LIVE

Register to attend

Hosted by NC LIVE