Libraries, by their very nature, attract readers. And readers generally seek out authors. In some cases, however, it’s the other way around: authors in search of an audience.

That’s the situation for a group of local authors who hope to generate interest in their latest works by participating in the Holliston Public Library's first ever “Winter Author Series,” which takes place on Saturday, Jan. 22 from 11 a.m. — 1 p.m.

“We’re regularly approached by people who’ve written books,” admitted Leslie McDonnell, Holliston Library Director. “They want to schedule appearances, but with our current (reduced) staff, we couldn’t possibly do individual nights.”

McDonnell went on to explain that after much consideration, she decided to try a new strategy, which would bring interested authors to the library, as part of a group setting.

“We hated to say no (to their requests), “ McDonnell said, “because we promote reading and writing.”

The actual format for the event has yet to be determined. “We’ll play it by ear, I guess,” McDonnell said. We may have a panel discussion or we might just let people talk to the authors individually. It depends, too, on how many people attend the event.”

As McDonnell consulted her computer for the list of confirmed authors, she was pleased to note that her e-mail included several new requests to participate. “Some of the authors are self-published,” she explained, “and some have books from traditional publishers. They want to participate to perhaps sell some of their books and to gain an audience.”

McDonnell noted that there are already a number of books available by local authors as part of the library’s current inventory. In addition to being locally authored, some of those books also deal with local historical events.

Currently, almost a dozen authors have expressed interest in the Winter Author’s Series, with the possibility that more will be added to the schedule in the coming days.

Tentatively scheduled to appear are:

— Vicki Zak, a Holliston resident who has written a book on herbs and teas.

— Wendy Seadia of Framingham, whose book is a family memoir.

— Josephine Ho of Natick, who has authored a children’s book

— Lynn Morgan, author of a children’s book.

— Brian Smith

— Clifford Bowyer of Holliston, author of a science-fiction book.

— Bill Miller, whose “Heroes and Hounds” is a children’s/family book.

— Barbara Kasok, author of “Help Me To Get Ready To Read,” a guide for children under age 5.

— Jane Kohuth of Holliston, who will present her children’s book.

— Carol and Walter McClennen, co-authors of “Hannah Smith: A Medfield Girl,” a children’s book.

“We hope to do this once a year, if it’s successful,” McDonnell said.

The event, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Holliston Library, will take place in the library's Meeting room. Refreshments will be available.

“It’s a good chance for aspiring writers to talk to an author, to find out how they did it,” said McDonnell.

Related upcoming events include an evening with author Stephen Puleo, on Monday, Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. “His last appearance was very well attended,” McDonnell relayed. Franklin’s Michael Touglias, author of “Overboard: A True Bluewater Odyssey of Disaster and Survival” will present a slide program on Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m.

For more information on the Winter Author series, patrons can contact McDonnell at 508-429-0617 or visit http://www.hollistonlibrary.org/holliston.