Author event immediately follows PFOL annual meeting
Hot off the presses, The Quill of Umatilla County Literary Magazine will make its debut May 30, 2025, during the Pendleton Friends of the Library annual meeting.
The literary magazine features poetry and prose from 17 authors as well as visual arts from each a photographer and painter. The launch party will be the first opportunity to purchase a copy of the literary magazine, and it will also include live readings by authors and a panel discussion with the creators featured in the first issue.
Pendleton Public Library Director Jennifer Johnson said the compilation highlights stories that are happy, sad and everything in between.
“The Library is thrilled to introduce this collection to Umatilla County residents. This community is full of talented creators, some of which will be published for the first time through the Quill,” Johnson said. “The Library is excited to launch this project with the help of our friends group, Pendleton Friends of the Library. For years PFOL has filled book shelves community wide through their annual book sale. It seems only natural, that they create their own collection of stories, poems and art, representing the community they serve.”
In its first year, the literary magazine received 54 submissions. Submissions were reviewed by a committee that scored each piece in a number of criteria, including quality, relevance to the topic and originality. Based on space and scores, 32 pieces were selected for publication
Each of the selected pieces has a connection to Umatilla County, and the issue follows the Oregon Humanities theme for 2025: The People and the Public.
Issue One includes:
- Thought-provoking poetry on themes of place, resilience, and belonging
- Dynamic short fiction, ranging from intimate character portraits to bold storytelling
- Reflective nonfiction essays rooted in lived experience
- Original visual artwork from each a featured painter and photographer
The launch event begins at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30th, in the Vert Clubroom, 345 SW 4th Street, Pendleton. Desserts and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided at the event. The event is free, but registration is requested. Anyone interested in attending can register on the City of Pendleton’s website at https://www.pendletonor.gov/library/page/quill-umatilla-county-dessert-author-reading
The Literary Magazine author readings and panel discussion will take center stage immediately follow the Pendleton Friends of the Library (PFOL) annual meeting. The meeting will include a brief address about the state of the organization and the PFOL board member elections.
PFOL President Tyler Johnson was part of the submissions committee.
"It was a delight to review the submissions for QoU, and I'm very much looking forward to its publication,” he said. “It is a notable testament to the immense skill and verve of our community's authors and artists."
Copies of “The Quill of Umatilla County” will be distributed to Umatilla County libraries for check-out. Copies of the magazine will also be available to purchase at the launch event. After May 30, copies will be available for purchase at the Pendleton Public Library.
The launch event is made possible through generous sponsorship by PFOL and Oregon Humanities. This launch marks not only the beginning of the magazine but also a growing space for dialogue, creativity, and artistic community in Eastern Oregon.
- May 15, 2025