Writer Heather Lende visits Nome via Zoom

Noted Alaska writer Heather Lende was scheduled to visit Nome before the pandemic arrived. Because of the pandemic she was not able to do that, but she did pay a onehour visit via Zoom.

“There is a program called Alaska Reads,” said Nome Public Library Director Marguerite LaRiviere. She has served on the committee that choose the books for Alaska Reads. Every two years they select a living Alaska writer who can travel to rural communities. Heather Lende, who lives in Haines, was chosen this year. “So when the pandemic began it turned to her visiting the communities virtually,” said LaRiviere. She is scheduled to visit about 30 Alaska communities, all via Zoom arranged by the local libraries.

The Alaska State Library gave training on Zoom, the online application for holding meetings via the internet. City Manager Glenn Steckman allowed the library to use the city’s Zoom. Kyle Williams, who did the original Zoom training, attended the Heather Lende event to make sure the technology was functioning properly. For the hour Lende was meeting with Nomeites, it was perfect.

Kristine McRae has taught writing programs in the past and was selected to be the moderator. The City allowed people who did not have internet access at home to use the council chambers, providing their wore masks. Some people telephoned in from home to connect. “We were trying to give people as many options as possible to make that work,” said LaRiviere. There were 17 people on Zoom with two or three calling in. And there were four in the council chambers.

Lende talked about her approach to writing and about her books. Participants were able to ask questions.

More such Zoom events with writers are planned. The city is now using Zoom for meetings and the school district is communicating by Zoom for a number of meetings and seminars.