Two local authors will be promoting and signing their books next month at the Guy Hunt Public Library in Holly Pond.

Guy Hunt librarian Shelia Wilhite announced Holly Pond High School alum Marlena Smith would promote her newest release “The Power of Love” — a romance novel about a woman unexpectedly finding love as she attempts to start a new life in the small town of Belmont, Montana — and her previously released romantic novella “Ella” during the Holly Pond Town Council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 3. Smith is scheduled to appear at the Guy Hunt Library at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 24.

Speaking to The Times on Thursday, Sept. 5, Wilhite said Laura Duncan, another Cullman County author, would also be visiting the library Thursday, Oct. 3. Duncan will be signing copies of the book “Angels Among Us: Inspirational Messages From Beyond” which she co-authored with Melanie Warner, Amber Torres, Gregory Sanders, Rita Gladiling, Keri Knudston, Lynisha Senegal, Curt Ingram and Linda Espinoza.

Wilhite said she expects to schedule more book signings in the future to highlight the local talent in Cullman County as the library makes an effort to expand its public events calendar.

The library is currently accepting book donations which will contribute to a book sale taking place at Holly Pond Town Hall, located on U.S. 278. Books will be available to purchase from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28. All proceeds from the book sale will directly contribute to the library’s operations.

In other business the council:

— Approved an additional $4,000 to be added to the budget for ongoing renovations being performed to the town’s senior center facility.

— Received a clean audit report for fiscal year 2023.

— Approved Larry Cooke, CPA, LLC’s fee of $10,545 for the preparation of the audit report.

— Approved a contract with White Pine Designscapes to provide landscaping services for $2,500 each year.

— Approved the $9,800 purchase of a replacement A/C unit for the concession stand located at the town’s sports complex.