ALAMOSA — Friends of the Alamosa Public Library invites everyone to a reading and reception to celebrate publication of the ninth volume of its literary and art collection, “Messages From the Hidden Lake.” The event will be held in the city council chambers at city hall, 300 Hunt Ave. on Friday, Dec. 8, starting at 7 p.m. It will include reading, signings, awards and refreshments; it is free and open to the public.

The reception is sponsored by the Friends of the Library and the GFWC Woman’s Citizenship Club of Alamosa, which is providing refreshments, with Mary Russell giving a short introduction. Master of Ceremony Dawn Krebs will lead the event.

“We really appreciate the collaboration and support of the Woman’s Citizenship Club,” said Library Manager Salai Taylor.

The books will be available for $10 each, and cash prizes will be awarded to authors and artists in various genres. As a special offer, a set of all nine editions of the collection will be available for $80. Copies will also be available at the library after the reception.

Proceeds from book sales will support new acquisitions for the library, according to Friends member Dr. Kristina Steinberg, who spearheaded the project.