Local Authors Abound

By Sarah Jones, Carlsbad Public Library

Nestled within the Pecos River Valley, Carlsbad, New Mexico, may seem like a humble desert town—but it boasts a literary legacy as rich as its famous caverns. In this library column, I am spotlighting local authors whose works reflect the spirit, history, and imagination of our community.

Donna Blake Birchell: Chronicler of Carlsbad’s Story

Perhaps our most prolific and passionate local historian, Donna Blake Birchell has dedicated much of her career to preserving and sharing the unique story of Carlsbad and its surrounding region. As a longtime technician at the Carlsbad Public Library and an active partner with the Southeastern New Mexico Historical Society, Birchell has been at the heart of community efforts to document, celebrate, and protect the area’s rich heritage.

Her historical contributions have reached a broader audience through her widely read and beautifully crafted books. In Carlsbad and Carlsbad Caverns (2010), Birchell traces the development of our city from its humble beginnings as a dusty tent settlement along the Pecos River to its emergence as a center of agriculture, potash mining, and scientific innovation. Through carefully curated archival photographs and compelling narratives, she brings to life the pioneers, ranchers, engineers, and everyday citizens who shaped the town’s evolution.

Her follow-up volume, Legendary Locals of Carlsbad (2015), shines a spotlight on the people behind the progress—an inspiring collection of portraits that honors educators, business leaders, artists, and unsung heroes whose legacies continue to impact Carlsbad today. Together, these works offer readers an accessible and visually rich experience of local history, making them essential reading for lifelong residents, newcomers, and curious visitors alike.

More than just a writer, Donna Blake Birchell is a storyteller and steward of memory. Her work helps ensure that the past is not forgotten but instead remembered with pride, preserved with care, and passed on to future generations. Through her research, writing, and community engagement, she continues to deepen our understanding of where we come from—and why that matters.

John F. Andrews

A proud graduate of Carlsbad High School, John F. Andrews has carved out an impressive legacy as one of the nation’s most respected Shakespeare scholars. His deep knowledge and passion for classical literature have not only earned him academic recognition but have also connected him to major cultural projects that have shaped public understanding of history and the arts.

Andrews’ expertise has been featured in The Shakespeare Wars by Ron Rosenbaum—a critical and engaging exploration of how Shakespeare continues to inspire debate and scholarship today. He also served as an advisor for Ken Burns’ acclaimed documentary The Civil War, helping ensure historical depth and literary resonance in one of PBS’s most beloved series. Through these high-profile collaborations, Andrews has demonstrated how literature and history are inextricably linked, and how the arts can illuminate the human experience across time.

Beyond his work in public humanities, Andrews has taught at prestigious institutions such as Georgetown University and George Washington University, sharing his passion for Shakespeare, drama, and cultural history with generations of students. His lectures are known for weaving timeless literary themes into broader historical and political contexts, making Shakespeare’s work feel fresh, urgent, and relevant.

Despite his national and international achievements, Andrews remains closely connected to his roots in Carlsbad. He has often credited the values and inspiration of his early education and community for sparking his intellectual journey. Whether on the page, in the classroom, or on screen, John F. Andrews exemplifies how a small-town beginning can lead to a life of global influence and lifelong learning.

Sharman Apt Russell

Although not born here, Sharman Apt Russell made southern New Mexico her home from 1981 onward. A science and nature writer with deep Southwestern resonance, she explores ecology, citizen science, and indigenous know-how. Her work enriches environmental literature with a New Mexican lens.

These local authors—spanning history, fiction, science, poetry, and memoir—capture the essence of Carlsbad and southern New Mexico. They preserve our past, explore our environment, and engage our imaginations. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, parent, or lifelong learner, their writings offer doorways into diverse worlds shaped by this region.

Visit the Carlsbad Public Library’s collection. Each local author has a New Mexico local author sticker to highlight the work. We have many local authors for both fiction and non-fiction titles.

Carlsbad’s literary tapestry is woven from voices as varied as its landscape—from the depths of the cavern to the sweep of the desert sky. Reading their words connects us: to our roots, our place, and our shared stories. Stop by, pick up a title, and let our local authors enrich your journey.

Happy reading—and see you in the stacks!