Celebrate local authors at the Round Rock Public Library’s Local Author Meet and Greet, Saturday, October 4, on the first and second floors from 11am-1pm. Come and meet local authors Janice Airhart, Sarita Day, Alisha Gabriel, Ariel McJunkins, Jan Medina-Ruiz, Kristin Rice, and Alexandra Wails. They will have copies of their books for sale with 10% of the sales going to help support The Friends of the Round Rock Library.

Children’s Authors will have the opportunity to read an excerpt from one of their books at the end of Family Storytime, which takes place from 11 to 11:30 a.m., in the Second Floor Program Space. 

Author Spotlight

Janice Airhart

Janice Airhart has been a medical technologist, biomedical research tech, freelance writer and editor, science teacher to pregnant teens, bioscience program representative, and adjunct English professor. Her memoir, Mother of My Invention: A Motherless Daughter Memoir won the Minerva Rising 2021 Memoir Contest and was published in 2022. What Teaching Teen Moms Taught Me: Lessons From a High School Classroom was published by Lived Places Publishing in 2025. Her essays and articles have appeared in The Sun, The Science Teacher, Lutheran Woman Today, Concho River Review, Story Circle Network’s Real Women Write 2021 and 2023 anthologies, and other publications. See more at “Subject to Change” (janiceairhart.substack.com) or at janiceairhart.com.

Sarita Day

Sarita Day writes stories full of adventure, bravery, and love. When she isn’t writing, she’s photographing families and weddings. Her works include Fitzgerald, Fifth in Line for the Throne, The Singing Lion, and A Benevolent War.

Alisha Gabriel

Alisha Gabriel  is an award-winning children’s book author who loves talking about science and nature! Her co-authored middle grade book, Funky Fungi: 30 Activities for Exploring Molds, Mushrooms, Lichens, and More, won the 2023 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Book Prize for Excellence in Science Books. Her newest picture book, Fungi are…More Than Mushrooms, was a finalist in the 2025 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. When she’s not teaching, you might find Alisha curled up on the couch with a book, fiddling around in her craft room, or chasing ideas down rabbit holes. With twenty-seven years of teaching under her belt, Alisha provides hands-on presentations for schools, libraries, homeschool groups, and museums.

Ariel McJunkins

Ariel McJunkins comes from a Navy family and enjoys traveling and meeting new people. She has lived in Austin for the last 18 years and loves to attend outdoor events and exercise. Ariel comes from a background in teaching and promotional work, both of which provided her with the valuable skills needed for a career in Real Estate. She is constantly learning the best ways to effectively market new listings, negotiate contracts and educate buyers on the home investment process. Ariel McJunkins’ aim is to leave her clients with an amazing experience, whether buying or selling their home.

Jan Medina-Ruiz

Jan Medina-Ruiz was born on April 22nd—Earth Day—on the enchanting island of Puerto Rico (USA), a place she lovingly calls magical. Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, this vibrant land shaped her early sense of wonder and connection to the rhythms of nature. From a young age, writing became her sanctuary—a way to cradle her emotions, give voice to her imagination, and weave meaning into the everyday. Jan Michelle moves through life with deep reverence for the magic that surrounds her: the kind found in moonlit skies, quiet moments of reflection, and the soulful connections she nurtures with others. She lives with open-hearted gratitude, embracing the beauty of her journey and the stories that continue to unfold.

Kristin Rice

Kristin Rice was born and raised in Texas. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Texas A&M University in Theatre and English. She also obtained a certificate in teaching and pastoral counseling. Mrs. Rice has been publicized in multiple magazines, featured in numerous commercials, debuted in many movies and faith based films, modeled with clothing and fitness lines, edited and released a few books, plus now her Children’s Book, inspired by her own kids!

Alexandra Wails

Alexandra J. Wails is a writer with a wild imagination and a deep love for the kind of stories that make both kids and grown-ups giggle, gasp, and grin. She’s the creative mind behind The Sneekabitus, inspired by playful mischief, midnight snacks, and the magic of childhood curiosity. A proud Austinite for the past 15 years, Alexandra is thrilled to meet readers of all ages! so come say hello, share your favorite story, and maybe swap a sneaky snack tip or two!