A small bookstore like Secret Garden Bookshop has found the formula for competing with the chain stores by bringing authors in to read.

"One of the things we do is have programming for our community," said Events Coordinator Suzanne Perry.

The free readings began in November 2005 after the new library opened. Since then the readings and the audiences have grown.

"It's lovely to have that space. Patrons come just for the series. We never have less than 25 people. It's really amazing," said Perry.

The local Ballard schools are not left out. "We're constantly in the schools with book fairs and authors," said Perry.

Secret Garden Bookshop started as a store for children's books. It has branched out to also sell books for adults.

Outdoor writer and photographer Joel Rogers, who is a Ballard resident, will be featured in the Secret Gardens Bookshop author series on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 6:30 p.m. Rogers has just published his latest book titled "Seattle," a photo essay book on the city.

Another Ballard resident, Evie Hansen, author of "Omega 3s for Healthy Living," gave a reading last week.

On Wednesday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m. author James Gurney talks about his book "Dinotopia: Journey to Chandara." The book is about a world where humans and intelligent dinosaurs live together in harmony for centuries, undiscovered by the rest of the world.

Both readings are at the Ballard Library, 6514 22nd Ave. N.W.

Secret Garden is located in the heart of Ballard at 2214 N.W. Market St.