An author with local ties to DeKalb County, Larry Self, was in town Friday for a book signing at Justin Potter Library.

Self was on tour for his newest book, “Mary A Mermaid in Reverse Book 2”, but also had his first title “Mary: a Mermaid in Reverse” and a CD of children’s songs containing the classic Eddie Raven song “The God for Kids” available to purchase.

“It’s been going extremely well,” Self said. “I just finished telling Miss Kathy (Hendrixson) that everybody has been so nice, it’s kind of like coming back home. I sure feel at home and I can’t say enough about how kind everyone has been to me.”

Larry Self was born at home in 1944, near Smithville. He attended school in DeKalb County and later pastored churches there as well. He moved his family to Putnam County in 1973 to pastor a church. In 1976 Larry, his wife Betty and Mr. U.L. Whitson founded the Cookeville Rescue Mission.  He was the executive director of the mission for 38 years and spent 41 years there as pastor of Marsh Chapel. Larry and his family currently attend People’s Baptist Church located in Alexandria.