A local story finds its voice at the Library.
When local author Barb Dorrington began thinking about turning her book into an audiobook, she assumed it would be out of reach. “I thought that I wouldn't do an audio recording because I understood that it was quite expensive,” she said. “This was a labor of love for me.”
That changed after a conversation with longtime friend Saveria, a local singer-songwriter and audio producer. Saveria had been looking for ways to expand into voice recording, and she saw an opportunity for them to collaborate. “I was like, why not? Let’s do this here,” she said. “It’s so close to home. It’s within our community. It makes sense.”
Now, the pair are recording The Trauma Monster: A Healing Journey Through The Untold Cold Case Stories of One Ontario Community in the London Public Library’s recording studio, using a free community space to help bring Barb’s work to new listeners.
Described as both a cold case investigation and a guide for understanding trauma, the book follows Barb’s search for answers in the unsolved 1968 murder of her childhood friend, Scott Leishman. Along the way, it shares the stories of survivors she met during her research and explores how trauma shapes the people who carry it.
Hearing the Story in a New Way
For Barb, hearing her work spoken aloud has been unexpectedly moving. When Saveria first began reading in the studio, she said, “she just started reading the book with expression because she has a trained voice.” Hearing it aloud changed the experience entirely. “When I heard her reading, it almost sent goosebumps up and down my arms because it was bringing the book alive,” Barb said. “She just did an amazing job.”
Saveria said reading the book out loud has been powerful in its own way. “Truly, when I’m speaking and reading the words, like a lot of it’s for the first time,” she said. “I have to stop sometimes because it’s so heavy some of these cases.”
Barb, who spent years working as a trauma therapist, sees a clear connection between hearing these stories and how trauma lives in the body. “Remembering trauma is reliving,” she said. “And so, when I’m hearing Saveria speak, she’s in a sense, reliving it in a similar way, even though it wasn’t her experience.”
Why the Library Made Sense
For Saveria, recording at the Library felt like a natural fit. “I’ve worked here at the library on many different projects with London Music Office, and it always comes to mind, like, this is a great spot for local, like, up-and-coming musicians to use the space,” she said.
The Library Studio has also made the project possible in a practical sense. “Having this be free for use is amazing,” Barb said, noting that professional studios can be costly and home recording comes with its own challenges.
Saveria said the equipment makes the space valuable for creators at every level. “The Studio itself, with the mics and the equipment, it is professional grade for anyone who wants to, from a beginner to someone who’s more advanced,” she said.
A Long Connection to the Library
Barb’s connection to the Library runs deeper than the recording studio. She used the Ivey Family London Room extensively while researching local history and old news coverage connected to the cases in her book. “Oh, a lot. A lot. I was here a lot,” she said.
That research helped her verify small but important details, and the Library became part of the book’s journey long before the audiobook began.
Looking Ahead
Barb and Saveria are now about a third to halfway through the recording process, and both say the project has deepened their connection to the book and to each other’s work. Barb hopes to release the finished audiobook on streaming platforms, while continuing to share the book with community groups, especially seniors who may remember the era and the cases it explores.
Whatever happens next, Barb is glad they decided to do it. “If I don't even sell one audiobook, I’ll still be thrilled I did it,” she said.
Saveria feels the same way. “What an experience.”
Curious about the Labs?
Located at Central Library, the Labs is the hub of the Library’s creative spaces. It is a place to explore new ideas, learn new skills, and work on projects alongside others. You can try tools like 3D printers, a recording studio, green screen technology, a vinyl cutter, and a digitization station, along with sewing machines, a serger, button makers, and digital editing software. Whether you are starting something new or building on an existing project, the Labs offers space and support to create.
You can book time in the Library’s Studio by contacting info@lpl.ca or calling 519-661-4600. This space is available to book for a maximum of two hours per day, subject to availability, and can be booked up to one week in advance. Learn more: www.lpl.ca/TheLabs