ABOVE: Patty Wetterling and Joy Baker’s true crime autobiography book, published in 2023. The book recounts life before and following her son, Jacob Wetterling’s abduction. Wetterling and Joy Baker will join the Martin County Library on Monday, May 6.

FAIRMONT– Hold your children as tight as you can. That’s the message that is coming this week to the Martin County Library as it invites a mother to share with Fairmont the importance of child-safety, and her journey about sharing the message and significance of anti-abduction of children.

Author Patty Wetterling, joined by journalist Joy Baker, will be at the Best Western in Fairmont at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 6, where they will share the tragic life of Jacob Wetterling, an 11-year-old boy who became a victim of child abduction and murder on Oct. 22nd, 1989, in St. Joseph, Minn.

Wetterling is now a national advocate and educator, speaking for the prevention of kidnapping, trafficking and exploitation of children across the nation.

Joy Baker is a writer and blogger, having uncovered crucial evidence following Jacob’s disappearance. She is an advocate for child safety and has served as a writing coach and marketing consultant. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Minnesota, and writes on JoyTheCurious.com

Young Jacob’s disappearance shattered the lives of his beloved family. After their son’s abduction, Patty and Jerry Wetterling formed an advocacy group to protect children from sex-trafficking and abduction. Patty Wetterling and Joy Baker will showcase her book, “Dear Jacob: A Mother’s Journey of Hope,” recalling Wetterling’s 27 years of heartbreak, searching for her dear son, and the events the Wetterling family had endured after Jacob’s devastating disappearance.

Books will be available for purchase at the event and it’s expected that a a large amount of people will show up, which is why the event is being held at Best Western as it can accommodate more people.

The library writes, “This program is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant provided by the Traverse des Sioux Library Cooperative, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.”

The Martin County Library and its staff strives to bring visitors into its doors with events, activities and showcases that appeal to each person of the Fairmont community. Whether you’re a child or adult who loves to craft, read or learn, the Martin County Library has something on their calendar that aligns with any field of interest. The library will hold a variety of events through the month of May including books and brews, trivia night, an author meet and greet and crafternoon club.