Last month I was invited to be the Author of the Month at a Library on Long Island. I’ve always been a library fan. Ever since my mother took me to the public library and I got my very own library card. Naturally, the children’s library was, and still is my favorite part of a library. When I was in high school, I volunteered to work in my elementary school library during school breaks. I loved checking books in and out for children, helping them find a book and even shelving the books. Mostly, I enjoyed reading picture books.
Celebrating Groundhog Day
As the Author of the Month, I was invited to share my book Gertie Saves the Day. My audience consisted of children ages 3-8 and their parents. The event was all about celebrating Groundhog Day. I am a former teacher so I tend to over plan. There were plenty of books, activities, coloring sheets, craft, stickers and a game. In Illinois, there is a real Gertie Groundhog and I shared photos with the children. In addition, I was able to sell copies of my book. It was a wonderful event and I made a few new fans along the way.
How Do Libraries Help Authors?
For starters, libraries are great places for people to experience an author’s work before buying it. Do you remember finding a book you love at the library and then adding it to your personal collection? There are some books that you just have to own!
When you check out a book you might recommend it to friends. Some of those friends buy it rather than borrow it from the library. Or one of your friends gets tired of the long waiting list and buys a copy. The library director in the next town, hears that the book is getting checked out a lot. They order a couple of copies and pay for them.
Teachers often have a good relationship with their children’s librarian. Librarians make recommendations and teachers often buy copies for their classroom.
Libraries also help writers find new fans by hosting in-person author readings, sharing book lists on social media, curating book displays, and offering recommendations to members of their communities. They play a crucial role in helping authors connect to new audiences, building buzz around their books that can in turn boost sales.
With gratitude …
I am glad you’re here. Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I am grateful that I can share my writing journey with you. It is an endless journey of learning and growing. A journey that I am enjoying.
Have you checked out my website. There are surprises everywhere. Click on the balloons and see where they take you. Can you find two writing videos? Freebies? A chocolate chip recipe? There’s even a special freebie to anyone who subscribes to my monthly newsletter. I have a number of FREE resources for children, parents and teachers that librarians and homeschooling families can download and use.
A Call to Action …
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