For an author looking to set up a book event where they can meet readers directly, bookstores are an obvious choice. Booksellers often host authors for events every week of the year, and book sales are their expertise, after all.
However, I’ve found that many authors live in bookstore deserts, with only big box stores or small used bookstores in their community. For these authors especially, it’s important to find your audience of readers where you can, and libraries are a wonderful, often-overlooked way to do just that.
If you want to connect with your local library for a potential book event, but don’t know how to properly approach librarians, keep reading!
Step One: Create your event topic and outline
Libraries are keen on education, so most library events go beyond “author talks” and instead focus on presentations that promise to share research findings or teach relevant skills to community members.
If you aren’t sure what kind of event your community would resonate with, take a peek at the library’s event calendar to see what types of presentations are currently being offered to patrons.
You’ll want to present something different from what others are doing, while emphasizing the value your presentation will give to attendees.
Step Two: Create supplemental materials
How will you make your presentation engaging and memorable?
A children’s book author may create crafts or hands-on projects for kids to experiment with; a history author may create a handout with useful terminology or timelines; and a self-help or business author may put together a powerpoint with step-by-step tips or key takeaways for the audience.
Step Three: Bring your proposal to your local library
Share your event idea and a rough outline with the librarian in charge of programming. Let them know approximately how long your presentation will be, and whether there will be audio/visual components or hands-on projects for patrons. If you’ve given this same talk in the past, let them know how it was received by the audience. Emphasize the value their patrons will get from the presentation. And most importantly, be flexible and willing to adjust your plan according to the library’s needs. They ultimately know what works best for their patrons.
Step Four: Market the event and make sales
All libraries have different budgets, but most are not drowning in money. If you usually charge a speaker’s fee for events, consider waiving your fee or allowing the library to pay what they can.
Most libraries will add events to their virtual calendar and promote them with fliers in the building. Some libraries with active social media accounts will use their online presence to help promote events, too. Be sure to ask what their marketing plans are, and offer your help.
If you plan on selling books at the event, ask what the library’s capability is for purchasing books. While some libraries can order books through Ingram or Baker & Taylor, others may not have the budget to do so, and may instead ask you to sell your own books or partner with a local bookseller if possible.
Another option is to include a QR code on your handout or slideshow that links to an online ordering page for readers. Readers are typically more likely to buy books in person vs. online when given the option, but if needed, a QR code is better than nothing! You can easily create a QR code through a QR code generator like this one.
Step Five: Solidify your relationship with your local library
Of course, it’s common courtesy to thank anyone who hosts an event for you. If you can, consider ways that you can go above and beyond like: attending the library’s other events, regularly checking out materials, or donating to fundraisers.
If you leave a positive impression, your local library will be more likely to work with you again!
Looking for more info on author events, check out our tips for organizing events around your release date here!
Jackie Karneth is a publicist with Books Forward is an author publicity and book marketing firm committed to promoting voices from a diverse variety of communities. From book reviews and author events, to social media and digital marketing, we help authors find success and connect with readers.
Interested in what’s possible for your book sales and building readership? Check out our services, tell us your goals, and get a customized publicity campaign tailored just for you.
