Our Books in Libraries
This weekend I attended the American Library Association Mid-Winter Meeting in Denver with my library. Some of you might really be surprised at how much libraries have changed in the past decade. From automatic check in systems to new and innovative ways to catalog books and organize DVD collections, signs were everywhere that the future of libraries is changing. Libraries are doing all they can to keep up with the times and stay relevant to today’s culture, but books are still their main focus.
As I wove my way through the crowd of librarians and library employees, I noticed that even though the booths representing supplies and technology for libraries were full, the publisher’s booths were overflowing. It was impossible not to notice the enthusiasm of librarians looking for Advanced Reader Copies and discounted books. Librarians love books! And they were looking for new books for their collections. Perhaps your own librarian was there shopping around for your own library’s collection of books.
In today’s economic times, libraries are more important than ever for authors – and for readers. Certainly, our best-selling authors will continue to sell in stores and be easy to find, but for other authors, libraries will help keep their books accessible to the public. So, please support libraries! You may not realize it, but you can help librarians decide what books go on your library’s shelves. In fact, they want your input.
The first thing you can do, before you request books, is to visit your library and sign up to receive a card. Most library cards are free or charge a very small fee that is well worth the cost over time. The next thing you can do is to grab a calendar of events and services your library offers. From computers to workshops and book clubs, you might be surprised at what your library has to offer your family.
Then check the catalogs and shelves for your favorite authors. If you don’t find them, ask your library how you can request them. You will have no problem finding Karen Kingsbury, Elizabeth Berg, or Stephen King, but be sure to tell your library if you want to read titles by other authors, as well. Share your favorite debut, niche, and mid-list authors with them and request they carry their books in your community’s library.
Most people who visit Writer Interrupted are authors, so you probably do your best to support authors by purchasing their books, but you can’t buy every book. Rest assured that checking books out at the libraries is the next best way to support your favorite authors. It keeps the book in circulation and is one more way to spread the word about that author.
So go forth to your library armed with your list of favorite authors, but expect to be surprised. You might find that your favorite books are already there! Best of all, you might even discover a few authors you haven’t read before.
Happy Reading!
