Public Libraries: An Author’s Friend

Public Libraries were my second home when I worked on my doctorate. Once I became an author, I discovered just how much of a friend the public libraries are to authors. It’s not as complicated as you might think.

Learning the Public Library System

Not all books are free donations to libraries. Libraries must also buy books to remain current and relevant as a viable information resource. Libraries use a system to select the books they buy, and authors need to know it. Three tips for getting your book(s) into public libraries.

1. Identify the Purchasing Agent(s). Knowing who to ask about carrying your book in your public library is the first step. The Purchaser may have a different title depending on the library, but search the navigation headers to find the right department.
2. Introduce Your Book. With the ask comes some work. Your book must be fully identified to the purchaser if you want them to carry your work. Title, subtitle, the ISBN – International Standard Book Number, the ASIN – Amazon Standard Identification Number, cost, an adequate description, and where it is published.
3. Earning Your Royalty. Although libraries receive a discount on their purchases, this does not change your royalty rate, at least not with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Below is the link to Inspired, Not Retired at the Davenport Public Library, Eastern Ave. Branch.
   

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

As I wrote, this isn’t a complicated process, and it’s well worth it. So, why would you want your book in the public libraries?

The Benefits of Having Your Book in the Library

It may not seem like a big deal, but having your book(s) in your public libraries matters.

1. Added Book Exposure. Having your book in your local libraries provides great exposure for your work. You can blog about it to let everyone know. Your book may be selected for a book club to read. After people check out and read your book, they may buy it. And, of course, word of mouth about your book within the community. So, what’s next?
2. Establishing Your Author Credibility. Libraries don’t carry just any book; for your book to make the cut and enter a public library system speaks to its quality. Libraries don’t carry books they don’t believe people will read, so spread the word.

The Really Big Benefits

1. Establishing a Wonderful Relationship. Once an author establishes a relationship with a library, the benefits seem endless.
   a. Hosting Book Signings. The support from your local public libraries for book signings is monumental. Check out these links. Hard Work: The Mind of an Author – LibCal – Davenport Public Library, “Inspired, Not Retired” – Author Presentation with Dr. Burl Randolph – Moline Library Adult Services, How are you Pursuing your Passion? – Bettendorf Public Library.
   b. Coordinating Lunch-and-Learns. A lunch-and-learn about you as an author and about your book is a great way to connect with readers.
   c. Invitations to Local Author Events. When you have a relationship with your local library, they invite you to local author showcases. This is your chance to promote your book(s) and yourself. Local Author Showcase – Bettendorf Public Library
2. Preparing for Your Next Book(s). Once you publish your next book, just notify your public libraries, and based on your wonderful relationship, they will take care of the rest.
   In some cases, you may want to give back to great benefactors.

Donations are Always Appropriate

Sometimes it’s nice to give back. A few years ago, I offered one of my alumni organizations- the U.S. Army War College Foundation Gift Shop– copies of my first book, Inspired, Not Retired: Leadership Lessons from Father to Son. They graciously accepted, placed my book in the Books by our Grad and Faculty section of the quarterly newsletter, and provided me with a donation receipt for tax purposes. I just sent my second round of books, including The Iraq I Knew… From Saddam Hussein to Weapons of Mass Destruction to Al Qaeda in Iraq. As the first ones sold out, I do not know who bought them- students or faculty- but it was nice to know that my peers thought enough of me to purchase them.

Although this blog is longer than I expected, I believe it is helpful. A Dr. Burl Blog Bonus (DB3) is a copy of my request/notification in my email to a local library. Feel free to use it however you see fit. Best Wishes!

Related Blogs

• Bettendorf Local Authors Showcase