Nearly twenty years ago, upon the release of my first novella (“Miracle on Beale Street,” contained in an anthology entitled Dream Vacation published by Tyndale House Publishers), part of my celebration was to call the circulation desk of the local library closest to my house.

Naively I asked, “Would you guys like for me to donate one of my author copies to the library?” After all, I had spent untold hours browsing among the shelves, checking out books by innumerable favorite authors, bringing my children to story time, and completing research related to my own scribblings. I assumed my gift would be welcomed and appreciated as the return favor I intended.

Not so much. The reply was straightforward and not particularly warm. “Let me have your title, and I’ll have our purchasing librarian check it out. Thank you, but we can’t take donated books.” As it turned out, Tyndale House was a “legitimate” publisher (as opposed to what was called “Vanity Press” at the time). Purchasing bought copies of Dream Vacation for three branches, and as far as I know, the library still shelves several copies of each of my eighteen published novels. I’m grateful, but I’ve had nothing to do with it.

Be Open and Available

Which brings me to the current question: “How can authors leverage local library exposure to increase readership and sales?” It’s not at all a straightforward process, but I discovered there are a couple of ways.

One is simply to be available when called on. After living in the city of Mobile for nearly thirty years, my husband and I moved up the interstate to the more rural areas of Saraland and Satsuma. I was invited by a friend at church to be a guest speaker at the Satsuma Friends of the Library end-of-year celebration. I didn’t expect any payment (except for a free dinner), but meeting the librarians turned out to be beneficial for everybody concerned.

The next summer they hosted me for a real book signing, which was attended by lots of enthusiastic new readers. Then this year, I was invited to participate with a sales table at Satsuma’s first “May Day in the Park.” I didn’t sell many books (that’s the way it goes) but I met lots of people, posted some funny Facebook and Instagram stuff, and created community good will by participating in a May Pole Dance!

Local Library Book Signings

I discovered another more intentional library outreach in the following way. Having given up on influencing Mobile library staff to buy and shelve my books, I had been scheduling book signings at a local coffee shop, which has an extra “party room”. I outgrew that venue, and someone suggested I book the meeting room at the library, which free to patrons. I called the central branch and was told to apply online through the calendar app. It took a bit of fishing around to locate the correct page, but I finally managed to submit the form. Then I got an email from the calendar lady. “If you’re an author, you need to go through our author outreach staff person.” Huh? Who knew there was such a thing?

I was trying to be unassuming, like, I’m not pushing the “I’m an author” thing.  It appears however, that they now actually want authors to connect with readers. With the help of author outreach, an acquaintance from an earlier book event, my signing was set up. I appeared on June 22 at the Semmes branch library for a two-hour book signing and meet-the-author event. The library provided publicity and refreshments! Wow, a lot can happen in twenty years!

I suppose my general advice at this point would be:

• Stay humble and unassuming (nobody likes a pushy self-promoter).
• Be as helpful and supportive of your local library as they will allow you to be.
• Don’t give up.

I almost threw in the towel on that online application. Bureaucracies are a pain, but they’re managed at the grass roots by people with feelings, who enjoy relationships.