So this is what happened last night. No one, zero, not one person showed up to my “Meet the Author” event at a library one and a half hours from my house. The librarian who pursued me to participate in her author series got sick and couldn’t even show.
Before the program, I had donated three novels to the library to help promote the event and declined any speaking fee because I love libraries. With three hours of driving and another hour of my time setting up and waiting, I gave about four hours for, seemingly, nothing.
I’ve been on both sides of this event coin. Since 1991, I’ve volunteered with Friends of the Library groups in two states. I know how hard it can be to plan and execute programs with little or, more often, no extra funds. It takes a lot of creativity and donated money or goodies, so please read this post in the helpful spirit in which it was intended.
Aside from the humiliation of making sure I had change just in case anyone wanted to buy a book, setting up my table, waiting in an empty room, and watching people look in as they passed by, I’m passing on some lessons from last night.
1. Promote. Promote. Promote. Promoting on Facebook and putting up fliers in the library don’t completely do the publicity job. Get the event in the local paper. Invite a reporter to the event. Usually small-town editors are hungry for unique stories. Send announcements to local radio stations. Send fliers to all the teachers in the community who may have students interested in the topic, or better yet call or email them. Personally invite people!
2. Have guaranteed people in the audience. Whenever I’ve planned a program, my husband always attends—yes, to help, but also to be another body in a seat. My parents come and so do at least one or two members of our Friends group. A friend who’ll bring another friend ups the count, too. So even if not one of our patrons shows up, I have a little audience.
3. Have some refreshments for the audience. My library has a squeaking tight budget, so the Friends and I donate whatever goodies we offer. We usually provide coffee, cups, cream and sugar, pretty napkins, and water. If I feel fancy, I’ll float lemon or lime slices in the water pitcher. I’ll offer some quality cookies, maybe some fruit and chocolate, too.
4. Offer the presenter some sort of thank you. We don’t have money for a stipend, so I’ve given bouquets (used as the centerpiece on the refreshment table) or gift cards to our local coffee shop. These gifts aren’t expensive, but the act of giving something back for the speaker’s time is always appreciated. (I did not want a thank you gift, but I’m sharing tips.)
Again, I love libraries. I’ll continue to support them. Just ask me!
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