Yes!! I would also add (from a public librarian perspective) — we love to host authors doing something other than just reading (which can often have sad attendance numbers, unless the author already has a strong fanbase, or the library has a very strong speaker series going). The *topic* draws attendees, rather than the book. We've had cookbook authors come in and do "food history" lectures (with snacks), graphic novelists do drawing workshops, and poets lead generative writing sessions. I've seen historical fiction authors at other libraries offer histories of costuming or lectures/talks on various topics they researched for their book. Lots of richness to be found in the space *around* the book, not just in it!
Portia, thank you very much for sharing this — your librarian insights and advice is invaluable. Everything you shared makes total sense. The programming needs to build upon and expand the topic/subject of the book in a way that will creatively engage the audience. This is such an important thing for authors to be thinking about as they plan their events and programming. Including this type of element in event pitches will also likely lead to more yeses and bookings. Thank you!
Jeff, great info! Thanks especially for the heads up that ALA is returning to Chicago! I tabled at ALA's Zine Pavilion in 2023. There was tabling, zine making and a recorded reading event. I had a great time connecting with librarians and other zine and comics people! I added a note to my spreadsheet to keep an eye out for 2026 applications!
Maggie, thank you very much, and so glad you mentioned the Zine Pavilion at ALA. Yet another amazing feature (and programming opportunity!) of that conference. Glad you've added to your 2026 calendar.
And overall it's just wonderful that so many libraries have zine collections and programming — an incredible way to capture and preserve the local, underground, independent publishing scene, as well as foster writing and publishing skills and interest.
This is such a helpful introduction to ALA. I didn’t know much about this conference before reading this post, and I’ve added it to my list of things to explore ahead of my book’s release. Appreciate you and your work. And thanks for the shout out!
Thank you very much Kat. And yes, definitely add to your list, and advocate with your publisher for possible programming opportunities at next year's conference. Getting to meet so many librarians from all over the country is truly an incredible experience.
Thank you so much Jeffrey for featuring Book Notions in your article ☺️📚
Happy to do it Bianca, truly appreciate all your interviews and reviews, and thrilled that you are now on this platform as well!
Yes!! I would also add (from a public librarian perspective) — we love to host authors doing something other than just reading (which can often have sad attendance numbers, unless the author already has a strong fanbase, or the library has a very strong speaker series going). The *topic* draws attendees, rather than the book. We've had cookbook authors come in and do "food history" lectures (with snacks), graphic novelists do drawing workshops, and poets lead generative writing sessions. I've seen historical fiction authors at other libraries offer histories of costuming or lectures/talks on various topics they researched for their book. Lots of richness to be found in the space *around* the book, not just in it!
Portia, thank you very much for sharing this — your librarian insights and advice is invaluable. Everything you shared makes total sense. The programming needs to build upon and expand the topic/subject of the book in a way that will creatively engage the audience. This is such an important thing for authors to be thinking about as they plan their events and programming. Including this type of element in event pitches will also likely lead to more yeses and bookings. Thank you!
Great post! And what a beautiful paragraph at the end about running in the summer heat, Jeffrey. Long live summer, indeed!
Thank you very much Alyson. And yes, absolutely, long live summer!
Jeff, great info! Thanks especially for the heads up that ALA is returning to Chicago! I tabled at ALA's Zine Pavilion in 2023. There was tabling, zine making and a recorded reading event. I had a great time connecting with librarians and other zine and comics people! I added a note to my spreadsheet to keep an eye out for 2026 applications!
Maggie, thank you very much, and so glad you mentioned the Zine Pavilion at ALA. Yet another amazing feature (and programming opportunity!) of that conference. Glad you've added to your 2026 calendar.
And overall it's just wonderful that so many libraries have zine collections and programming — an incredible way to capture and preserve the local, underground, independent publishing scene, as well as foster writing and publishing skills and interest.
This is such a helpful introduction to ALA. I didn’t know much about this conference before reading this post, and I’ve added it to my list of things to explore ahead of my book’s release. Appreciate you and your work. And thanks for the shout out!
Thank you very much Kat. And yes, definitely add to your list, and advocate with your publisher for possible programming opportunities at next year's conference. Getting to meet so many librarians from all over the country is truly an incredible experience.