The Librarian's Guide to Book Programs and Author Events

Since 1997, the year Amazon.com went public, the number of bricks-and-mortar bookstores in the United States has been steadily decreasing. Borders closed its remaining 399 stores in 211; Barnes Noble, the last existing large chain, announced recently that over the next decade, it will close twenty stores a year to reach a total of about 45, down from a peak of 726 in 28; and the number of independent bookstores, while enjoying a recent slight upswing, has plummeted over the last decade--from an estimated 2,4 in 22 to 1,9 in 211. As a consequence, libraries are becoming a primary venue for the public to browse books and connect with authors through such activities as book signings and author panels. This has opened up an opportunity for libraries that is very much in line with a growing focus for libraries as community centers and gathering places for literary and cultural events and programming. Many libraries in larger cities, notably Boston and Seattle, have their own active author and book programs, but many others are just beginning to explore the possibilities.As exciting as the prospect of launching a book or author program is, many librarians feel anxiety about related activities such as selecting and contacting authors and leading panel discussions. In The Librarian's Guide to Book and Author Programs, recognized author event producer and panel moderator Brad Hooper provides encouragement and practical instruction to public librarians in providing a wide variety of programming of interest to the community of book lovers who are eager to learn about recent books and listen to authors discussing their trade. Topics covered include book clubs, author readings/signings, author panels, author interviews, one-city/one-book programs, and book awards. This will be the definitive guide to book and author programs in libraries.