Out of the Box, but not Out of Left Field

Innovative ideas about “traditional” library programming

Innovative idea # 1

Libraries and booksellers are on the same team

The Literary Ecosystem

Libraries

Publishers

AuthorsBooksellers

Readers

“A rising tide lifts all boats”

Book Tours = win-win

Library

Publisher

Author

Bookseller

Readers

Free author appearance, door count, circulation, engagement

Buzz, word-of-mouth, author fame, book sales

Larger venue, access to buyers, book sales, free publicity

Connect with readers

Event experience, discovery

LIBRARYProvides space, audience

Coordinates event

Publicity

BOOKSELLERLiaison to publisher / publicist

Hosts author

- Transportation

- Meals

PUBLISHERPays for author’s travel

READERSMemorable event

Personal connection

Souvenir signed book (optional)

Innovative idea # 2

Question your perceived constraints

A-list treatment

LIBRARYRented venue

Coordinated & manned event

Publicity

- Normal channels

- Newspaper

- Facebook

BOOKSELLER

Book & admission $25

(Amazon price $17)

Ticket only $8in advance; $10 at door

Book & admission $25 (Amazon price $17)

Ticket only $8

BOOKSELLER

Book & admission $25

Amazon price $17

Ticket only $8in advance; $10 at door

Book & admission $25 (Amazon price $17)

Ticket only $8

($17 + $8 = $25)

Book Tours = win-win

Library

Publisher

Author

Bookseller

Readers

Free author appearance, door count, circulation, engagement

Buzz, word-of-mouth, author fame, book sales

Larger venue, access to buyers, book sales, free publicity

Connect with readers

Event experience, discovery

Innovative idea # 3

Leverage other book fanatics

Book Club in a Bag

NoveList

Author Check(new book alert service)

Book Discussions

LIBRARY

PUBLISHERBook talked backlist and upcoming new releases

Provided swag

BOOK BLOGGER

“Speed dating with books”

Co-promoted

Innovative idea # 4

Tripling your 3D spaceby making it 4D

Huge opportunity, huge challenge

• Incredibly popular

• Incredibly shy

• 500+ people expected

• Meeting room capacity is 150

Event Format

• Stage attendees in meeting room

• Usher small groups of them into 2nd room with author/book signing

• Stagger the event start times5:30pm 6:30pm 7:30pm

What do you call a 5-day-old dog in Switzerland?

A puppy

What’s gray, eats fish, and lives in Washington, D.C.?

The Presidential Seal

What are the two things Kat Kong won’t eat for breakfast?

Lunch and dinner

What does Kat Kong gargle with?

Mousewash

What do you call a guy who’s born in Columbus, grows up in Cleveland, and then dies in Cincinnati?

Dead.

What’s green, tall, and flies kites during thunderstorms?

Benjamin Franklinstein