INTRODUCING ARAB-AMERICAN AUTHORS TO LIBRARY USERS


Panel discussion--Arab-American and Ethnic Writing Conference,
October 10, 1999

WHY market to public library readers:

*Library purchasing is a significant share of the publishing dollar
*Meet "bottomless demand" for fiction in public libraries—lots of author and genre loyalty
*Ongoing need for new titles due to book group phenomenon (500,000 and growing!)
*Help counteract Arab (and other ethnic) stereotypes (cf. paperback collection)
*Reveal a whole new area of literature to non-Arab readers
*Serve and validate the Arab-American "niche"

HOW to reach public library readers:

*First--need to have books reviewed by journals (Booklist, Library Journal, Kirkus, Publishers Weekly), distributed through "jobbers" (e.g. Baker & Taylor), then selected by librarians. Also important: exposure through popular media, e.g. Chicago Tribune book section, People magazine, etc.—publications read by the general public. Most libraries will purchase books requested by patrons.

Obstacles for library buyers: unfamiliarity with Arab authors; perception that patrons won’t check out these titles (due to media biases); lack of visible Arab-American community as natural "audience."

*Create a high profile for your book through Barnes & Noble, amazon.com, etc. Encourage friends and colleagues to submit critiques online to create "excitement" about your book (public library readers use these sites as "reader’s advisory" tools). Use Literary Market Place for ideas.

*Prepare a concise "discussion guide" for your book, including a brief biography and sample discussion questions.

*Develop a relationship with your local library or branch. Donate a copy of your book as a way to "break the ice." Librarians LOVE local authors!

*Ask librarians to promote books by Arab authors through book displays and book lists (see Discovering Arabic Fiction), and to upload the lists to the library’s Web site and make in-house brochures available.

*Share special catalogs and resources you might have (cf. the Boston Public Library list). Librarians are constantly asked to suggest “a good book to read.” The selective mini-catalogs in The Link and Washington Report can help libraries attain more balanced non-fiction collections

*Take part in a library (or community college) cultural event or offer to lead a book discussion group or writing workshop. (Note: the new trend in libraries is inter-generational book groups and adult summer reading clubs!). Suggest an "ethnic" or international book discussion series (cf. "Reading in Black and White") or a "sampler" program with readings by a variety of ethnic/immigrant authors.

*Volunteer to present a book talk or review to a Friends of the Library meeting or at a senior center.

*Sign and sell your books at Friends book fairs and at local book stores. Become active with local arts councils.

*Enroll in library "speaker’s bureau" lists so that local Rotary clubs, etc. know you’re available for presentations. Propose a literary event for civic and educational groups (cf. Lake County Women’s Coalition, AFS groups), highlighting writers from diverse backgrounds.

*Urge your publisher to issue an attractive paperback edition of your book. Most libraries maintain separate paperback collections for "browsing," and many have off-site "paperback exchanges" at train stations, etc. (my library has a book cart at the beach!). These locations often meet the needs of non-library users. In addition, book discussion groups prefer the more inexpensive paperback editions.

*Work with regional library systems and state library associations as well as the American Library Association. Two successful nation-wide program are "LIVE at the Library" and "Let’s Talk About It!"

Many grant opportunities are offered for literary events in libraries (cf. "Arab Voices," a program funded by the North Suburban Library System's Library Community Foundation, and "Seeking a Common Ground," sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Public Library and two colleges, with a grant from the U. S. Institute of Peace). Library systems sponsor continuing education programs for library staffs; and groups such as Chicagoland’s Adult Reading Round Table can be a good source of contacts. Most state associations have author programs and book exhibits during annual conferences. A current online source of info is on Bookwire.

*The Great Books discussion program is enjoying a resurgence. Their new series features contemporary readings: why not contact them to consider including your work! (or another ethnic writer).

Presented by Cindy Infantino, Adult Services Coordinator, Lake Forest Library
360 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest, IL 60045