What’s a Library Got to do to get a Little Love?
“Public libraries, really? That is sooo twentieth century. We use something called the in-ter-net now. You should look into it.”
“Yeah, um thanks, but I actually do think that libraries are still relevant and necessary in spite of technological advancements. They are, after all, part of the foundation of democracy as we know it.”
“What ev,” comes the reply, followed by two hands forming the universal VV for emphasis. Ah, youth.
My conversational partner feels vaguely insecure, having spent the better part of two minutes without a cell phone attached to her head and thus whips one out and saunters away, leaving me to my mutterings of the aged: Is it HOT in here? Turn off the lights when you leave the room- what, am I made of money? Mmm… Jello.
Sorry, I digress.
Honestly though, I do like libraries and use them often.
“What?!! Blasphemy! You’re a writer. Writers are supposed to get paid. Where’s your solidarity?”
Don’t get me wrong, I want to be in a position to say, “Show Me the Money!” as much as the next author, but I’m committed to this business for the long haul so my perspective may be a little different from other writers.
Libraries work because they give readers the opportunity to try out a bunch of authors they may never have heard of for free. FREE. Free is good. Free exposure is even better. With all the competition out there for entertainment options (movies, concerts, video games, etc.), money is always going to be a factor. When readers discover authors they love, they’re likely to go to bookstores and gobble up anything those authors have ever written. (Aren’t fans wonderful?) However, if the search is few and far between love connections, they can save themselves the disappointment of wasted money and having to give up valuable bookshelf space in their homes for something they will likely never read again. This is called flexibility. FYI: people like that too.
To sum up, let’s refer back to some of those GE classes you never thought you’d use after college.
Psych 101: People open themselves up to new experiences more readily when no cash commitment is involved. All writers should eagerly back this behavior.
Marketing 101: Give a little, get a lot. Why else would the guy baking the mini quiches and organic brownies be hanging out in the middle of Costco? Coincidence?
Libraries are a tool for the savvy book-lover. Use them. Embrace them. Most importantly, vote to give them more money in the next election (c’mon, I’m tired of being the only one).
For any of you hard core fact mongers who may not have been swayed by the aforementioned logic, here’s something else on which to chew.
When building their list of purchases, bookstores tend to be more attracted to the soft cover versions. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, indeed any sale is a good sale, it does mean a little less coinage going to line the author’s pockets. Libraries on the other hand, buy MULTIPLE COPIES of HARD COVER books that AREN’T RETURNABLE. Why is this significant? Well, for one thing, books that don’t sell in bookstores get returned, meaning no money for the author. This happens a lot, so much so that it’s one of the contributing factors in the price difference between hard and soft cover books and price hikes in general. Libraries may not be the most vigorous purchasers in the marketplace, but at least they commit. I, for one, applaud your efforts and your leadership, yon libraries. You do your country proud.
You go, libraries. You go.