So, come on. Confession time. Who else is a lover of libraries? (I see you in the back there, waving your hand!) I’m sure I’m not the only one who has fantasised about what it must be like to work in a library. Yes, I know it’s not ALL about the books and spending hours reading, but bear with me…
I loved including a librarian in my upcoming release, Rebuilding Hearts. Sparrow Island might be the smallest of the (fictional) Independence Islands, but a legacy from a wealthy resident means it hosts its own tiny library, which is where my heroine, bookworm and film buff Bella Dwyer, has taken on a new job.
I’ve long been a big reader, and with a high school librarian mother, I suppose it was inevitable that as a child many a Saturday morning was spent perusing the shelves of our little town’s library. Some of my favorite books I remember often borrowing included Nancy Drew, The Three Investigators, the Hardy Boys (they were always so cool!), and tracking down any of those mysterious Trixie Belden books that came out towards the end (ahem, I had the rest of them). Later, the library became a place to hunt down books by authors like Agatha Christie, Marion Chesney, and to discover new books and worlds and experiences, allowing this girl to dream big dreams and imagine worlds far different to what I experienced in small-town Australia. Later still, I used my local library for research information for my writing, including borrowing specialist books via inter-library loans. To be one of those librarians who knew so much about all kinds of books, and could steer people to the dim corners where magic awaited within the pages, seemed quite wonderful, like they were gatekeepers to dreams.
As an author, I’ve discovered just how much power libraries can have. While every author wishes all the readers would buy their books (full price, in paperback!) the simple fact is most readers have to be careful with their purchases, and for some, libraries are a fabulous way to gain access to books they might otherwise not be able to afford. And this is GREAT for authors. If a reader requests an author’s book, the library purchases it (hello: a sale), then it becomes available so that other readers can get a taste for this author’s writing. And sometimes, that leads to avid readers borrowing EVERY SINGLE ONE of that author’s books. And then, because they loved these books so much, they end up buying them too. I’ve done that. I’ve found some books I adore and don’t trust the library to always have on stock (bc apparently other readers adore these books too), so I’ve purchased my own copy. Libraries can also sometimes operate a little like ‘word-of-mouth’ in getting the word out there about how fabulous a certain book is, by highlighting particular covers for themed days, including books in reading challenges, putting them on display, etc.
But there’s another way libraries can help authors. Many library systems around the world pay a small sum for each time a book is borrowed, thus ensuring authors get a tiny percentage of the royalty they might otherwise receive when a book is bought outright. So if enough books are borrowed, over time this adds up and can make a nice contribution to the author who has spent months crafting that book you finished in a few days.
Of course, libraries are important in many other ways, like providing a means for social interaction or computer access for those without. Another key importance is helping to instil a love for the written word in youngsters, through story time and other book-related activities that emphasise the importance of reading. I loved imagining how my heroine, Bella Dwyer, would do this in Rebuilding Hearts, and enjoyed giving her moments to engage children through story time (which soon leads to another job opportunity). Those people who can bring a story to life through dramatic readings are pretty special – I feel like I stumble over too many of my words!
Libraries are special, and those who work in them are special, too. So three cheers to all the librarians out there – we appreciate you!
Want to know more about Rebuilding Hearts? Here’s some more about the story:
Who knew a bank robbery could show a girl that good guys still exist?
Bookworm Bella Dwyer just wants to feel safe, especially after she’s saved by a mysterious stranger during a bank robbery who made her believe there might be guys who live up to her fictional heroes. But when he proves impossible to find, she settles for a relationship with a commitment-phobic man instead.
When Bella is offered a job on tiny Sparrow Island, she encounters Tim Franklin, the quiet budding landscape architect with Hemsworthy arms, who soon makes her question whether there really can be a future with a man who can’t commit.
In a leap of faith, Bella dumps her boyfriend, even before shy-guy Tim can make a move. But in wanting to live by faith and conquer fear, has she made the right choice, or are her hopes for freedom and a future destined to fail? Read the next Sparrow Island novel in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.
Now let’s talk:
Are you a library fan? (Come on…) Have you ever requested an author’s books from your local library? Are you a librarian or have you worked in a bookshop? (If so, got any fun stories to tell?) Would you like to work in an island community’s library or bookstore? Is there a book (or author) you discovered and now love thanks to the magic of a library?
Mary Preston says
I LOVE the library. I have been a card holder all my life. I have requested books – and the library has purchased them. Books from favourite authors and series.
kim hansen says
Love the library always have something on hold.
Amy Anguish says
This sounds like so much fun! We’re hitting up the library every few days right now because my second grader reads so fast! It’s a lifesaver to not have to keep all those books on my own shelf, too. Ha!
Trudy says
I used to go to the library once a week, until I started working, then I started buying books, as back then the library didn’t carry CF. Now, I volunteer in my church library! I like helping people find books to read!
Megan says
I love libraries too! I’ve found so many wonderful authors by borrowing their books first, and then buying them myself. It’s nice to be able to try so many different authors and genres before committing your money to them.
Valerie Comer says
We went to the library weekly when my kids were growing up. We also paid a lot in library fines back then, before printouts of the list of borrowed books were a thing! It was hard keeping track of all the books for four avid readers. Now I see my grandgirls in and out of their libraries with big stacks of books, too, and it does my heart good.
While I’m delighted that my small town library carries my books (and readers occasionally send me photos from their library if they’ve requested my books, which is awesome!!!!) I read fiction entirely on my Kindle these days, since I have eye issues that make reading paperbacks nearly impossible.
I’m so thankful there are options today. :)
Trixi says
I think I was a library fan since before I was born….lol! I remember spending my summer days checking out as many books as I was allowed & reading to my hearts content (when I wasn’t outside playing, that is). Still to this day, I do love going to my library and perusing the shelves to see what books might jump out at me…lol!
I’ve often dreamed of working in the library because the librarians are some of my favorite people. And plus ,they are surrounded by books all day long (hello)! They even know me when they see me. I had introduced my grand-girl to the library well before she could read & now she devours books as fast as she gets them (she’s 8)! We used to read to her, now she reads to us. She’s always sharing about something in her book, usually it’s a funny scene or a funny character. She loves Romana & Beezus, Junie B. Jones, Ivy & Bean, Bad Kitty, Itty Bitty Princess Kitty, Big Nate, and has discovered some kids graphic novels (comics). Her go-to books are beginning chapter books. I also bought her a used copy of one of my favorite books when I was a kid, “Charlotte’s Web”!
My fantasy dream is to own a used bookshop in my small town, maybe even couple it with a coffee shop. And also have a section where people can do a book exchange; they borrow a book & leave a book for others to borrow. Kind of like a little free library. Wouldn’t that be fun?
I first discovered Beverly Lewis & Janette Oke when I was seeking out Christian fiction….well before I knew that was a “thing”. I found them while perusing the bookshelves in my library. One of my first series books was The Red River series by Lauraine Snelling. I learned to look for a dove sticker on the spine of the books that told me those were Christian or Inspirational fiction. Well as you can imagine, I’ve discovered WAY more authors because of reading so much CF *wink*
I’m often borrowing ebooks from the digital library. My sister-in-law has given me access to hers because they offer way more Christian fiction then mine does. And plus I request CF book titles they don’t have…they buy almost everything I ask them too! Win/win!! They carry your books Carolyn because I’ve done this :-)
So now that I’ve rambled on….simply said, I LOVE my library! I’ve found so many books through it over the years.
Jcp says
I recommend books to my library regularly
Alicia Haney says
Yes , I love libraries . When my daughter was at Baylor she took me to the Armstrong Browning Library in Waco Texas and I loved it, it is really something to see and experience.
Carolyn Miller says
God bless the libraries who will buy our recommendations – and the lovely readers who make those recommendations!
Carolyn Miller says
It’s a treasure trove, isn’t it? Now if only other people didn’t ‘need’ the books we wanted…
Natalya Lakhno says
I am a library fan :) Although, I rent e-books lately – don’t have to go in …
Carolyn Miller says
I bet! It’s such a blessing when kids are small – although I found there’s always that sense of pressure to keep the books looking presentable… eek! Happy reading!
Carolyn Miller says
You’re a woman of gold! It’s pretty special to have a church library, and then to be able to help others find a book that will minister to them is a special thing. (A ministry…)
Carolyn Miller says
That’s SO true! Sometimes you need to read a few before feeling confident enough to shell out the money to buy. The good thing is then hopefully that means others will do the same!
Carolyn Miller says
Yes, the good old days of long printouts of books borrowed and not returned on time… I always found that a bit of a stress, especially with four kids, some of whom were (are) not particularly careful with items of a bookish nature. Our local library doesn’t do fines anymore; if you don’t return the book within a reasonable time (like maybe a few months?) you get slugged the full price (ouch!)
(And I’ll admit to using my kindle to read more and more each day too!)
Carolyn Miller says
Oh, to have that little bookshop / cafe – I’m right there with you (as I bet lots of others are!). It sounds like a perfect dream – especially in your beautiful neck of the woods!
Libraries are such fabulous places, aren’t they? Thanks so much for requesting my books in your library – I so appreciate it! (Who’s the best?) Yay for libraries – and for lovely library users like you!
Carolyn Miller says
It’s awesome when they listen and buy our suggestions. The authors you recommend thank you!
Carolyn Miller says
(…goes to look up the Armstrong Browning Library…)
How fab! It’s awesome to see the innovations and exhibits that libraries are capable of doing. I’ve actually written books (well, part of them) while visiting my daughter’s university’s library. It can be such a hive of industry and focus.
Carolyn Miller says
I love how people are making libraries more inviting these days, and exploring technology to keep people reading. I’m thankful e-book rentals are another option these days too.
bn100 says
libraries are fun
Carolyn Miller says
Right? So many exciting worlds to explore!
Narelle Atkins says
Hi Carolyn, I love libraries, and treasure the memories of visiting libraries and discovering new books to read. Where I live they’re transitioning to an electronic library system which is more environmentally friendly, cost efficient, hygienic during pandemics, etc. There are good and valid reasons for change, but it’s not the same experience. I miss the old book smell and the relaxed vibe. Instead, I visit second hand book stores to indulge my nostalgia, lol.
Kathleen Mattingly says
I have recommended a lot of books to my local library which were always bought. I was a library helper in high school. I have always loved reading books as a child and grew up with books. My children grew up reading a lot of books at the library and always got to pick out a book for their birthday at the bookstore.
Debra Pruss says
I have not been in a library for a while. I have problems walking and standing. I know that I can request books and pick them up. I have been ordering my books from Amazon , Walmart or Barnes and Noble since they deliver. I have always thought that owning a bookstore would be awesome. I just love reading about other’s owning bookstores. Thank you for sharing. Congratulations on your new book. God bless you.
Kendra Muonio says
I love librarys I would go more often before the pandemic but I don’t go as much when we couldn’t go in the library I would put books on hold and do curb side pickup but now we can go in so sometimes I bring my younger siblings.I request books on overdrive but haven’t to the library.I recommend love inspired and harlequin heartwarming books on overdrive my library has most books I want so I can just put them on hold.I have some on hold right now but I’m on a three week vacation and will have to cancel my holds because our library only holds them for a week or two and then I can check them out when I get home.i have tons of books at home so my room is like a library.
Amy Perrault says
I like my library cause we have movies, museum passes, & can put you on a list if they get a book not out yet.
Sylvain Perrault says
I like to buy there used books to donate to the library.
Carolyn Miller says
Nice! That’s a great idea on so many levels – recycling, reducing waste, and rereading!
Carolyn Miller says
Ha! Gotta love ways to support the environment, whether it’s ebooks or a second hand bookshop!
Carolyn Miller says
I don’t know if there’s a better gift for a child than a book – and developing a love for reading. Love it. Thanks for commenting!
Carolyn Miller says
Thanks so much, Debra! Oh, the idea of owning a bookstore (that’s financially viable, of course) is so enticing! Giving me ideas for another story now…
Carolyn Miller says
It’s always awesome when people recommend books for a library – especially when they get them in! And it’s always a nice thing to have your old faves at home that you can revisit whenever you need a good book!
Carolyn Miller says
I love the idea of museum passes (how does that work?). My library has DVDs you can borrow, and I’ve found that a great way to check out some of those movie releases I just didn’t get to at the cinema.
Beth Nunn says
I love libraries … and I work in one!! I work in a school library, so I have the absolute pleasure of encouraging kids to read and expand their horizons through books.
Carolyn Miller says
You are a hero! What a blessing you are and will continue to be to others, inspiring others to love books and reading.