My feeling about libraries is any way of getting the public more of your books is a good thing. Also, as an author, I appreciate that libraries often buy hardcover editions. I love libraries so much, I've included them in important scenes in a novel or two. (I worked as a page and then a clerk in the New York Public Library in the 1960s. One of the branches I worked in was the George Bruce branch in Harlem -- the head librarian there was Ruth Delany. She saw me reading some science fiction, and told me about her son Sam Delany, who was just starting out as a writer. I included Ruth as a character in my first novel, The Silk Code.)
This has been an interesting discussion about libraries and book sales that kind of went off track on the blame game (as you note!)-- after all, libraries/librarians are the ones out there championing reading every day! And congrats for the accolades from the Indie Author Project. What an honor!!
Thanks, Valerie. I've been so pleased with the Indie Author Project. I highly recommend them to any indie author who would like more exposure in and connection with libraries.
And the above attempt at responding got away from me! I also love the library, and find it especially helpful when I’m doing research and find an expensive non-fiction book that’s relevant to what I’m writing. God help us if libraries close. Reading and having the ability to read whatever we want is essential to being educated.
I buy and get books from the library. During Covid, I moved to e-books since I couldn't get to my local library, and while I still buy hardbacks and paperbacks, I don't read them with the frequency that I read e-books,. I tend to use the library to dip my toe into books I'm not quite sure if I want to buy and spend money on the authors I already love. I also will sometimes get autographed books and then buy a plain copy or e-book to read so I don't mar the autographed copy.
I have trouble reading ebooks -- I like the feel of a book in my hands, and too much screen time really tires out my eyes. But I certainly understand the convenience. Love the idea of reading the ebook version of a book you have in signed physical form.
Hi Cynthia, I also buy ALot of books and sometimes get them from our local library. I bought your new book Anyone But Her from Bookshop.org.
I loved it! You are a great writer and I thank you for your work!
Aw, thank you, Kat! I’m glad you enjoyed Anyone But Her. And thanks for shopping at Bookshop!
If you’re so inclined, reviews are greatly appreciated. You can find review links on my website: https://cynthiaswansonauthor.com/anyone-but-her
My feeling about libraries is any way of getting the public more of your books is a good thing. Also, as an author, I appreciate that libraries often buy hardcover editions. I love libraries so much, I've included them in important scenes in a novel or two. (I worked as a page and then a clerk in the New York Public Library in the 1960s. One of the branches I worked in was the George Bruce branch in Harlem -- the head librarian there was Ruth Delany. She saw me reading some science fiction, and told me about her son Sam Delany, who was just starting out as a writer. I included Ruth as a character in my first novel, The Silk Code.)
Love this, Paul! Thanks for sharing these library stories.
This has been an interesting discussion about libraries and book sales that kind of went off track on the blame game (as you note!)-- after all, libraries/librarians are the ones out there championing reading every day! And congrats for the accolades from the Indie Author Project. What an honor!!
Thanks, Valerie. I've been so pleased with the Indie Author Project. I highly recommend them to any indie author who would like more exposure in and connection with libraries.
And the above attempt at responding got away from me! I also love the library, and find it especially helpful when I’m doing research and find an expensive non-fiction book that’s relevant to what I’m writing. God help us if libraries close. Reading and having the ability to read whatever we want is essential to being educated.
Good point about research -- I do the same, Skye. If it turns out to be a research book that I'll use over and over, I buy a copy of it.
Good discussion, topic, Cynthia! I love supporting local writers and buy either their hardcopies or e-books.
Love this, Skye. Thanks and I agree!
I buy and get books from the library. During Covid, I moved to e-books since I couldn't get to my local library, and while I still buy hardbacks and paperbacks, I don't read them with the frequency that I read e-books,. I tend to use the library to dip my toe into books I'm not quite sure if I want to buy and spend money on the authors I already love. I also will sometimes get autographed books and then buy a plain copy or e-book to read so I don't mar the autographed copy.
I have trouble reading ebooks -- I like the feel of a book in my hands, and too much screen time really tires out my eyes. But I certainly understand the convenience. Love the idea of reading the ebook version of a book you have in signed physical form.