October 26, 2010 – Library Director Joe Rodio introduces me to a great crowd of book lovers and readers at the South Hadley Library.
Some of the best events of the book tour have been at libraries, no better place on earth for writers to go to find focused crowds of readers and book buyers. Libraries are jammed with people all over the country even though their budgets have been slashed everywhere. Libraries are where stories live. I had a great time with people from Western Mass. who came to the library for a 3 p.m. Library questions are amazing, and these were penetrating. Lots of focus on how I wrote “Rose In A Storm,” and why and also questions about new directions in writing, publishing, technology and story-telling.
It was precisely the sort of conversation I have wanted to have on the book tour, and this was the fourth library, and every one of these encounters was far beyond my expectations, and very satisfying. Many of the people at the library are coming to Odyssey Books tonight where I am signing and talking at 7 p.m. The two events are synergistic, I think, one promoting and advancing the other. I learn so much every time I do this and since publishers are working so hard to fine venues for writers where people will come, I’m mystified that more writers are not scheduled into libraries. I’m surely going to argue that they be a bigger part of my tour. The audiences are appreciative, intelligent, very interested. I’m grateful to Joe and the library for having me there, and am eager to go back.
I’m thinking of organizing my own library book tour, both to support embattled libraries and to promote my work – no better place. I’m mindful of the Providence librarian who gave me refuge, took me aside and told me she expected to see my books on her shelves one day. That was the day – I swelled up like a balloon – that I decided to be a writer. We can’t lose these places or these people.
Got to rest my voice. Maria supplies me with tea, and I am moved at how eager people are to meet her. And how gracious she is. The best move I ever made in life was offering her the use of that barn. Going to rest up for tonight, check my e-mail. Prepare for the talk at 7. And eat.