I enjoy visiting libraries. They have purpose, and they can give your book a lift in the community they are responsible for tending, literally. They definitely fill a need.

When I appear at libraries, my preference is to make a presentation. I’ve visited libraries to teach how to write, how to publish, how to put a story together, and how I came to be a writer and continue to thrive as a writer, in hope that people learn from my experience.

My preference is NOT to appear to sign books. Remember, people come to libraries to learn . . . and expect whatever they find at a library, whether listening to a presenter or checking out a book . . . to be free. Therefore, libraries are not the place to sell books.

Yes, you want your books on the library shelves.
Yes, you want librarians to love you.
Yes, you want to get the word out to book lovers in the community.
Yes, you support literacy.

But you sell more books at a place where people expect to pay for things. At a bookstore, a craft fair, a festival, a conference, a coffee shop, an organized group where you are keynote.

We all love libraries. But next time you think you want to appear at one, make it an event. Nothing wrong with selling books afterwards, but instead, see if the library can compensate you for a presentation.

Become a member of your state’s humanities speaker roster so that your fee is paid for in order to appear. Ask that the Friends of the Library for that particular library pay your way. See if the library can apply for a grant with the state for a means to pay you to present a multi-day presentation. There are ways.