Oh, the Big Programs!

It's so nice when programs go well - that is, when you have a big, a HUGE - turnout. So much work goes into program-planning: pondering ideas, contacting possible presenters (and agreeing upon on a fee, if you can get the presenters to understand that the library does not have unlimited funds!), checking the meeting room calendar to find a suitable date, creating flyers, writing press releases, praying that patrons attend the program so that you are not completely embarrassed in front of the presenter (isn't that always the case, even though you tell yourself that the weather kept people away?!).

On Wednesday night our library hosted a program entitled "How to Become a Published Author." Approximately 80 people attended; our meeting room was filled to capacity! Obviously, many aspiring authors live in our community (and in the surrounding towns, since not every registrant had a phone number with the same area code as ours). With the exception of some minor technological glitches at the beginning of the program (and the fact that the author spent a bit too much time describing his own qualifications!), the event was a tremendous success. At the end of the presentation, attendees lined up to talk to the author, and many people thanked me for hosting the program.

The program also provided me with another opportunity to publicize our library's Writer's Circle, a monthly daytime group whose members critique each other's works and discuss the business of authorship. The attendance of this group has ebbed and flowed. Initially, there were actually too many participants for such an organization to succeed; the members had to break down into smaller groups. Soon, however, many of the initial attendees stopped participating. The primary reason, I gathered, was that people wanted different things from the group; some wanted to critique, while others wanted only an opportunity to read their works. Some didn't want to share their works at all, but preferred to spend time discussing issues such as copyrighting and writer's block.

But I believe in this group; what better place for a group of aspiring authors to meet than a public library? It helps, too, that my own dreams of authorship, which have long since died, are tied into this program. And so, rather than close the Circle due to dwindling numbers, I persisted. And slowly, I think, we're getting there - the numbers have begun to rise, and the number of participants in the nighttime program were astounding. So there is a need for such a group in our community.

It is so wonderful to know that I've created a resource for people. There is no better way to spend the day than working in a library.