School libraries have a vital role in encouraging children's enthusiasm not only in reading and literacy, but also in learning, research skills, the desire to explore, and the school curriculum itself.
One of the ways in which libraries encourage more use is to organize exciting and fun events throughout the year. A perfect way to do this is to invite an author into the school to talk to the pupils! To run a well-organized author visit, you need to consider the following.
Contacting an Author
You don’t have to secure a visit from JK Rowling or Jacqueline Wilson for an author visit to inspire students. Even an unknown author can provide a valuable and exciting day for the children.
- List authors who are popular within your library and research whether they visit schools.
- Look on websites that list school-friendly authors, research new and upcoming authors, or ask local bookshops if they have any forthcoming book signings.
Budgeting for an Author Visit
All school libraries are governed by costs, and depending on your budget, you may only be able to afford an unknown author. However, even some famous writers visit for reasonable amounts, sometimes only charging for travel expenses, as they believe in helping libraries get kids into reading.
- When asking about fees, don’t forget to ask about travel expenses and any additional charges. Is the fee for a whole day or half day?
- Find out what the author is prepared to do for that fee. A basic question and answer session, or a full workshop?
- Don’t forget to budget for extras, such as providing them with lunch or collecting them from the train station
What Do Authors Do in Schools?
Different authors are prepared to do different things in schools. Some will only read extracts and answer questions; others are willing to provide writing or activity workshops. Some will only give one presentation, while others will do several.
- Liaise with the English department or relevant teachers to organize which pupils will work with the author.
- If a workshop is taking place, prepare worksheets or other required materials well in advance.
- If you are selling copies of the author’s books to be signed, arrange delivery of the books ahead of the event on a sale or return basis from the publisher.
- Factor in enough time within the session for questions and autographs.
Basic Etiquette for Dealing with Visiting Authors
Don’t forget that the author is giving up his or her time to visit the school. Make sure you are organized and professional on the day by:
- Arranging what the author will do ahead of time and not dropping anything on them last minute
- Having a schedule arranged
- Promoting the event, the author and their book(s) beforehand
- Asking the English department to cover at least one of their books before the event
- Making sure teaching staff are present at all times to monitor behaviour
- Asking teachers to listen and participate rather than getting on with work in the background
- Organizing lunch, drinks and adequate breaks between sessions
- Getting the children involved to create welcome banners, prepare questions or work on a project for the author to see
- Getting the children to thank the author afterwards by writing to them or posting on the author’s website forum
By involving the students in every aspect of the event, librarians can create an exciting, memorable and inspiring visit that gets children interested in their library and the books within it!
Louise Heyden - Louise Heyden is a writer, artist, work at home mum, sound technician and former school Library Manager.
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