Working With Writers Toolkit
Arguments to support this work.
Why should Library staff work with writers?
- To make books and reading a social cultural activity, like other art forms
- To promote the library service generally
- To encourage people to see the service as up to date
- To get media coverage for books, reading and library services
- To promote the library as a community-based cultural provider
- To bring new readers into libraries for book-based events
- To provide opportunities for readers to meet each other
- To identify new writers from the region
- To nourish new writing and provide opportunities for employment for writers
- To ensure new writing is read
- To get feedback from significant stakeholders (writers & readers)
- To provide inspirational events
- To build networks and mailing lists for a wider range of activities
- Writers value their library service and will act as future champions
What writers gain?
- New readers and potential for increased sales
- Feedback from readers
- Financial gain from payment for events
- Media coverage and profile in the local community
- Increased profile in local literature networks
- Increased confidence from presenting/discussing work
- Decrease in working isolation
- Ready audience and support for future work/publications
- Potential longer term relationship with the library service
What readers gain?
- Awareness of new writers and titles to read
- Opportunity to hear writing read out loud
- Opportunity to buy books (some libraries are in places with no local bookshop)
- Improved range of titles in libraries, representing local writers' work
- Increased range of local cultural opportunities
- Chance to meet other interested readers
- Inspiration and enjoyment
- Opportunity to question writers about their craft
- Improved awareness of other library services
- Chance to know library staff better and provide feedback
Librarians in the North West have pioneered partnership working to encourage new readers into libraries. Time To Read is a partnership of librarians engaged in reader development activity in public library authorities in the North West Region. All 23 public library authorities in the region currently support Time To Read.