Bartlett Book Bonanza
This second annual Bartlett Book Bonanza hosted over 60 local authors! Last year, there was a small event to gauge interest, and the interest was overwhelmingly positive. The first event was held within the library and featured maybe 20 authors. There was a long wait list in case someone dropped out.
This year, The Venue at Bartlett Station hosted the event in a space attached to the library. We no longer had to worry about interfering with library patrons by being distracting or too loud. I was a visitor, not a vendor, at the first event, and I appreciate that we could have a space dedicated to our event, without these concerns.
Vendor Experience
The Book Bonanza was a lot of fun! I am getting faster at setting up my table and feeling much more confident with promoting and selling. I sold 12 bundles, which is at least a lot less space to store!
I enjoy meeting new people, and the visitors, other vendors, and library workers were all amazing. Who doesn’t want to be around a bunch of people who love writing and reading? A great time!
Personal Wins
Another Author Made My Day!
This moment occurred soon after I arrived. I was setting up, and one of the other authors asked if I was the Easter basket lady. I said yes, and she bought 5 bundles before we even opened! I told her she had made my day! What a great way to begin!
Note about the first win: One of my author friends, Becky Thomas, had posted about Easter coming up and that books would be a great addition to Easter baskets. I used this idea to post about how I had coloring book bundles, wrapped and ready to go, that would make great Easter gifts! So, I became the Easter basket lady!
I Made Another Author’s Day!
A book at a nearby table caught my eye. I am a biologist and fascinated by almost all creatures. I liked the cover and the idea that dung beetles got some attention! I couldn’t resist and am looking forward to reading it!
I bought a book and asked the author, Kristina Keith, to sign it. I was the first person she signed a book for, and her daughter took a picture to remember the moment. She said I made her day!
Two Kids Made My Day
Two kids, from two different families, were told by their parents that they could choose only one thing from the event. They each chose one of my bundles! I was honored! Having my coloring book bundle chosen as their favorite of all the choices made my day!
Kudos to the Bartlett Library
Event Promotion
The Bartlett Library was all-in on supporting this event. They promoted one author a day on their social media platforms to generate interest in local authors. Every post was unique, showing the diverse author personalities. Mine is shown, as an example.
Event Organization
The author tables were organized by genre, making it easier for visitors to easily find their areas of interest and/or their author friends. I enjoyed being with twelve other children’s authors, some of whom were children themselves! It is exciting to see young children publish their own books!
Fun Activities
The library handed out BINGO cards for the visitors to fill out and have the opportunity to win a prize. I don’t have a copy, but it had things like a visit with a children’s author. What a fun way to help engage people and make things more interactive. Some folks are shy!
Robbie Raccoon
Robbie Raccoon was there to make kids and adults smile. He represents the raccoon in Robbie Raccoon’s Bartlett Adventure. It is always fun to have a larger-than-life figure walking around, bringing joy!
Robbie Raccoon, photo by Annette Teepe
Support Our Libraries
Libraries provide an incredible variety of services to our communities. Access to books, computers, a quiet place to learn, and an endless number of events, which have incalculable value.
Thank you, Bartlett Public Library, for the opportunity to participate in your Bartlett Book Bonanza. I look forward to next year!
