Week Fourteen Prompt: Marketing a Library’s Fiction Collection

There are several ways that a library’s fiction collection can be marketed to patrons. Programs, displays, services, promotional materials such as flyers or bookmarks, and social media are just a few options. Here are three ways that I would market a fiction collection:

Design themed programming to market specific themes or genres

Creating a fiction book club that meets monthly, bi-monthly, or even quarterly is an engaging way to provide programming to patrons while simultaneously marketing a fiction collection. The fiction book club can have a specific theme or genre, but it can also have a theme or focus that changes each time. For example, the librarian running the book club can choose a theme such as Black History Month or Pride Month as a way to market fiction novels or stories by or about African American or LGBTQ+ individuals. A genre-specific book club can also be created. For example, I’ve started a Horror Club at the library where I work. Our first meeting will be in May and we’ll be reading a horror novel called Disappearance at Devil’s Rock by Paul Tremblay. If the club is successful, I’d like to continue meeting bi-monthly or quarterly.

Utilize social media for passive readers’ advisory

Using social media, particularly Instagram, for passive readers’ advisory is an easy way to promote a library’s fiction collection. Regular posts highlighting staff picks for fiction books show patrons what librarians and library workers are reading and introduces them to books they may not have read. #Bookface posts are a fun and visual way to promote fiction books as well. Any book cover that has a face on it can be utilized for this purpose. Brief book talks can be shared as posts or stories on Instagram or other social media platforms to promote fiction books to patrons. Book talks give patrons the opportunity to learn about a book that comes highly recommended from one of their librarians. For most book talks, librarians will also read an excerpt which helps to hook any potential readers. I also think book talks are great because they open the door for future readers’ advisory dialogue between patrons and librarians.

Create eye-catching displays which promote specific themes or genres

Displays have always been an effective way for librarians to promote their fiction collections. In today’s fast-paced world, patrons may be less likely to peruse books and displays in the library, so when displays are created, they must be eye-catching with bright colors, images, and props related to the theme or genre of fiction being promoted. For example, a display promoting fiction novels which take place in other countries may include maps or globes as props, and a Halloween display may include toy ghosts, skeletons, bats, or even spiderwebs as decorations. The possibilities for color schemes, props, and decorations are endless, and creativity is key when using displays to promote fiction books.