Ten Things Your School Librarian Never Told You

 1. Librarians love local authors and want to promote their books, usually through book talks, signings and even local author stickers on said books.

 2. Libraries will accept donated books by local authors. The conditions are the book must have a quality binding (no spiral bound bindings), be edited (no spelling or other grammatical errors) and individual preference (for example, if the librarian feels the book would be a good fit for their library).

 3. If you write nonfiction, you would be wise to pay attention to the state curriculum. The curriculum does change and librarians find a shortage on books relating to the new curriculum. (Contact your librarian for contact names regarding state curriculum.)

 4. There is usually a shortage of picture books relating to current social issues. For example, books on parents going off to war.

 5. Publishers won’t sell directly to the libraries. Books are purchased through distributors (Baker & Taylor), chains (Barnes & Noble, Amazon) and other consortiums.

 6. After an eBook has been read by 26 people, the libraries must repurchase said eBook if they want to offer it to the public. eBook distributors claim after 26 readings on a checked-out book, the book has to be replaced (repurchased) therefore the same rule should apply to digital copies. Side note: there are a limited number of digital copies/book available. (Who knew!)

 7. If seven people request a book (and the library system doesn't own it), they must purchase said book.

 8. Libraries cull their inventory by using the following criteria: condition of the book, relevance of subject matter, educational value and why would anyone want to read it. You’ll find these books on the For Sale table.

  9. Public libraries don’t ban books. They follow the ALA (American Library Association) rules which state libraries must allow the public access to all books, be open and free to the public. There is no censoring or restricting of books from the public.

10. When a book is not returned (stolen), the euphemism is “borrowed without benefit of card.”

I want to thank Catherine Nuding, Youth Services Librarian at the East Fishkill Community Library for speaking at our local writer’s meeting. Any misinformation is mine and mine alone.