Living the Good Life

 The three ways to best promote my library's fiction collection would be social media, displays, and newsletters.  We'd use social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram as a marking tool. Staff will put up videos and posts in which we will enthusiastically describe what the "pick of the week" is and maybe some of the newer titles around the genre. These posts can be shared multiple times. Patrons would share with their friends and family, and they'd do the same. Word of mouth is sometimes the best way to go.  Displays would be the next choice. Patrons enjoy face out displays of books with interesting, eye-catching covers. Once drawn into the fiction area, they can wander the stacks freely.  We'd also use our monthly newsletter. Each edition would contain a small article featuring a different staff member each month. The article would reveal a bit about that staff member, along with a book recommendation.  

 Street lit/urban fiction and LGBTQ books should be integrated with the rest of the collection for three reasons: inclusion, privacy, and general interest.  An LGBTQ supporter once stated that they all just want to feel included and accepted. By integrating the books, the libraries are adhering to that request! Having a separate section would subconsciously send the message that they are different.  Integrating the books give the patrons anonymity and a sense of privacy. If they want to peruse a specific book, they are not standing under a large sign broadcast what they are reading. Having them in the regular shelves alleviates any concerns about being seen or judged.  From what I understand, Street lit/Urban Fiction, is mostly written by and for people of color and tells of different aspects of city life. African Americans are not the only ones to appreciate the difficulty of growing up poor and living with drug addicted friends and family. Their books are of interest to everybody. Th

  Author: Christopher Paolini Title: Brisinger Genre : Young Adult Publication : 2008 Number of Pages : 748 of the actual story, 763 with pronunciations, glossary, etc.  Geographical Setting : Alagaesia, a large continent of various terrain Time Period: It is late fall of 7999 when Eragon finds the egg.  Series : Book 3 of the Inheritance Cycle Plot Summary :       Dragon Riders were at one time known as the peacekeepers of the land. They ensured that elves, dragons, dwarves, and humans coexisted nicely. One Rider, Galbatorix, had a dragon who was killed in battle. When his elders said they were not able to give him a replacement dragon, he went crazy and vowed revenge on all Riders. He stole a dragon and forced him to serve him using black magic. He convinced thirteen others to become traitors, and together, calling themselves the Forsworn, overthrew the Riders. Galbatorix became the evil King of Alagaesia. Elves and Dwarves went into hiding and the land was in upheaval.      Eragon

      As librarians, part of our job is to encourage reading among all ages, no matter what format. Graphic novels and YA books do have a tendency to be considered to be more for a younger crowd. Some things, however, should be considered ageless. In order to promote adult graphic novels, we shelve them near our adult movies. It is an open area, not hidden. There is a seating area near there as well, which serves as subliminal encouragement to sit and peruse a few titles.      When thinking of YA books that adults enjoy, the two series that immediately come to mind are the Harry Potter series, as well as the Eragon series. Dragons, magic, wizards.... what's not to love! Displays are a great way to catch the patron's eye. Also, we do book discussions and adult activities such as diamond art that have those characters.       Most importantly, the best way is patron engagement. If a patron is checking out, we can say - "Wow, that's one of my favorites" or "What