Have you ever looked through the Writer’s Market, that giant collection of publishing opportunities? I know my library has it; does yours? Stop by and have a seat, take some notes and see where your work meets the needs of agents and magazines looking for writers like you. The Writer’s Digest magazine is a library favorite, and has fantastic articles not just on writing, but on authors, writing lifestyle, and submission requests. This isn’t the only writing magazine out there, of course, and you can ask your librarian for others they might have.
What if you need or want a book that isn’t in the building? Ask about Interlibrary Loan services, which allows the library to ask other libraries to exchange books on request for specific patrons. I get a lot of books this way, some from across the country if that is the only copy available. One of my books is a classic retelling of a lesser known novel, and I wanted to see if there were any differences in the editions of the original story. My library only had one edition, so I asked if they could find the others in another library. They did, and I was able to find some interesting changes between editions that really didn’t make a whole lot of difference to my story, but it made me wonder about why an author would make those changes. As a writer, it is always interesting to learn how other authors work at every stage in the creative process, and this just intrigued me. If I hadn’t had access to the other editions through my library, I would not have had the opportunity to consider this.
Back to why I would recommend using your public library as a place to write - not to mention a place to find supportive materials for your writing projects. Yes, there are plenty or reasons to go to the library to write, and while I’ve covered a lot of them here, there are probably more. Lots of materials, quiet space, related programming, free Wi-Fi and use of electrical outlets for charging, and you don’t have to buy anything to stay there for hours (unlike a coffee shop or restaurant).
Lots of materials, quiet space, related programming, free Wi-Fi and use of electrical outlets for charging, and you don’t have to buy anything to stay there for hours (unlike a coffee shop or restaurant). What makes a library stand out the most as your best bet for a writing space? The librarians! I’m not just saying that because I am one, but because really, if you’re in a library and you have a question about something, anything, you can ask the librarian. Librarians find answers to all manner of questions, believe me. Even in an age where we turn to Google for information, we all know that a lot of what we find on the Internet isn’t always correct. Librarians can find the best books with the information you need, as well as show you how to use databases (not accessible through the Internet - you need a librarian or library card to get into them) that have plenty of information on a variety of subjects, and even help with technical issues (most of the time).
Not all public libraries have all of these services (mine does), but at the very least, yours will have a welcoming space where you can relax and write, not just in November during write-ins but all year round. Libraries are a free resource that many writers and people in general forget about, missing out on valuable assistance and opportunities that could make your life easier and more productive.
As the holidays approach and librarians are fielding questions about cookie recipes, live Christmas tree care, and the availability of the latest bestseller, stop in and say hello. We’d love to see you, typing in the corner as we wonder what sort of story you’re writing and when we will see it in print.