Put It on the Books

A 100-library drop-in tour starts somewhere near the beginning

I’m not loitering, officer – I don’t have time. (At Catawba County Central Library, Newton, NC)

You might think I’m crazy. The librarians might think I’m crazy. The kids might think I’m crazy. The wife … well, she’s just happy I’m getting out of the house. But I’ve set a goal to visit 100 community and school libraries by December 31.

Why on earth would I do this?! Because I was born four decades too late. Because I still value the face-to-face meeting over the social media experience. Because I like to share oxygen with the person I’m communicating with. And because I feel a debt to libraries and librarians that can’t be repaid in ones-and-zeroes.

With Barb at Danville, IL Public Library. I’m so grateful for the librarians who always pretend to be happy to see me.

I was a reluctant reader as a kid. I was slow and ashamed and intimidated by books. But the library was always open when I wanted to peruse the books with pictures or cool covers. Back then a multi-media experience that included putting on headphones was rare and precious. Books dominated and were still there when I learned to love them later. I’ll admit I was irritated when the librarians shushed me, but to tell the truth the library was one of the few quiet places in my world. I want to pay a little back.

I started the drop-in visits back in July on my mini-tour to Minnesota and Chicago. (I hope you’ll give me those as credit toward 100.) I went great, so I decided to keep doing it. On each drop-in visit I’m donating a copy of The League of Delphi: Book I of The Delphi Trilogy to the library’s YA collection and asking how I can help with their reading programs. I’ve gotten such warm reception on visits so far that I’ve decided to make it for-real and set a huge goal – 100 or bust! (I hope it’s 100 instead of bust.)

The libraries I visit are chosen somewhat randomly, based on who’s between home and an event I’m traveling to. I’ll be announcing my schedule as I roll. Maybe this crazy, wandering author will drop in at your local library.

Follow my progress in photos on Facebook.

Now, here’s the cheese on this Brain Burger.

3 other great things about visiting 100 libraries:

1. 100 opportunities to rekindle a librarian crush.
2. Late fees so big the governor will finally have to pay attention to me.
3. 100 moments of deafening silence. Ahhhh….

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SPREAD THE CONSPIRACY – ORDER “THE DELPHI DECEPTION: BOOK II OF THE DELPHI TRILOGY” NOW!

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Readers rave about The Delphi Trilogy:

“Read. This. Book! Each chapter leaves you on the edge of your seat, and it all leads up to one of the most exciting endings I’ve read in a long time.”

“It has it all: romance, intrigue and suspense… and very well written characters.”

“From the very first page to the very last page I felt like I was on this wild ride.”

“Even the most reluctant of reluctant readers will have a hard time putting these books down.”

Thriller authors agree:

“The Delphi Deception is a masterpiece! It’s an edge-of-your-seat ride filled with mystery and suspense.”
~Heather Burch, author of the critically acclaimed Halflings series.

“An intriguing premise. Everheart’s latest page-turner is packed with mystery, secrets and surprises.”

—Steven James, award-winning author of Placebo and Quest for Celestia.

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• Teen Lit Fest 2 (chriseverheart.com)
• Other Author Wednesday with Chris Everheart (susanwingate.com)