Burlington Library's Local Author Festival a Hit with Readers and Writers
The Local Author Festival at Burlington Public Library was a success, and authors say they'll return for another.
The Burlington Public Library hosted a Local Author Festival on October 6, and by all accounts the event was a success.
Twenty-eight local authors participated in the event, and almost all said they'd definitely return for a reprise. The event hosted a mix of non-fiction and fiction authors of all ages and genres, with stations set up for them throughout the library, on both floors and in the function rooms. Refreshments were served, and patrons were free to browse tables, chat with authors, and purchase books. One patron, said Programming & Marketing Librarian, Daniel Barbour, left with 17 books!
Authors reported different reasons for attending the festival, said Barbour, with some expecting to sell books, others looking to network and build up public awareness of their work, and still others using the event to get a feel for the atmosphere and plan how they'll engage with author festivals in the future. The event was free for authors, a contrast from many festivals, which can charge booth fees of $60 or more.
The presence of Ted Reinstein, a popular figure in New England's literary scene, boosted the festival's success, said Barbour, as did the co-promotion of the authors in attendance, who shared their participation and encouraged their audience members to attend.
Looking forward, the library plans to fine-tune the local author festival based on feedback. They're considering adjustments to author placement and refreshment locations to improve foot traffic throughout the venue.
