Author Visit with Jacqueline West
Written surveys will be distributed to all attendees at the presentation. It is expected that a majority of respondents will learn something about Jacqueline West and her books, learn something about writing children's books and be interested in checking out books by Jacqueline West from the library. In addition, library staff will observe a majority of attendees actively engaging in the program by listening attentively, asking questions, and clapping at the end of the program. Anecdotal responses from attendees will confirm their enjoyment of the program.
Written surveys were given to all participants attending the program. The surveys reflect that all of the respondents learned something about Jacqueline West and writing children's books. Nearly half (44%) of the survey respondents were familiar with the "Books of Elsewhere" prior to the program, and this closely corresponds with the number of survey respondents who picked up a free copy of "The Shadows" prior to the event (48%). Overall, the program was a positive experience for those attending. West's stories about her childhood resonated with audience members. She was honest about her writing process (both the successes and frustrations), and her enthusiasm for "The Books of Elsewhere" series was contagious. Following the program, children and adults gathered in line for 30 minutes to talk to West and purchase books. Young readers were delighted to have West's signature on their newly purchased books. One reader asked West to sign a piece of paper. Afterwards, she excitedly explained that the evening program was her first author event. With five books in the series, many young readers had plans to continue reading the "Books of Elsewhere. "Thanks to the efforts of the school librarians in attendance, many more readers will be enjoying this junior fiction series. These librarians purchased books for their libraries and made plans to share book talk with their students. A key component in making this author event a success was the library's ability to give out copies of the book "The Shadows" prior to the event. The book giveaway created program excitement and reader familiarity. It also drew in an audience crowd made up of 50% young readers.