Author Visit with Laurie Wetzel
Written surveys were distributed to all attendees at the presentation. It was expected that
a majority of respondents would:
• learn something about Laurie Wetzel and her writing process.
• learn something about writing young adult books.
• be interested in reading more of Laurie Wetzel’s works.
• be interested in checking out other materials from the YA collection.
In addition, library staff would 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
would confirm their enjoyment of the program.
Written surveys were given to those attending the program. See attached compilation of these written
evaluations. The surveys reflect that all of those attending the program learned something about Laurie Wetzel
and her writing process as well as learned something about writing young adult books. The author program inspired the majority of attendees to check out Wetzel’s books as well as other young adult books from
the library. It was encouraging to see that many of those who completed the survey were interested in attending
a future teen program at the library and would also recommend the library’s programs to others. Several of those who completed the survey commented that they would be interested in attending future author programs at the library, especially local author programs.
From this librarian’s perspective, the author program with Laurie Wetzel was a success. Wetzel’s presentation
was engaging, personal, and inspiring. She spoke from the heart addressing her own failures and successes in
the publishing world. Audience members were clearly interested in Wetzel’s writing process as they asked
many detailed questions. Following the presentation and Q&A session, Wetzel talked with audience members
and autographed books.
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