Author Discoverability discussion

I have been invited to give a talk at a nearby public library. I see this as a great way to build a local celebrity, a good place for new unknown authors to meet with an 100% interested audience. The summer reading program for adults (there is one for children) presents an author from the area each week to talk about his/her books. I will speak about my writing and how I came to write my mystery.
The library provides promotion and door prizes for the presentations. I will donate a copy of "Willowtree" as a prize, and also a copy to the library.
This is not a book signing; we do not sell books at the event. I can, however, hand out a flyer with all of my information and purchase links. I will give out a Smashwords code for a discount on the e-book. I am looking forward to meeting with some folks who may know me and other potential readers and fans. The guestbook sign-in serves to have names for picking the door prize, and also gives me e-mail addresses for my updates.
Another local library recently held an event, including book signing,which drew 28 local authors and was well attended by library patrons.
I believe it is important for writers to participate in these events as a low or no-cost marketing tool in building a reputation.

Hi Mike

Thanks for taking the time to enter the group and write such an insightful comment.Can you tell us a bit more about your book and you personally? where are you based etc..

Also are you published and if so what your journey was like, if you are not published it would be good to hear about anything you have done to get your book noticed, successes and challenges..Thanks again for the post.

My critique partners and I are having our first library event next month. We're doing a panel discussion and signing. We each donated two books -- one for the library, and one for a giveaway for those attending. I think what Mike said is key -- going to libraries gets you in front of READERS! Sure, some other authors may show up, and that's fine, but I am really looking forward to interacting with people I know are interested in books and reading! I'll let you know how it goes!

would love to know how you work to ensure a good turnout. Also, are your libraries happy to take self published books on a personal approach basis?

Nash Mascaro wrote: "would love to know how you work to ensure a good turnout. Also, are your libraries happy to take self published books on a personal approach basis?"

I put announcements of the event on my website (news and blog.) Also on my Facebook page and tweeted several times. Most of the posts were not specifically about me, but the program. I tweeted when the other authors were having their events, as well as other events happening at the library. (Personally, I am turned off by all of the self-promotion on Twitter).
The library staff did good work advertising the events and there were two articles in the local newspapers.
I have had several small libraries gladly accept copies of my self-published book, and a couple rejections. It's a bit more work for them to catalog it, so some don't want to or know how to do it.

Interesting, thanks for the reply. I agree Twitter is too much sometimes. It's a bit of a frenzy as is Facebook, there are more strategic ways to go.

I recently spoke at the Queens Borough Public Library and it drew a crowd of 25 people and they also let me sell my book and now they have it in their library system. The library put a whole poster on the main floor to attract people to come. The library said they may want me to speak some time at a local branch near my neighborhood. As well, I also use facebook and twitter to promote my events and it can be too much at times.

Hi Linda that's pretty cool, nice of the library to do that. What are your thoughts on Facebook and Twitter now? do you see results or do you find you mix on author circles more than buyers ones?