Jessica Brawner, a versatile author hailing from Southern California, delves into both non-fiction and fiction realms with finesse. Her expertise spans from topical books on improving social interactions & the business of speaking and performing at libraries, to crafting captivating urban fantasy and steampunk tales. She has a blend of traditional publishing and self-publishing experience and finds that she prefers the latter. She shares her creative journey with her husband, Steven L. Sears.

Booking the Library by Jessica Brawner

Explore the world of library touring and program booking with "Booking the Library (Second Edition)." Tailored for musicians, storytellers, puppeteers, authors, speakers, and all 'living wage' entertainers, this guide is your key to unlocking fresh markets, cultivating a dedicated fan base, and revolutionizing your livelihood.

Dive into a treasure trove of practical tools to elevate your booking game, including sample phone scripts, contracts, and emails. Uncover the secrets of swiftly accessing library contact information, discover best practices that set you apart, and explore creating your ideal program description. "Booking the Library" isn't just a guide; it's your compass for navigating the complex world of library programs, filled with invaluable tips and practical advice to ensure your journey is not only successful but also leaves you happy, healthy, and sane as you passionately pursue your craft.

 

REVIEWS

  • "This book is fantastic! Jessica Brawner has thought of anything the reader might need and provided practical and thorough support (templates, sample scripts for conversations, email verbiage examples, online resources, etc.), yet her clear and inviting writing style keeps the book engaging and never overwhelming. This book will help those looking to break into library performance, but it also holds so much wisdom that experienced library performers are also sure to learn strategies that will make them more efficient and successful. This is a gem of a book from an author who really knows the business!"

    – Jenny Grant Rankin

  • "Musicians and All Indie Entertainers NEED This Book! Wow! Booking the Library was just amazing. It is packed full of quick, actionable tips on how to get booked and make money performing at libraries. The step-by-step guide and insider tips from a former library booking agent gets me excited to start booking my own gigs. I also can't wait to share this book with my musician friends. Yes. That's the quote I gave to Jessica after reading it. The book was totally awesome. I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone who is looking for a fun and lucrative gig throughout the U.S."

    – Marc Gunn, Rhythm & Folk Celtic Music

  • "First off, I am a musician who has played many small venues around the country. I have looked at playing music at libraries but it was always a very different booking approach compared to other places. Jessica Brawner's book, "Booking the Library" really goes a long way to demystifying the process. The meat of the book is a quick and easy read. There are enough example emails, contracts, references, and space for notes to cover any questions you might have. She holds your hand like a guide showing you how to approach libraries step by step. She doesn't just tell you what to do but also what to be careful of while acting professional and maintaining a solid reputation. In other words, she helps you make sure you will get booked again and again! The way the book was written, I think anyone can benefit from it from the seasoned pro to the beginner starting out. It also simply reads like a friend telling you how to book a library gig. I really like that! So to sum up, this is going to help me and I think it could help you too. "

    – Andrew McKee, the Irish Bard
 

BOOK PREVIEW

Excerpt

For many years I ran a booking agency dedicated to helping smaller acts increase their annual pay while filling up some of the 'free time' associated with touring. Yes I know 'free time' is a myth for any self-employed person, however in the case of touring performers that time between gigs while you're on the road, stuck in a hotel room, is essentially 'free time.'

In addition to helping performers, the secondary purpose of my agency was to promote cultural and educational entertainment to underserved communities throughout the United States. One of the best ways to reach those communities was through the public library system. 'Wait, what do you mean?' you ask. 'I thought libraries were just about books…?'

In fact, public libraries all over the world provide a myriad of services such as: traditional book lending, public concerts, classes, story-time for toddlers, historical interpreters, songwriting workshops, writing workshops, author talks etc. If you haven't checked out your public library lately, you really should. The library is a wonderful resource for the community, and an invaluable tool for the self-employed, and small business owners.

The post-COVID-19 era has witnessed a remarkable resurgence of libraries in the United States. Libraries have undergone a dynamic transformation, emerging as vibrant community hubs that cater to diverse interests and needs. With the easing of pandemic restrictions, libraries have embraced new technologies and innovative programming to engage patrons of all ages. Beyond traditional book lending, they now offer interactive workshops, technology training sessions, and collaborative spaces for learning and creativity. The revitalization of libraries has been fueled by a recognition of their vital role as inclusive spaces that foster lifelong learning, cultural exchange, and community connection.

As it happens, in addition to providing all of this, many libraries hire performers, educators, and entertainers to give one to two hour presentations in order to further enhance the library. And in many cases, they are willing to pay for those services.

This book discusses the basics of touring, and booking events at libraries. It is intended as a resource for musicians, storytellers, puppeteers, authors, public speakers and other 'living wage' entertainers. Living wage entertainers are those who make their primary living performing but have not yet been 'discovered' by a big name company that will take over promoting and scheduling their appearances. If you fall into this category of performer, this book is for you, to aid in finding new markets, new fans, and new ways of making your living.

We start out with the specifics of libraries, and then move to the basics of touring. I have included blank pages at the end of most chapters as a place for you to take notes and record your thoughts. As a note, I use the words presentation, show, event and performance interchangeably throughout. Chapters are organized by topic.

As always, I wish you the best in your art.