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Booking the Library: A Guide for Entertainers, Musicians, Speakers and Authors Paperback – February 12, 2015

by Jessica Brawner (Author)

4.8 8 ratings

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This book outlines the basics of touring and booking programs at public libraries. It is intended as a resource for musicians, storytellers, puppeteers, authors, speakers and other 'living wage' entertainers. If you fall into one of these categories, this book is for you, to aid in finding new markets, new fans, and new ways of making your living.In Booking the Library you will find:Sample phone scripts, contracts, and emailsDetailed instructions on finding library contact information quickly and easilySuggestions on best practicesInformation on performer showcasesAnd many more tips and golden rules to help keep you happy, healthy, and sane as you pursue your passion.

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From the Author

A lot of people have asked me how this particular project came about, and what on earth it is. So, a bit of my history for you.

In 2008 I and two partners started a booking agency. It was something that they had wanted to do, for a while, but they needed someone who could handle the day to day running of things (Me). This booking agency, Unbound Booking, focused on bringing small, quality acts to public venues like libraries, schools, and community centers. We had a dual mission to encourage cultural and arts education in under served communities and to ensure that our artists were being paid a fair and sustainable amount for the art, music and entertainment they produced.

For six years, and through various iterations of the business I acted as a booking agent, owner and manager of this company. We grew from one act to fifty acts over the course of that time frame, and worked primarily with libraries across the United States. Our acts ranged from folk musicians, to magicians, to storytellers, to science educators, and quite a few things in-between. All of them were (are) good at what they did, and all of them were (are) extremely hard working people.

In 2014, a partnership dispute caused us to close down the company. These things happen.

I was not at that time in a position to start up a new agency, but I had all of this very practical knowledge of the industry at my fingertips and quite a few artists who wanted to pick my brain about how I did what I did. And thus, 'Booking the Library' was conceived! It's a slim volume, less than 100 pages all told, that gives an overview of the industry, library trends, best practices, step by step instructions on pricing your shows & contacting libraries, and sample contracts, phone scripts etc.

Many of my former performers have read it over and implemented the bits and pieces that they felt they needed. On the whole I am very pleased with how it turned out, and I hope you find it both helpful and enjoyable. As always, I wish you the best in your art.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Story of the Month Club (February 12, 2015)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 106 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0692350187
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0692350188
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.3 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.27 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #5,446,504 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #2,177 in Music Business (Books)
- #2,980 in Business Encyclopedias
- #11,503 in Business Education & Reference (Books)

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4.8 8 ratings

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Jessica Brawner

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Meet Jessica Brawner, a South Texas wild child with a lifelong passion for globe-trotting. From navigating the cobblestone streets of Europe at the tender age of eighteen to immersing herself in the heart of Central Asia with the Peace Corps, Jessica's journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.

A long time ago she stumbled upon a universe of enchantment—Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions. These gatherings became more than just events; they became a haven for the wild, crazy, and utterly lovable misfits who subscribe to the belief that friends are the family you get to choose. Jessica became a seasoned participant, donning the hat of a booth babe and lending a helping hand at conventions all across the nation, later participating as a professional at those same conventions.

Beyond the realm of conventions, Jessica is a multi-faceted dynamo. She's not just your average event planner; she's orchestrated unforgettable experiences. As an entertainment agent, she's connected the dots between talent and opportunity. A computer teacher, Jessica empowered others with digital literacy. She's even dabbled as a personal assistant, proving that versatility is her middle name.

Her story is one of constant evolution, driven by a spirit that thrives on new challenges and embraces the unconventional. Whether she's teaching self-defense, orchestrating events, or navigating the tech landscape, Jessica Brawner is the embodiment of a modern Renaissance woman.

And if you think this bio is over the top – so does she! But it’s all true. <3

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Monarch Beach Fan

with a few good templates, is excellent

Reviewed in the United States on March 12, 2017

Verified Purchase

A brief, concise, well-written and helpful how to book with all that is needed to get started making personal appearances in libraries. I didn't know that libraries regularly schedule and even pay authors, entertainers, musicians and others. An overview of what to do, with a few good templates, is excellent. Because of the book I am motivated to appear in libraries and now have an understanding of how to go about it. Contents should apply to schools as well. I was surprised that this is the only book I could find on the subject for booking libraries and I could find none for schools.

Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2019

Verified Purchase

Lot of great information, resources and ideas presented in an easy to follow/no fluff manner.

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CY

Wish I had this when I was starting out in library programs

Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2015

Verified Purchase

Jessica Brawner's "Booking The Library" was a nice surprise. I ordered it out of curiosity, but I had low expectations, to be honest, figuring it would be a basic overview at best. I've done multimedia pop culture programs at libraries for a decade and over that time, I talked to hundreds of librarians in order to learn how library programming works behind the scenes, what libraries are looking for and how best to tailor a show to meet their needs. Well, no joke--Brawner's book gives you 95 percent of what it took me 10 years to learn the hard way. If you've never done a library program, the book will get you in the door (and probably a gig); if you're a lifer like myself, you'll still find enough new info to make it worth the 10 bucks (certainly I did).

Brawner relies heavily on facts instead of opinions--always a plus--and covers all the bases, from how to find libraries and approach them, to pricing your work and negotiating a fee, to proper etiquette once you finally land a gig. Throughout, there's solid, reassuring advice (including a reminder to bathe!) and it's all thoughtfully organized. I had a few quibbles here and there; for instance, it needs a stern warning to lawyers, financial consultants, insurance brokers, psychics and others to not prey on libraries by offering to do a free program on reverse mortgages, etc. as a way to drum up business. At best, they're abusing the public's trust in the library, and at worst, putting a library at risk for litigation if a client they pick up doesn't like the results; not all library programers realize this...until it's too late. I also found the book overwhelmingly oriented towards touring musicians; that said, other sorts of performers will still be able to apply most of Brawner's advice--like the suggestion to bathe, for instance.

In all, I wish I'd had "Booking The Library" when I was starting out; it would have saved me a lot of time, without question. No book will help you build a career if what you do onstage stinks, but taking Brawner's advice will at least ensure you won't screw up the offstage aspects.

2 people found this helpful

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Marc Gunn

Musicians and All Indie Entertainers NEED This Book!

Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2015

A few years ago, Jessica Brawner started a booking agency. She loved Renaissance festivals but knew there was no money in trying to book entertainers there. That’s when she learned about libraries…

It turns out, libraries across the country are looking for entertainers. Jessica started a booking agency that booked Renaissance festival entertainers at libraries. It was extremely successful and provided a great income for these Ren Performers, until finally she decided to let the business go. Now she’s decided to write about her experiences and tips on how musicians, entertainers, speakers, and authors can make money booking profitable gigs at libraries around the country.

I was fortunate enough to read a preview copy…

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.

One person found this helpful

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Andrew M.

Great for the beginner and the seasoned pro

Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2015

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.

One person found this helpful

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Rachel H

Very helpful!

Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2019

This was a really helpful book with both some good overall concepts and some very specific, tangible resources. Thanks for writing and sharing!

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Luke Halpin

Every small performance act that tours, or wants to tour, needs this book!

Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2015

In the interest of full disclosure, I first have to say that Jessica Brawner used to be my booking agent specifically for libraries. This puts me in a position to say that Jessica knows what she is talking about. She gave me an early copy of this book for thoughts and critique, she covered every aspect so thoroughly that there was nothing to say other than GOOD JOB and THANK YOU! I am so glad Jessica took the time to write down all of her knowledge before moving on to bigger things because without her booking the libraries, I definitely need this book! Every small performance act needs this book! I will be recommending it to all my musician friends and if I run into any clowns (real ones) I'll recommend it to them as well! Thanks again Jessica for sharing your wisdom!

One person found this helpful

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