For many years I worked as a booking agent, putting musicians and libraries together for their mutual benefit, now I’m writing a book for musicians and entertainers that would like to perform at libraries and haven’t quite figured out how to go about that. It’s basically a road-map for them to follow.
I’ve gotten feedback from a number of performers already, but now I would like to hear from the people doing the hiring. (note: particularly thoughtful answers may be included verbatim with proper attribution. I will follow up individually in those instances.)
What is the one thing you wish performers knew before they showed up at the library?
If you could give advice to a new group that wanted to perform at libraries, what would it be?
Other than a bad performance, what is one thing that has actually happened to you that would make you say to yourself, “I will never hire that group again?”
What is one thing that would make you say, “I am definitely bringing that group back!”
Thank you so much for your help with this project. The working title is ‘Booking the Library’ (title suggestions welcome as well) and I expect it will be out early next year.
Best,
Jessica Brawner
What is the one thing you wish performers knew before they showed up at the Library?
1. Inform the librarian (booking the show) as early as possible if you have any special needs for the performance. Some need a podium, others a certain type of chair, some need a projector, smartboard, bottles of water, some need help unloading their equipment, some need a parking space close to the door, some need the chairs set up in a certain configuration, some need a private dressing area, etc. I also booked a program for a drawing class and I found out at the last minute that 25 copies were needed of the rather lengthy handouts and that we also needed 25 pens.
2. Some libraries are more affluent than others. One library may have a theater setting with a stage, etc. And others may just have an empty room. Try to see your space before the performance date.
3. Patrons can sign up for a program and then not show up. So if the turnout is low, please do not blame the library. A performer is free to ask how many people signed up before the performance date and then decide to cancel if no one has signed up. Today I cancelled a cartooning class later this week because we only had 2 people signed up. So performers should not take it personally if a program has to be postponed. It could be due to many things – like an upcoming holiday.
4. Before the performance day, email the information that you wish to be included in your introduction.
If you could give advice to a new group?
1. Please be on time. Patrons will often come 30 minutes before the show and get upset if they have to wait for a performer who is “still in traffic.” There can be unforeseen conditions where it is understandable that a performer is late or must cancel. But try to leave more than enough time to set up and get ready for the performance. If you have extra time, there are plenty of books and magazines to read in the library!
2. If you have never seen your performance space at the library, please try and do this, if possible, before the performance date. The programming librarian can have a sheet prepared (for use when trying to book performers) with a description of the performing area and what the library does and doesn’t have. The librarian can include photos. This sheet can be attached to your email when corresponding with a performer. On the other end, a performer should have a list prepared of what they will need for the performance. Then they can send it out to the library to have it checked off, signed and returned (if they want). Many arguments start because of a misunderstanding of what the performers need.
3. Please be polite. That advice never hurts in any situation.
4. Be prepared for anything when performing in a public library. The events are probably going to be open to the public and when dealing with the public anything can happen. A pianist performing in our library was once heckled by a drunk patron. If you are a performer, make sure that a library staff member will be at the program at all times. Unruly patrons may surface, someone could take ill, and someone could slip on the floor (or any other emergency).
5. Please begin and end the performance as close as possible to the time publicized in the flyers (always ask to see a copy of any publicity that will go out – then if there is a mistake, it can be corrected). People can sometimes only sit for a given amount of time (especially those with children).
6. If you want a certain introduction (or to make sure you even get one), please tell the librarian that you wish for a staff member to do an introduction and send a copy of your bio or anything else you want included (even write the intro out if you want). Some libraries are short staffed and cannot afford to have a librarian leave their post to sit at the performance (but see #4).
I will never hire that group again:
1. We actually had an opera singer complain about our library while he was on stage in between songs. He didn’t like the theater stage and he claimed that the air was not suitable for his voice.
2. Impolite performers. This often happens when a performer makes demands shortly before the performance time. Tell the library what you will need well before the program date.
3. If you have a low turnout, please do not blame the librarian for not publicizing the event enough. Usually all programming librarians want their events to be well attended and have done extensive publicity. If it is a concern, ask the librarian, before booking, what publicity will be done for the event and ask to see all flyers and press releases.
I am definitely bringing that group back:
1. Nice, polite and a sense of understanding when there needs to be changes, such as a change in a performance space that will not affect the quality of your work. I had an artist who was teaching a drawing class, lose his space because the library Board of Trustees needed the room for a meeting. He was informed of the change a week before the class and the library provided a suitable alternative.
2. People who are enthusiastic and definitely interested in our patrons. We initially advertised a cartooning class with the age listed as 7 and up. The young man doing the class realized that siblings or younger children may love to draw and he changed the signup to include “anyone interested in drawing.”
3. People who are not late and end at the designated time. We had a club meet in the library and they always went at least 10 minutes past the library’s evening closing time. Ten minutes may not seem a lot of time but when you have to close up the room, lockup the library, and wait for people to use the bathrooms … library staff also have families who need to be picked up or fed and some even have a long drive home or take public transportation in sometimes not great weather. After our closing time, the library staff is now working for free. And not many people can afford to work for free.
Hope some of it helps you.
Joan
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Joan Dorfman
Reference Librarian
Bloomfield Public Library
90 Broad Street
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
973-566-6200 x209
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply! There are a few of these that I would definitely like to incorporate!
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and help me with this project! This is some great advice!
Hello Jessica,
I found this on my listserv this week. I’m going to respond to your questions with the hope that even one small item might be of use to you:)
What is the one thing you wish performers knew before they showed up at the library? Come in the spirit of service. That’s what we’re all about. Your performance is for the patrons and not wholly for yourself or your musical ambitions.
If you could give advice to a new group that wanted to perform at libraries, what would it be? Consider how your performance fits in with the overall mission of the library. Think about this and communicate to the library how your performance works to benefit the life of the library. Also . . . be prepared, keep it simple, stay flexible, and take personal responsibility for any gear you need. If the library is providing equipment it doesn’t hurt to double check with your librarian-contact a day before the performance about gear and space.
Other than a bad performance, what is one thing that has actually happened to you that would make you say to yourself, “I will never hire that group again?” If you do not meet your commitments associated with your performance you won’t be asked back. This could mean cancelling, showing up late, promoting yourself over and above the library’s service, selling anything without prior approval, or poor communication with library staff at any time. Again, come with the idea that what you do is a welcomed service to the community and not wholly for yourself.
What is one thing that would make you say, “I am definitely bringing that group back!” Maturity, command, and delivering the goods when it counts. Ok, that’s three. It goes without saying that your musical talents should match the type of event. If it’s a holiday storytime with kids then you can get away with not having a voice for stage. If it’s a bigger event that implies a semi-pro or pro level of musicianship, know that you fit that category and then deliver.
Btw, I’m from South Texas:) Jourdanton to be exact. I moved here this year after running a public library for three years in Converse.
Kindest regards,
Robert Ayala, MLS
Librarian II Adult Services
Loveland Public Library
300 Adams Ave.
Loveland, CO 80537
970.962.2591 – office/voicemail
Robert.ayala@cityofloveland.org
Hah! Robert half my family is from the Jourdanton/Pleasanton area! I know those towns well 🙂 Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, and I hope you’re enjoying the snow here in Colorado.