Romance Writers of America’s first "Libraries Love Romance" contest asked librarians to tell us about the role romance fiction plays in their library. The contest featured two divisions; the first for the best programs and events that feature romance fiction and the second for the best romance fiction displays and promotions. Librarians from all over the country participated, and the entries were narrowed down to three finalists in each division. Check out the information below to see which libraries RWA members voted as the winners of $500 and a set of 2007 RITA-winning novels! Also, be sure to read our exclusive interviews with the winners.
Division 1 Winner—Programs and Events
Memphis Public Library & Information Center
Memphis, Tennessee
Librarian: Betty Wilson
RWA is proud to recognize the Memphis Public Library, Memphis, Tennessee, for its outstanding romance-oriented programs and events. RWA interviewed Librarian Betty Wilson about the role of romance fiction at the Memphis Public Library & Information Center.
Why did you enter the Libraries Love Romance contest?
Given the popularity of the romance genre to Memphis Public Library customers and our library’s dedication to serving its customers, we felt it was only natural to support our Library customers and their love of this genre. We also felt it would show support for our local Romance Writers of America chapter.
As a librarian, how does romance fiction play into your job responsibilities?
Through the Readers’ Advisory function, we train librarians throughout the system to be able to recommend a variety of romance titles and help readers expand their reading choices by recommending authors who complement what they like to read. Programs are planned including author visits, discussions, book clubs, etc. We work closely with our local chapter of RWA, River City Romance Writers.
Why do you read romance?
It is vital to have first-hand knowledge of romance titles and authors when making suggestions to customers. We also want to support our local romance authors and a guaranteed happy ending can be important in all of our hectic lives.
What is your favorite romance subgenre?
Historical
Based on your observations, why do you believe the readers in your library love romance?Readers identify with the characters in many romance books, especially female.
How well does romance fiction circulate in your library compared to other fiction collections?
Romance is the highest circulating paperback collection. It runs neck and neck with science fiction for the second-highest circulating hardback collection.
If an author wants to have an event in your library, what is the best procedure for this?
Contact the Adult Services Coordinator, Heather Lawson.
Our authors may be interested in sending materials to your library. Would you welcome these materials?
We would welcome these with open arms! For more information, contact the Marketing Department, Betty Anne Wilson.
Division 2 Winner—Displays and Promotions
Wayne Public Library
Wayne, New Jersey
Librarian: Janette Pardo
RWA is proud to recognize the Wayne Public Library, Wayne, New Jersey, for its outstanding romance-oriented displays and promotions. RWA interviewed Librarian Janette Pardo about the role of romance fiction at the Wayne Public Library.
Why did you enter the Libraries Love Romance contest?
I entered our library because of the great strides made by all members of our library staff to promote romance, as well as their openness to embrace the genre even if they don’t read it. The staff recognizes that our patrons are interested in reading romance and have therefore encouraged readership in the genre through collection development, displays, events and contests.
As a librarian, how does romance fiction play into your job responsibilities?
It’s part of my everyday job. I keep up to date on the latest happenings in the romance genre via e-mail, blogs, newsletters, magazine (print & online) and Romance TV. I’m constantly pulling together information so that I can create a list of romance titles to order for our collection.
Why do you read romance?
Happy endings. Escape from the everyday. And of course…the heroes.
What is your favorite romance subgenre?
At the moment I’m really into, paranormal, especially vampires. But I also love historicals.
Based on your observations, why do you believe the readers in your library love romance?
They’ve mentioned: Fun reads. A way to relax after a hard day/week at work. An escape from the everyday.
How well does romance fiction circulate in your library compared to other fiction collections?
Extremely well. We have die-hard fans who follow a favorite author and request their titles months in advance. We’ve introduced new authors and have seen their books in continuous circulation with patrons placing holds on their upcoming works. In hardcover, mystery is still the top genre, but in paperback romance is number one. The creation of the various romance genre pamphlets has boosted our paperback circulation dramatically. When it comes time to “weed” the paperback collection, to make room for new titles, it is nearly impossible to find a romance title that has not circulated often. This phenomena makes finding shelf room for new romance releases difficult, but not impossible.
What affect do romance programs or promotions in the library have on the library user?
Items highlighted in our collection, via displays, programs, contests or romance genre pamphlets have all circulated more. We’ve noticed display stands constantly needing to be re-filled, patrons using the genre pamphlets to browse the collection in search of titles and authors listed and patrons requesting forthcoming titles by newly discovered authors.
If an author wants to have an event in your library, what is the best procedure for this?
Please send an e-mail to: wplcomments@waynepubliclibrary.org .
Our authors may be interested in sending materials to your library. Would you welcome these materials?
Yes. Absolutely. Please mail your materials to: Janette Pardo, Wayne Public Library, 461 Valley Road, Wayne, NJ 07470. No specific quantity.
