I'm pretty sure I'm not the only person that's wondered about this, but I was wondering how some of you have gotten your start with presenting Library programs?

If any of you library performers out there could share your information, experiences and advice on library programs such as getting started, how to get in touch with the libraries, performance, working with the kids, etc. That'd be great!

I'm really considering doing this and would love to hear from you all. Thanks in advance =]

I do know one thing that I'll share:
Find out your local libraries Seasonal Reading Programs and model your performance based on that to fit their theme!

I LOVE doing library programs!  I have a total of 65 library programs this season.  (that is why I am not around much this summer!)
How I got started was to contact a few of the close by libraries and give them some information about what I do.  Once I got my first few bookings word of mouth helped keep things going.  I send out postcards in November explaining my show for the next summer - based on the Summer Reading Program theme like you said. (next summer's theme is "Make a Splash - READ!")Then I do another follow up mailing or email.  This year I was very fortunate because I had a lot of free publicity done by two of the librarians who had hired me in the past.  I listed my name on the State Library Associations Performers listing too. As I travel to the libraries I give each of them an evaluation with a self-addressed stamped envelope and some information about other programs I do during the school year. This way I am giving them multiple contacts.  I also send a thank-you postcard after I return home.  Keep your name in front of them, give them great customer service, help them increase circulation at their library by suggesting books to the kids to check out (on my give-aways I include a bookmark with book suggestions listed), and don't let them forget about you (I send Christmas postcards too).

Wow that's fantastic Lisa! Congratulations on booking so many programs!
And that sounds like a good way to start, was it like a brochure you gave the local libraries? Or more like a little business card?

And yes, I checked out next Summer's theme and am already brainstorming on possible ideas to fit the theme. But the postcards and other ways to follow-up sound like fantastic ideas.
Thanks a ton for sharing your advice and tips! Feel free to add more ;D Haha!

I like making postcard information mailings.  Then it is a colorful piece that comes in the mail and something colorful is more likely to be noticed than something in an envelope.  Also postcards are cheaper to mail! I use Vista Print to create my post cards and other bits of information.

I got my start at the library by approaching the librarian after she had finished her story time session. I went in with out any information printed as I was in the library at the time by chance and thought what a great opportunity to perform and develop my characters plus gain valuable experience.

She got me to come in and meet with the head of the children's program, this time I brought to the table printed material on what I could do. The very next week had me appearing with a Liberian at the same time in a Teddy bears picnic theme.

From there they asked me to get a Working With Children's Check as then I would be qualified to perform on my own. This took about a month to do and in the mean time I was volentering and performing with another Liberian.

It was great as now I'm great Friends with all the Liberian at my local branch plus when the WWCC came in I got to perform by my self and get payed for the privilege.

I would recommend to any one just go in with printed info on what you do and want to do. You can't go wrong!

@LJ Oh that definitely sounds like a better and more appealing way of going about it. If it's not too much trouble, would you mind e-mailing me some of your sample postcards? Also forms you use for the bookings? I'd really appreciate that! =D

@Henry That definitely sounds like a good way of getting started, there's a few libraries in my area so I'll have to try that. Do you think you could do me a favor and show me some samples of the printed info and materials you present them with? And Thanks for the advice!

I took the Tall Ted manners craft http://www.tallted.com/Tall-Ted%27s-Manner-Reminder.gif and a doc file containing the run down for a road safety story time.
http://www.tallted.com/Safety/Road-Safety-Story-Time.doc

Hey it's late here as I write this and must sleep but just jumping in with a note to make sure I'm emailed and kept up to date with this thread. Some great info there already, I'm sure it would still translate to Australian libraries. I've just swapped roles with my spouse as primary carer of our kids and would love to turn my puppet hobby into a part time gig (I've been a professional, mainstream musical theatre performer for over twenty years so it isn't such a stretch) I already have more questions than I have time to type, so I'll be back...
Scoob

Henry, I just realised we're neighbors! Are you doing any shows in the bayside area for the school holidays, suitable for a bright two and a half year old? (Don't worry i won't be muscling in on your territory, the idea is truly in embryo and I'll be back in QLD before long.) Of course your stuff would certainly "translate to australian libraries"!) I had presumed that you, like many on here, were in the US or Canada.

Thanks for the interest Scubasteve, I performed at the Sandringham Library during the last two school holidays. The next closest one to you would be the Springvale Library on the 23rd of July 09.

PS: Two and a half sounds like the perfect audience.