What Sisters In Crime Can Offer Libraries

[Sisters In Crime]

The stereotypical "shushing," staid, prim and proper librarian is a portrait from the past. Many librarians are into murder, mayhem and other dastardly deeds. Sisters in Crime helps feed this addiction to things felonious, criminal and psychotic through the pages of the many crime novels and non-fiction books written by its members.
It was wonderful to discover that Sisters in Crime was open, not only to writers of my favorite genre, but welcoming to fans including librarians and booksellers.

Librarians tend to be big fans of mystery fiction, as are the readers whom we serve. As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, almost 2000 packets of materials were sent to libraries for a special March display. (Because 42 States are using a "mystery" theme for their summer reading programs, some displays may not be up until this summer or doing double duty.) We have asked libraries to send photos of their displays, which will be displayed on the Sisters in Crime website.

Sisters in Crime gives grants to libraries for special programs featuring Sisters in Crime members. And yes, there are also men who are members of the group. SinC is on the exhibit floor of the annual American Library Association convention as well as the Public Library Association convention, which is held every two years. Many times we band together with Mystery Writers of America to give librarians a chance to meet some of their favorite authors, who are often giving away and signing their books.

In another attempt to reach libraries and their readers Sisters in Crime has been awarding $500 grants to public libraries devastated by Katrina and other hurricanes. The only stipulation is that the money is used to buy books by members of Sisters in Crime.

I urge those who work in libraries or are library users to join this organization. The quarterly newsletter has many great articles and members also receive a membership directory and the SinC Books in print. Meetings, always with food, are held at Malice Domestic and Bouchercon each year. Their are regional chapters as well as two Internet chapters for more of a chance to be part of the organization.

The next time you go into your library, remember that the mild mannered public servant who is helping you might just have a brain full of ways to dispatch those who are offensive.

Sisters in Crime and your public library are a great combination to bring you the books you love to read. Please check out our website: www.sistersincrime.org

Doris Ann Norris, the 2000 year old librarian and Library Liaison for Sisters in Crime