My first library was a book-filled van parked outside the schoolyard. The bookmobile lady handed me four books, which seemed like a miracle to the third-grader I was at the time. Now, just approaching the entrance to this Scottsdale, AZ, library makes me tingle in anticipation of the pleasure to be found inside.

At most of the 17 branch libraries in Phoenix and five in Scottsdale, you can join a book club run by staff or volunteers. I visited some of the clubs, and several have decided to read my debut novel, Appetite, in the spring. I've signed up to give a one-hour "author talk" at two other libraries this winter. I'll also participate in a book fair for local authors, part of an annual festival hosted--and publicized--by the Scottsdale central library. Libraries are so good at connecting readers to the books they'll care about! I'm lucky that a couple of local librarians have taken me under their wings.

Perhaps the same can happen to you.