A Novel Idea

Did you know that the has an exclusive club? If you are smitten and besotted with a particular author and must know the minute they are published, then the Bestseller Club is for you. And as long as you are a card carrying member, you too can join. 

All you have to do is go to the second floor of the library and ask for a Bestseller Club form at the Readers’ Services desk. You can now select up to 35 authors from a list of over 150 best selling novelists. 

“Once the book arrives at the library, by your author, someone at the Readers’ Service desk will either call you or an email will automatically be sent to you,"  said Lisa Jones, Readers’ Services Librarian. "It’s best to specify how you would like to receive these notifications,”

If you do not want the book at that time, you may decline when you receive the call, but if a notification arrives via email, as a courtesy to your fellow club members, the library recommends that you phone in to release the book to the next person anxiously waiting in line. 

Also, if you are wondering whether a member who got their name on the list ahead of time will always get the book before others, it doesn’t work that way.

“The reserve list rotates to ensure that everyone has a fair chance at getting a first shot as the novel becomes available,” Jones said.

Another nice feature is that instead of the seven-day loan from a Star Express Pick—available at the west part of the lobby alongside the new Star movie releases—you will have 14 days to read your book. 

“Bestseller Club patrons also receive the book before it is physically put on the library shelves and any general reserves placed will not be filled until club members have all received a copy,” she said.

Besides some of the most popular authors on the list such as Dean Koontz, John Grishman, Nora Roberts, and Danielle Steel, they have recently added Brunonia Barry, Amy Bloom, Jonathan Franzen, Tana French, Julia Glass, Sara Gruen, Laurell K. Hamilton, Eric Lustbader, Kate Morton, Karen Robards, Jonathan Tropper, and David Webber.

“Hardcover books are the only option you will receive, there are no paperbacks, non-fiction, or audio-books in this club,” Jones said.

The author list is updated periodically so you can check back to find out which ones are added, you can also recommend one of your favorites, or remove a name from your selections all by email, stopping by at the second floor, or calling.  Here is the information for your convenience:  readerservices@syossetlibrary.org . Happy reading!

Phone:  516-921-7161 ext. 239.