How to Get Your Book Into Libraries

Libraries Are a Massive, Overlooked Sales Channel

When authors think about selling books, they think Amazon, bookstores, and their own website. Libraries rarely enter the conversation — and that's a mistake. The United States alone has over 17,000 public library systems, serving hundreds of millions of patrons annually. Each system can order multiple copies of a book, and library readers are among the most voracious, engaged book consumers in the country.

Getting your book into libraries isn't just about individual sales (though libraries do pay for every copy they acquire). It's about discoverability. A reader who discovers your book at a library becomes a fan who buys your next book, recommends you to friends, and leaves Goodreads reviews. Libraries are a discovery engine with a built-in trust layer — if the library carries it, readers assume it's worth reading.

This guide covers exactly how to get your book onto library shelves — whether you're traditionally published, indie published, or self-published.

How Libraries Acquire Books

Understanding the acquisition process is essential before you start pitching. Libraries don't browse Amazon and click "Buy." They have structured purchasing systems:

• Collection development librarians — Each library system has staff responsible for selecting new titles. They review trade publications, patron requests, and vendor catalogs.
• Wholesalers and distributors — Most libraries order through Baker & Taylor or Ingram. If your book isn't available through these distributors, most libraries can't order it even if they want to.
• Patron requests — Many libraries have a "suggest a purchase" form. When patrons request a specific title, it gets reviewed for acquisition.
• Professional reviews — Publications like Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, and Booklist are specifically read by librarians for acquisition decisions.

Step 1: Make Your Book Orderable

Before you pitch a single librarian, ensure your book can actually be ordered through standard library channels. This means:

Distribution Through Ingram

Ingram is the single most important distributor for library access. If your book is available through IngramSpark (for self-published authors) or through a publisher that uses Ingram distribution, libraries can order it through their normal systems.

When setting up your IngramSpark listing:

• Set a trade discount of 55% — this is the standard library and bookstore discount. Anything less and many buyers will pass.
• Enable returnability — libraries and bookstores strongly prefer returnable titles
• Use proper BISAC codes — these categorization codes determine where your book appears in library catalog systems

ISBN and Library of Congress Cataloging

Your book needs a unique ISBN for each format. Additionally, applying for a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) before publication signals professionalism and makes cataloging easier for librarians. You can apply at loc.gov — it's free.

Step 2: Get Reviewed in Trade Publications

Trade reviews are the single most powerful tool for library acquisition. Collection development librarians rely heavily on reviews from:

• Publishers Weekly — The gold standard; widely read by librarians nationally
• Kirkus Reviews — Well-known for thorough, honest reviews; offers a paid indie review program
• Library Journal — Specifically focused on library acquisition recommendations
• Booklist — Published by the American Library Association; extremely influential for library purchasing
• Foreword Reviews — Focused on indie and small press titles; widely read by librarians

Most of these outlets require submissions 3–4 months before your publication date. If you've already published, some offer post-publication review programs (often paid). Plan your review strategy early — this is the highest-leverage activity for library placement.

Beyond trade publications, a professional book review from a credible independent service can supplement your press kit and give librarians additional confidence in your title's quality.

Step 3: Direct Outreach to Local Libraries

Start local. Your hometown library system is the most receptive audience for a direct pitch. Here's the approach:

• Call ahead — Ask to speak with the collection development librarian or branch manager
• Bring a one-sheet — A professional summary of your book with cover, description, reviews, and ordering information
• Offer a donation copy — Many libraries will accept a donated copy for review. If they like it, they'll order additional copies through Ingram.
• Propose a program — Offer to do an author talk, reading, or workshop at the library. Libraries love programming, and featuring a local author is a strong draw.

Once your local library carries your book, use that as social proof when pitching other systems: "Currently available at [Library Name] — the most requested new title in their [genre] collection this quarter."

Step 4: Leverage Patron Request Systems

Most libraries have an online form where patrons can request specific titles for purchase. This is a powerful tool that many authors underutilize. Here's a completely ethical approach:

• Let your email list know you'd love to be in libraries and share how to request a title
• Post on social media explaining the patron request process
• Include a note in your book's back matter: "Ask your local library to carry this book!"

When multiple patrons request the same title, it gets flagged for acquisition. You're not gaming the system — you're connecting willing readers with a legitimate library process.

Step 5: Pursue Library-Specific Marketing Channels

LibraryReads

LibraryReads is a nationwide recommendation list created by librarians for librarians. Being selected for LibraryReads is a significant credential that drives acquisition across hundreds of library systems. Publishers can submit titles, and some indie authors have had success getting their books considered through strong librarian relationships.

Library Conferences

The American Library Association (ALA) holds annual and midwinter conferences attended by thousands of librarians. While exhibiting is expensive, attending as a networker is accessible and extremely valuable for building relationships with collection development librarians. Regional library conferences are even more accessible and often more productive for indie authors.

OverDrive and Digital Library Platforms

Libraries don't just carry physical books — they lend ebooks and audiobooks through platforms like OverDrive (now Libby), Hoopla, and cloudLibrary. Getting your ebook into these systems dramatically expands your library reach.

Self-published authors can access OverDrive through aggregators like Smashwords (now part of Draft2Digital) or through direct submission programs. The process is straightforward and extends your library availability to thousands of systems overnight.

Step 6: Build Relationships With Librarians

Like every other channel in book marketing, library placement works best as a long-term relationship, not a transaction. The authors who consistently get carried by library systems are the ones who:

• Volunteer for library events and programming
• Support library fundraising and advocacy
• Engage with librarian communities on social media (Library Twitter is active and passionate)
• Treat librarians as partners, not gatekeepers

A librarian who knows and respects you will champion your book to their colleagues. That personal recommendation is worth more than any marketing campaign. For additional strategies on building these professional relationships, explore our author marketing blog.

Common Mistakes Authors Make With Libraries

• Not being available on Ingram — This is the number one barrier. Fix it before doing anything else.
• Setting discounts too low — Libraries expect 40–55% trade discount. Lower discounts mean your book won't appear in standard acquisition lists.
• Skipping professional reviews — Without reviews in trade publications or from professional services, librarians have no basis for evaluating your book.
• Pitching without a one-sheet — Walking into a library without professional materials makes you look like an amateur.
• Ignoring ebook/digital — Many libraries have shifted significant budget toward digital. Don't leave this channel untapped.
• Being pushy or entitled — Librarians are professionals making informed decisions. Respect their process and their expertise.

The Economics of Library Sales

Library sales are real revenue. Libraries pay retail or near-retail prices for books (often through wholesalers who apply institutional pricing). A single library system ordering three copies generates more revenue than three individual Amazon sales. And unlike retail copies that sit on a single reader's shelf, a library copy circulates to 10, 20, or 50 readers over its lifetime — each one a potential fan who buys your next book at full price.

According to Jane Friedman's library placement guide, many successful indie authors report that library sales represent 10–20% of their total revenue — a substantial and growing channel that most authors haven't tapped.

Start Now, Even If You've Already Published

It's never too late to pursue library placement. Even if your book has been out for a year or more, you can still:

• Ensure Ingram availability with proper discounts and returnability
• Submit for professional reviews (many outlets accept post-publication titles)
• Begin local library outreach
• Activate your reader community to request the title
• Submit to digital lending platforms

Libraries acquire books year-round. There's no expiration date on a great book.

Libraries rely on professional reviews to make purchasing decisions. A credible book review is your ticket to library shelves — it tells collection development librarians that your book has been independently evaluated and meets professional standards. Order your professional book review today and open the door to thousands of libraries nationwide.