Authors + Libraries = Perfect Match

Happy library go-ers Helen, Veronica, Mary & Crystal

Why Authors Should Support Their Local Library

For generations, libraries have been the quiet champions of Australian literature - connecting readers with stories, preserving culture, and giving authors a platform to be discovered. For writers, especially indie or emerging authors, your local library is far more than a building full of books. It’s a gateway to visibility, credibility, and long-term literary relationships.

Here’s why building a connection with your local library should be part of every author’s publishing strategy, and how to make the most of it.

1. How Lending Rights Support Authors

Many authors are surprised to learn that when libraries lend their books, they can actually earn income through lending rights programs.

In Australia, there are two key schemes:

• Public Lending Right (PLR) — compensates authors, illustrators, and publishers when their books are held in public libraries.

• Educational Lending Right (ELR) — compensates authors, illustrators, and publishers when their books are held in school, TAFE, or university libraries.

These programs are administered by the Office for the Arts and provide annual payments based on how many library collections hold your work. Once your title is registered and catalogued in the system, it can generate income for years.

For more information or to register your book, visit the Public Lending Right website: arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/public-lending-right.

Even if your book isn’t yet held widely, having it catalogued in your local library is the first step toward inclusion in the national lending rights database, and a professional milestone in its own right.

2. How Libraries Catalogue Books

Libraries across Australia use a professional cataloguing system that ensures every book can be easily located and shared across their network.

When your book is officially catalogued, it’s listed in:

• Libraries Australia, a national bibliographic database managed by the National Library of Australia (NLA)

• The library’s local catalogue, which feeds into regional and state systems

• In some cases, WorldCat, the international library database

  
  

If you publish through a professional press like Bowerbird Publishing, this is handled on your behalf ensuring your book enters the official Australian library network and can be easily discovered by librarians nationwide.

To make this possible, your book must have:

• A valid ISBN

• A CIP (Cataloguing in Publication) record, issued by the National Library of Australia before printing

• Complete metadata (author name, publisher, publication date, format, and genre)

3. The Role of the National edeposit (NED) System

The National edeposit (NED) system is another vital part of Australia’s literary infrastructure. It allows authors and publishers to deposit digital copies (eBooks and audiobooks) into a secure, central system that connects directly with the National Library of Australia and participating state and territory libraries.

By law, every book published in Australia must be deposited with the National Library - and NED makes that process simple and entirely online. When you upload your digital files to ned.gov.au, your work is automatically:

• Preserved for the long term in the national collection

• Linked to library catalogues across Australia, making it discoverable by readers and librarians

• Accessible for viewing or borrowing, depending on the access conditions you set.

  
  

For independent authors, this means your eBook can reach readers nationwide through library networks - without any extra cost. Depositing your title with NED also supports your eligibility for lending right payments once libraries begin circulating it.

4. How Libraries Purchase Books

Libraries buy books differently than retail stores. Most use professional suppliers such as James Bennett, Peter Pal Publishing, or Wheelers Books. These suppliers order through distribution channels like Ingram or Lightning Source, so it’s important your book is available through these systems.

However, for local authors, librarians often prefer direct engagement. If your book aligns with their community interests - whether it’s local history, fiction, children’s literature, or memoir - they may be open to purchasing a copy directly, especially if it’s professionally produced and relevant to their readership.

5. Offer Complimentary Copies (Strategically)

Donating a complimentary copy to your local library can be a smart investment. It introduces your work to new readers, builds credibility, and helps establish your title within the public catalogue system.

When offering a complimentary copy:

• Present it professionally packaged, with a one-page info sheet about the author, the book, and its ISBN/distributor details.

• Include a note explaining that you’re gifting the copy to the library for local readers.

• Politely follow up after three to six months to ask whether there’s been interest or requests for additional copies.

If your book proves popular or generates borrowing demand, libraries often purchase additional copies through their regular suppliers, turning that first donation into long-term circulation.

6. Build Lasting Relationships

Connecting with librarians isn’t just about book placement - it’s about building rapport. Librarians are passionate literary advocates who love supporting authors, especially local ones.

By introducing yourself early, you stay on their radar when opportunities arise. Libraries regularly host:

• “Author in the Library” sessions

• Workshops and book talks

• Community writing festivals

• Themed events and reading challenges

These programs are often planned six to twelve months in advance, so reaching out early gives you the best chance of being included.

You might start small - with a Q&A, a book signing, or a talk about your writing process - but these experiences can lead to repeat invitations, media exposure, and a growing local readership.

7. Libraries as Literary Partners

Supporting your local library isn’t just good karma - it’s smart strategy. It positions you as a community-minded author who values literacy and connection. It keeps your book discoverable, helps you access lending right payments, and strengthens your professional presence within the literary ecosystem.

So next time you pass your local library, stop in. Ask to meet the acquisitions librarian. Gift a copy of your book. Deposit your eBook in NED.

You’ll be investing in more than a building, you’ll be investing in relationships that nurture both your career and your community.

At Bowerbird Publishing, we believe that libraries are at the heart of storytelling. We help authors ensure their books are professionally catalogued, distributed, and connected to Australia’s library network - so stories continue to inspire for generations.