Independent publishers often think of libraries as places where books live after the sale. But in reality, libraries are dynamic discovery platforms, community hubs, and cultural gatekeepers, especially for authors and publishers outside the mainstream. As federal support for library systems faces ongoing uncertainty, there’s never been a more important time for indie publishers to understand how libraries operate and how to build lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.

We spoke with three library experts—Becky Spratford, a veteran librarian and reviewer; Polly Bonnett, library director for the City of Mesa, Arizona; and Veronda Pitchford, assistant director at the Califa Group, a nonprofit library membership consortium representing over 200 libraries in California—to explore how libraries select titles, support lesser-known voices, and what indie publishers can do to better engage with this essential part of the reading ecosystem.

The Selection Process: More Nuanced Than You Think

Getting a book onto library shelves isn’t as simple as handing over a copy at the front desk. Libraries use formal collection development policies and work within the constraints of vendors and budgets.

“There is no one way libraries find any books to include in their collections,” Spratford says. “But many rely on professional review sources. Forward Reviews is very popular, as is the limited coverage on independently published books in the trade journals. Most library collection development policies at the very least encourage, if not full out require, that there is a review of the book they are adding.”

Polly Bonnett echoes this point. “We maintain city-approved contracts with library materials vendors, so the bulk of titles selected and added to our collections come from these vendors. Vendors will work with indies and self-published authors to distribute their titles. Our two main print vendors, Baker & Taylor and Ingram, both provide and promote indies,” she says.

Beyond reviews and distribution channels, metadata matters, too. “If an indie title doesn’t have a bibliographic record available (often provided to libraries along with the book from vendors), a library may be hesitant to add to their collection,” Bonnett says.

Understanding the Pain Points—and the Opportunities

Pitchford urges publishers to shift their mindset. “I always say we have vendors and we have partners. Partners understand our business, and we work to understand theirs, so that we can be a resource to each other.”

Her advice for indie publishers: Do your homework. “Everybody wants something from libraries,” she says, “but to be a true partner, you have to understand how a particular library system works, what their buying cycle is, and where your book or program fits naturally into that.”

Spratford agrees. “Don’t make the first time you come into the library be the time you ask them to add your book,” she says. “Be a library user, and in conversation over time, you can bring up your books and the library might buy them.”

Programming, Discovery, and the Power of Events

One of the most effective ways for indie publishers to gain visibility in libraries is through events and programs.

“Indie authors and publishers who can offer author visits to talk about their books and their journey toward being published—or offer a program for patrons on a topic they’ve researched for their books—we love those,” Spratford says. “If you offer a free program, we will buy some of your books to have them, and we will put them on display before you visit.”

Bonnett extends a similar invitation: “Please consider offering a program (book talk or story time) at the library. Or please come in and let staff know about your work—staff will always relay the information to our department for selection or purchase.”

Programming isn’t just about visibility. It’s about impact. Pitchford points to the recent Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books (now the Pittsburgh Book Fest), where 30% of featured authors and poets were from independent publishers. “This increase over last year’s festival was a major contributor to the 100% increase in attendance from 2024,” says Andrew Medlar, president and Director of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. “Independent publishers brought vital and beloved contributions to our large book-loving community’s celebration.”

Equity, Access, and Indie Publishing’s Role

All three interviewees agree that indie publishers play a vital role in ensuring libraries meet their commitment to equity and representation.

“We want to buy books by as many voices as possible, so we support the ecosystem with our dollars,” Spratford says. “Libraries have a deep history of being ‘the people’s university.’ We must make sure we have titles that represent the world for our patrons who live in a global society.”

Pitchford adds that independent publishing often offers the kind of authentic, diverse content that readers are craving. “With the world expanding in its understanding of gender, sexuality, and lived experience, indie books can provide those ‘windows, mirrors, and doors’ that help readers see themselves—and others—in literature.”

Final Advice for Indie Publishers

So how can indie publishers forge real, effective relationships with libraries?

• Be visible where librarians are. Spratford suggests exhibiting at state library conferences and national events like ARSL (Association of Rural & Small Libraries): “You’ll get quality face time with library workers who appreciate that you are small as well.”
• Make your books easy to review and access. Tools like NetGalley, Edelweiss, and e-book platforms such as Libby can help selectors sample your work.
• Respect the process. “Understand that we want to work with you,” says Spratford, “but we may be too distracted and overworked. The suggestions above are a great way for you to reach out to us.”
• Start with a connection, not a pitch. As Pitchford notes, “The pitfalls are usually just coming in with ‘How do I get into the library?’ without even knowing who you’re talking to.”

A Shared Mission

Libraries and indie publishers are natural allies—both are committed to storytelling, discovery, and serving readers often overlooked by mainstream systems. “We’re all trying to help readers connect with books that matter,” Pitchford says. “That’s the core of the reading ecosystem. And we do it better when we do it together.”

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