For UK independent publishers, libraries represent one of the most powerful and often overlooked routes to long-term, sustainable sales in North America. Beyond steady purchasing, libraries are trusted discovery hubs where books are recommended, shared, and kept in circulation for years.
This guide breaks down why libraries matter, how they buy books, and what you can do to get your titles onto library shelves.
Libraries are not niche buyers. In the US alone, over 172 million people are registered library users, with roughly two-thirds of Americans holding a library card. Libraries buy thousands of new titles each year and, unlike bookshops, they rarely return stock. Popular books are often reordered as copies wear out.
Libraries also invest heavily in e-books and audiobooks, giving publishers multiple routes to reach readers. For indie publishers, this means:
Crucially, libraries are also global. By distributing through Ingram, UK publishers can make titles easily discoverable to libraries across North America and beyond.
Libraries typically buy through established wholesalers rather than directly from publishers. If your book isn’t listed with a trusted supplier, it’s unlikely to be considered at all.
To make your book available to US libraries, you must set a US price and enable distribution. That’s where Lightning Source and IngramSpark come in. Activating distribution through Ingram handles these requirements and places your title directly into the supply chain libraries already use.
Think of metadata as your silent sales rep: it’s often the only thing a librarian sees before deciding whether to buy.
Print remains central to library collections, but digital lending continues to grow. Offering both print and e-book editions significantly improves your chances of acquisition. Through Ingram, e-books can also be distributed to major library platforms such as OverDrive and Hoopla, extending your reach without extra complexity.
Being listed is one thing; being selected is another. Librarians work to tight budgets and rely on trusted signals when choosing titles.
What helps most:
If your author has credentials, regional relevance, or subject-matter expertise, make that visible.
When reaching out directly:
Always include:
Think of metadata as your silent sales rep: it’s often the only thing a librarian sees before deciding whether to buy.
Most libraries allow patrons to request new titles. A handful of requests can be enough to trigger a purchase.
Encourage readers to:
Libraries exist to serve demand – patron advocacy is powerful.
Libraries are highly networked, and visibility helps.
Even informal conversations with librarians can yield valuable insight into purchasing priorities.
Breaking into the library market is not a quick win – it’s a long-term strategy. But for publishers willing to get the fundamentals right, libraries offer consistent sales, global reach, and deep reader engagement. With the right distribution, professional presentation, and steady outreach, libraries can become a core pillar of your growth in North America.