Say you just came across an amazing new book (like The ABCs of Homesteading for Kids, for instance 😉), and you want to see that baby on the shelves at your local library.

Or maybe you wrote a book and are eager to see it on as many shelves as possible. In this blog post, I’m digging into how you can request your book to be added to your local library circulation.

How can you request a copy of your book be added to the library circulation? 

Libraries have standards. Formatting, theme, popularity, and the like. Some of these standards can’t be helped (i.e., if you’re like me and prefer to write family drama and book club fiction when romance and fantasy are trending… good luck), but some of them can be! Here are a few simple ways to increase your chances of getting into the library.

How to encourage libraries to stock your book:

Prepare the appropriate book information:

Before reaching out, gather all the appropriate information in one place. This can be done on something as handy as a book sell sheet or just a document/note on your computer. This should include the following:

• Book Title
• Publisher / if self-published
• Book cover
• Formats
• ISBNs
• A book description
• Any awards the book has won
• Why library patrons might want to read it
• How it can be ordered

Get Book Reviews.

Ask friends, family, or recent purchasers to leave your book a review on the selling platform, your GoodReads page, or wherever is best. Some libraries will look at these reviews before accepting a book for circulation. 

Learn the library standards.

Check in with your desired library to see what they’re currently seeking, if your book has to be available at an expanded distribution, or what other guidelines they might have. This can save you time and a copy of your book, especially if there is a donation requirement.

Ask your friends and family to advocate for your book.

The more people request it, the better the chance a library will want to pick it up. Ask a few friends or family members to request it at the local library—make it easy for them by providing all the relevant information mentioned above.

Three ways you can request a book at your local library:

1. Google the library name and “request a book”. This is likely the quickest way to pull up the correct page. 
2. Search the website for circulation, FAQs, or submissions. There may be a pre-filled form or an email address you can contact  to submit your book information and desire to be added to the library’s circulation.
3. Stop by in person. Depending on the library, you may be able to stop by in person and chat! If you’re from a really tiny village like me or have a reputation at the library it may make the most sense.

If you’re an author (self or traditionally published) who has successfully gotten your book into a library, tell me about it in the comments!

Until next time,

♡ this blog post? You might also like:

• 10 Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block.
• Children’s Books Resources for Free (Or Low-Cost) 
• 40 Writing Prompts for Writers, Dreamers, and Doers.

Interested in hearing more from Heide Writes? Sign up for my monthly newsletter where you’ll get: 

• Something I’ve written
• Something I’ve read
• Something to make you laugh
• A small business spotlight