Libraries remain one of the most trusted places for readers to discover new books, explore unfamiliar authors, and access stories in multiple formats. For independent and traditionally published authors, however, understanding how books are selected for library collections can feel surprisingly complicated.
How do libraries decide which books to purchase? Can independently published books become available through Libby or Hoopla? What is the Indie Author Project? And who should an author contact when approaching a local library?
The New Hampshire Writers’ Project will explore these questions during its August Marketing Support Group session, Libraries, Indie Author Project & Institutional Access, on Wednesday, August 19.
This practical conversation will help authors better understand how library systems operate, what librarians and collection selectors consider when evaluating books, and how writers can improve their chances of being discovered by library professionals and readers.
A Special Guest From New Hampshire’s Library Community
NHWP is pleased to welcome Nicole Gauvreau, MISt, as a special guest for this session.
Nicole brings extensive experience from several areas of New Hampshire’s library community. She is a youth services librarian and one of three ebook selectors for the New Hampshire Downloadable Books OverDrive consortium. In this role, she helps evaluate and select ebooks that may become available to readers through New Hampshire libraries.
Nicole also serves as:
- President, Social Media Chair, and Website Editor for Children’s Librarians of New Hampshire
- Co-Chair of the New Hampshire Library Association Conference Committee
- Social Media and Website Chair for Young Adult Library Services
- YALS-to-Go Coordinator
Her experience will give participants a valuable behind-the-scenes perspective on how libraries, digital collections, professional library networks, and selection processes work.
What Participants Will Learn
The session will begin with an overview of how authors and books move through the library ecosystem.
Participants will learn about the differences between approaching an individual local library and seeking broader access through digital platforms or consortium-based collections. We will also discuss why making a book available through a distributor does not necessarily mean a library will automatically discover or purchase it.
Topics will include:
How Library Selection Works
Libraries must balance reader demand, available funding, community interests, professional reviews, collection policies, and other considerations when purchasing books.
Participants will learn more about who may be involved in selecting books, how decisions can differ among libraries, and why authors should research a library before reaching out.
Libby, OverDrive, and Hoopla
Digital library platforms have created more ways for readers to borrow ebooks and audiobooks, but the systems behind these platforms can be difficult for authors to understand.
The group will discuss how platforms such as Libby and Hoopla work, how libraries obtain digital materials, and what authors should know about distributors, licensing, pricing, and institutional availability.
Nicole will also share insight from her work as an ebook selector for the New Hampshire Downloadable Books OverDrive consortium.
The Indie Author Project
The Indie Author Project helps connect independently published books with libraries and readers. Participants will receive an introduction to the program, how submissions work, and how participation may improve an author’s visibility within the library community.
We will also discuss similar opportunities authors may want to investigate when seeking institutional access for their books.
Preparing Your Book for Libraries
Before contacting a library, authors should make sure their books are easy for librarians to evaluate, purchase, and add to a collection.
The session will cover factors such as professional presentation, complete metadata, ISBNs, distribution, pricing, reviews, catalog information, and clear purchasing options.
Participants will leave with a better understanding of the practical details that can make a book more accessible to library buyers.
Connecting With Local Libraries
Authors often begin by contacting their hometown library, but successful outreach requires more than sending a general announcement or asking a librarian to purchase a book.
We will explore respectful and productive ways to introduce your work, identify the correct contact, propose an author program, and build genuine relationships with libraries in your community.
The conversation will also address the difference between requesting collection consideration and proposing an event, presentation, reading, or workshop.
Build a More Informed Library Strategy
Libraries can offer authors more than book sales. They can create opportunities for discovery, community engagement, author events, word-of-mouth recommendations, and long-term readership.
This session will help writers replace guesswork with a clearer understanding of how library access works and what they can realistically do to make their books easier to find, evaluate, and acquire.
Whether you are preparing to publish, already have a book available, or want to expand the reach of your existing titles, this conversation will provide useful guidance for developing a more informed library outreach strategy.
Event Details
Libraries, Indie Author Project & Institutional Access
- Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
- Time: 3:00–4:30 p.m.
- Location: NHWP Zoom Room
- Cost: Free for NHWP members
Not yet a member? Join the New Hampshire Writers’ Project for immediate access to this session and other educational programs, resources, and opportunities designed to support writers throughout their creative and publishing journeys.
