Local authors
The Louisville Public Library is proud to support local authors and share their work with our community. Our collection features books by writers from Louisville and the surrounding area, helping readers discover local voices, stories, and perspectives.
Are you a local author interested in having your book included in the Library's collection? We welcome submissions for consideration through our donation and purchase request processes.
Submit your book for consideration
Local authors may request that the Library add their work to the collection in one of two ways:
Donate a book
Local authors are welcome to donate a copy of their book for consideration for the Library's collection. Books may be dropped off at the Library's front desk during regular operating hours. No appointment is necessary, and Library staff are unable to meet individually with authors to discuss submissions.
Before donating your book, please note:
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All donated materials are considered gifts and become the property of the Louisville Public Library Foundation.
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Donated books are evaluated according to the Library's collection development policy. Donating a book does not guarantee its inclusion in the Library's circulating collection.
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Books that are not added to the collection may be sold through the Foundation Book Sale, recycled, or put to other uses.
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Library staff cannot provide individual responses or status updates about donated materials.
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Titles selected for inclusion will appear in the Library's catalog within 90 days.
We appreciate your interest in sharing your work with the Louisville community.
Request a book purchase
Authors may also recommend their book for purchase by the Library. Purchase requests are reviewed according to the Library's collection development policy, including the needs and interests of our community.
Submitting a purchase request does not guarantee that the Library will purchase or add the title to its collection.
What to expect after submitting
We appreciate the time, creativity, and dedication that go into writing and publishing a book. To help us manage submissions fairly and consistently, please keep the following in mind:
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All submissions are requests for consideration. The Library evaluates donated and recommended titles according to its collection development policy.
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Individual meetings are not available. Due to staffing and time constraints, Library staff are unable to meet individually with authors to discuss their books or submissions.
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Submission updates are not provided. Library staff are unable to respond individually to local or independent author submissions, confirm selection decisions, or provide status updates.
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Check the Library catalog. Titles selected for purchase will appear in the Library's collection within 90 days. Authors are welcome to search the Library catalog to see if their book has been added.
We appreciate your understanding as our staff work to build and maintain a collection that serves the entire community.
Interested in hosting an author event?
Want to share your book, discuss your writing process, or connect with readers through a Library program?
Local authors interested in presenting a book talk, reading, workshop, or other literary event are invited to submit a program proposal. The Library reviews proposals based on community interest, programming priorities, and available resources.