The Library welcomes your suggestions and gives them serious consideration.
Library customers may recommend items for purchase by using the link at the bottom of this page. You will be asked to provide your library barcode/username and password.
Who may suggest a purchase?
LFPL library cardholders may submit up to three suggested published titles each month.
How do I suggest a purchase?
First, check the LFPL catalog to see if we own the title you are suggesting. If so, you may place a reserve on the item from the online catalog.
If we do not own the title you want, you may submit a request to purchase the item. Requests can be made by telephone - 574-1611, in-person at any LFPL location, or online by clicking the "Suggest A Purchase" button below. You will be asked to log in to your library account.
eBook and eAudiobook suggestions can be made by using the “Recommend” feature on OverDrive. Learn how to recommend titles to your library.
What kinds of purchases may I suggest?
Any format - book, DVD, large type, audio book, or eBook* - may be suggested. All suggestions must have been published within the last FIVE years. Titles not yet published will not be considered. (Note: many publishers, both large and small, do not sell eBooks to libraries, and others do not have contracts with the providing vendor)
How does the library decide whether or not to purchase suggested titles?
Suggested purchases are evaluated based on reviews, author and/or publisher reputation, and collection needs. Space and budget constraints may also be factors.
How will I know if my suggestions will be purchased?
Staff is unable to notify you about a decision due to the volume of suggestions received. Please check the LFPL catalog or your reserve list in three to six weeks.
I am an author/publisher and would like to add a book to your collection.
The Louisville Free Public Library is happy to consider recently published books and other items for our collection. We receive many inquiries from authors, publishers, and publisher's representatives and have created these guidelines to help you.
The Library routinely acquires books published by commercial publishers that fit the Library's collection development plan and meet our selection criteria. We also may acquire self-published books when they include unique local content, fit the scope of the Library's collection plan, and meet our selection criteria.
Having your book receive a positive review in one or more of the major review journals (such as Library Journal, School Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist and Publisher's Weekly) is the best way to bring a title to our attention. We are more likely to consider adding a self-published book to our collection if it has been reviewed in a major review journal. Positive reviews posted on Amazon or on blogs and personal websites are seldom helpful in our decision process.
Submissions of music follow the same criteria outlined above. Links or copies of reviews are helpful. Music donations can only be accepted in CD format and must include artwork and a tracklist. You should also indicate which genre your CD should be considered (Bluegrass, Celebrations, Country, Dance/Electronica, Folk, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Latin, New Age, Pop/Rock, R&B, Reggae, Religious/Gospel, Soundtrack, World or Classical).
Contacting the Library:
Telephone – telephone solicitation is not accepted.
E-mail selection@lfpl.org – in your e-mail, please include:
- Basic bibliographic information about your item (title, author, ISBN, publisher, date of publication, number of pages, price)
- A link to your item's website and links to reviews or other news media coverage (if available)
- A brief description of your item, its intended audience, and how or where to buy it
Mail - Please do not send a review copy. Send a flier or promotional materials to:
The Louisville Free Public Library
Attn: Content Management Department – Materials Selection
301 York St.
Louisville, KY 40203
Unfortunately, we cannot notify you if your item is not selected because of the number of submissions we receive.
Donation - Donated items are subject to the same criteria as items the Library buys.
Unfortunately, we cannot return donated items. Materials not added to the Library's collection are sent to the Friends of The Louisville Free Public Library for use in its semiannual book sales.
