For many authors this system gives them a welcome cheque once a year. It is easy to register once you apply and add your newly published books to keep the program updated.

On the website the overview states: The Public Lending Right is the right of authors to receive payment for free public use of their works in libraries. More than 30 countries around the world have PLR programs. In some countries, payments to eligible authors are based on library lending. In other countries, payments are based on the total number of copies of each book held in libraries. In Canada, payments are based on the presence of a title in public library catalogues that are consulted during the annual PLR survey. Canada’s PLR Program was established in 1986.

My books are in several libraries in Alberta, Canada, some purchasedthrough their acquisition scheme and others I donated. It is beneficial for authors to add their books into libraries to expand their reach, but also for the PLR program, and of course that annual payment!

I recently took inventory at my local library’s Emerging Authors shelf, which years ago did not have many local author books, however the list I compiled contains 132 authors, which is very impressive.

Some libraries host local author fairs and readings and even book launches, so make sure to connect with your library.

You can spot a few of mine in the image – The Commodore’s Gift, The Rython Kingdom, Rython Legacy, Malgraf’s Dawning, Rumble’s First Scare, and Ockleberries to the Rescue.

Have you included your books in your local library?

Are you registered for PLR?