Most public libraries pay $16-$20 for each copy of a hardback book, which will circulate an average of 6 years. Libraries across the US pay 8-13 times that amount to provide a copy of the same book for 6 years in eBook format, limited to one borrower at a time.

Apples-to-apples six year costs

Why is this happening?

Libraries rent eBooks, and the "Big Five" publishers set special rental terms for libraries that include extremely high prices and other restrictions, such as expiration every 24 months. By contrast, independent publishers offer libraries reasonable prices on books that do not expire.

These "license agreements" are non-negotiable. If libraries want to offer eBooks from blockbuster authors like Kristin Hannah or award-winners like James McBride, they have no choice but to pay $55-75 every two years. If a library stops paying, the book disappears from the collection.

According to Ellen Paul, Executive Director of the Connecticut State Library Consortium, eBook contracts are like "the Connecticut DOT paying six times more for asphalt than a general contractor and every two years seeing the road disappear.

What are libraries doing about it?

Libraries have protested price increases and shrinkflation with little effect. So they are now exploring state legislation to address unfair prices and terms on behalf of the taxpayers who fund library collections. After all, the books in the public library don't belong to the librarians. They belong to the community.

What can I do?

Tell your state legislators that you don’t like paying unfair prices for library eBooks.

Do you want to know more?

You can read here about the data above or ask questions on our Contact Us page. Thank you for your interest!