Why doesn't the Library have a larger selection?

Not all publishers allow public libraries to purchase their books in an electronic format. This means that many of the eBook and digital audio titles you want are not available for Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to purchase and lend. We believe in the freedom to read and learn through your public library - in all formats.

We want you to have access to the materials you want, but we can't solve this access issue alone. Tell us what is important to you.

Please note that your personal information is protected by the terms of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's privacy policy.

Hachette:
Some eContent is available to libraries from this publisher. Hachette sells digital audio books and older eBook titles to libraries. New eBook titles are not available for library purchase. Popular titles include The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling and Bossypants by Tina Fey.

HarperCollins:
HarperCollins makes all of its eBooks and digital audio books available to libraries. However, as of February 2011, the publisher instituted a policy that each title must be repurchased after the 26th time it is checked out.

Macmillan:
Some eContent is available to libraries from this publisher. Macmillan sells digital audio titles to libraries and a selection of ebooks from their Minotaur imprint (crime fiction). However, each title must be repurchased after 24 months or 52 check-outs, whichever comes first. Popular Macmillan titles not available as eBooks through libraries are Killing Kennedy by Bill O'Reilly, The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides, and Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahnmen.

Penguin Group USA:
Some eContent is available to some libraries from this publisher. In February 2012, Penguin stopped selling eBooks and digital audio books to libraries. Titles that were already purchased by Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh are still available in our digital collection. In June 2012 Penguin launched a pilot to sell eBooks to the New York Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library. The titles are acquired for one year and are not available for purchase until six months after publication. The program has expanded, but Penguin titles are still not available through the ebook suppliers with whom CLP currently contracts. Penguin sells some digital audio titles to libraries. Popular Penguin titles include The Thief by Clive Cussler, Chasing Midnight by Randy Wayne White and Cat's Claw by Susan Wittig Albert.

Random House:
Random House makes all of its eBooks and digital audio books available to libraries. However, in March 2012 library prices for their titles increased.

Scholastic:
Some eContent is available to libraries from this publisher. Scholastic, the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, sells digital audio titles to libraries. Their eBooks, while available through one library ebook supplier, are still not available through the library ebook suppliers with whom CLP currently contracts. Popular titles include The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins and the 39 Clues series by various authors.

Simon&Schuster:
Some eContent is available to libraries from this publisher. Simon & Schuster sells digital audio titles to libraries, along with about a dozen of their eBooks. Popular Simon & Schuster titles include Total Recall by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lone Wolf by Jodi Picoult, Kill Shot by Vince Flynn, 11/22/63 by Stephen King and Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.

Click here for "A Guide to Publishers in the Library Ebook Market."