The Local Author collection, located on the second floor of the Downtown Library, contains titles written by self-published authors who reside in Monroe County. This collection makes available for borrowing the printed works, both fiction and non-fiction, of Monroe County residents whose published works do not meet the selection criteria for one of the general collections, as outlined in MCPL’s Collection Development Policy.
Because of budget limitations and the volume of self-published and print-on-demand titles, items for this collection will be accepted as donations and will not be purchased. Books by local authors that have been reviewed in standard sources will be considered for purchase as an addition to the Library’s general collection. Self-published family histories or similar genealogical materials may be added to the Indiana Room collection at the discretion of the selector for the Indiana Room.
Each title will be reviewed by the Selector for the Local Author collection before being accepted for placement. Time constraints preclude the selector from meeting individually with authors.
In compliance with the Library’s Gift Policy, submitted works become the property of the Monroe County Public Library and as such will not be returned to the donor. If not added to the collection, they will be donated to the Friends of the Library Bookstore.
Titles added to the Local Authors collection may be removed at any point as part of ongoing collection maintenance. Items that have not circulated regularly may be withdrawn after one year.
How to Donate Your Book
If you are a local author who would like your work to be considered for this collection you should complete the donation form below. Either bring one copy of your book to any information desk at the Downtown Library (please be prepared to show a copy of your completed form), or mail a copy of your work to:
Monroe County Public Library
Adult Selector
303 East Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47408
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