The Baldwin Public Library considers local authors and self-published/indie books for the collection using the same selection criteria that is used for all of our materials. Local is defined as an author/illustrator currently living in Birmingham, Beverly Hills, the City of Bloomfield Hills or Bingham Farms. Please view our Collection Development Policy for more information. From that policy:
Self-published works – BPL generally does not select self-published materials unless they meet the same guidelines as other materials purchased for the collection, have received positive professional reviews, or are in particularly high demand.
The following factors will enhance the likelihood of your book being added to the collection:
- Has positive reviews in professional journals (e.g. Library Journal, School Library Journal, Kirkus, Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, Horn Book and/or other relevant sources)
- Has an International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
- Contains unique local or regional content
- Suitable for circulation – must be bound (no loose leaf, stapled manuscripts, spiral, paperback, fill-in-the-blanks, etc)
- Has had the benefit of a professional editor/proofreader
- Availability through major distributors (e.g. Ingram)
- Published within the last 12 months
Please allow up to six months for us to review submittted titles. Due to the high volume of requests, we are unable to meet with individual authors or notify authors if their book is not selected. Unsolicited books donated to the Library will be added to our Friends of the Baldwin Public Library book sale.
Fill out the following form to have your book considered for our collection. All books added to the collection become the property of the Baldwin Public Library.