From NYPL President Tony Marx: All Big Six Publishers Now Selling E-Books To Libraries

MAY 1, 2013: The New York Public Library's campaign to bring greater e-book access to Library patrons in New York and around the nation has gained great momentum over the past few months. Recently, Simon & Schuster became the fifth of the Big Six publishers to join the fray, lending ebooks to our users. Today, Hachette has joined as well; meaning we now have the full participation of the nation's largest publishers.

I am extremely proud of the impact that the Library has made in this effort (an impact I outlined in an op-ed  published today in The New York Times). As a world-renowned research library, the nation's largest circulating library, the biggest purchaser of library books, and the hometown library of the publishing industry, it is incumbent on us to use the Library’s strength to benefit not only New York City’s library patrons, but also those across the nation.

In New York City, over a quarter of the 8.2 million residents borrow books from the city’s three public library systems. One third of New Yorkers lack home broadband. Libraries are essential tools in closing the digital divide, and improving literacy and civic engagement. Today, I am proud of the progress we have made and recognize the publishers for doing the right thing. As we all agree, access to information is fundamental to sustaining a healthy democracy.