The Flagstaff Public Library’s Collection Development Policy is used to determine which materials are added to the collection. The Library selects books containing content that is written for the general reader rather than for the specialist or professional. Books will be considered for the collection if they:

  • Are competitive in the market in terms of quality of writing and illustration.
  • Demonstrate that the publisher and author are familiar with current publishing trends.
  • Appeal to a broad audience and “sell themselves” in terms of jacket art, annotations, etc.
  • Are reasonably expected to have interest to a Flagstaff Library customer.  If the topic is too specialized (e.g. memoirs of a Kansas childhood by J. A. Smith), it may not be considered.
  • Are available from standard library vendors- preferably major vendors who can catalog and process the materials for the library customer. If the book is only available as an e-book it must be carried by Overdrive (https://cocolib.overdrive.com/).  This company supplies the library platform which allows us to lend e-books and circulate them while protecting copyright.
  • Have positive professional reviews in trade journals such as Kirkus, Library Journal, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, etc.  
  • Are designed to be checked out to multiple users.
    • “Consumable” books with pages designed to be filled in by the reader or torn out are not appropriate. Because library books are heavily used, those with sewn or glued spines are best suited to public libraries. Paperback editions are acceptable. Spiral and comb bindings do not stand up well to the multiple uses library books will receive.

If you donate a free copy of your book, please consider that donations become the property of the Library to use, distribute and dispose of as staff deems appropriate. Donated copies will not be returned to the author if not added to the collection.

How to Let Us Know About Your Book

The best way to bring your book to our attention is through professional reviews. A positive review in one or more of the review journals, such as Library Journal, School Library Journal (for children's books), Publisher's Weekly, Booklist or the local newspaper will give your book a better chance of being bought by our library (and other public libraries as well). 

To contact the Collection Management Supervisor directly, please use the Contact Us Form and enter “AUTHOR QUERY” in the Subject Field.