How could I pass up an article in the New York Times explaining how books are chosen for the 88-branch New York City library system? The biggest surprise is that it doesn't do any good for an author or publisher to send a copy to the library, thank you very much. Authors' begging or belly-aching won't do any good either. The book-choosing authority lies in the hands of sixteen selectors and their helpers. They're the ones who decide what two million card-holders will find on the shelves. That's a lot of power, if you think about it. But here's a hint for authors: do you have a local friend? A lowly reader who happens to like your book? According to Winnie Hu's article, every single book request by a card-holder is seriously considered, and is often honored.
Here's the link, if you want to read the article in its entirety:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/02/nyregion/new-york-library-books.html?emc=edit_th_190302&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=542760620302
