This week, more than $28 million has made its way directly to authors, illustrators and publishers across almost 18,000 annual payments, thanks to the Albanese Labor Government's Public and Educational Lending Right Schemes.
The schemes ensure Australian book publishers and creators are supported financially for the free use of their work in Australian public and educational lending libraries.
A commitment under Revive, the Albanese Labor Government expanded the scheme in 2024 to include eBooks and audiobooks, reflecting the changing ways Australians engage with literature.
Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the payments ensured publishers and creators are appreciated for the valuable contribution that their works make to building collections in Australia's lending libraries.
"Being able to borrow a book from your local library is a great benefit to Australians.
"We're ensuring audiences can keep enjoying their favourite Australian works for free and our creators are seeing a return for their hard work.
"Australian literature has a shining future. From July 1, we're establishing Writers Australia, to be a hub for the sector."
Eligible book publishers, authors, illustrators, editors, translators and compilers can register for the scheme and lodge their claims here.
