Do Library Apps Include Publisher-Exclusive Novels?

I’ve been using library apps for years, and the answer is a bit of a mixed bag. While many library apps like Libby or Hoopla do offer a vast selection of e-books, including bestsellers and classics, publisher-exclusive novels are often a tricky area. Big publishers like Penguin Random House or HarperCollins sometimes restrict their newest or most popular titles to paid platforms like Kindle or Audible for a certain period. It’s like they’re testing the waters before releasing them to libraries. I’ve noticed that if a book is part of a subscription service like Kindle Unlimited, it’s less likely to show up in library apps right away.

That said, libraries do negotiate licensing deals, so you might find some publisher exclusives eventually—just not immediately. For example, I remember waiting months for 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig to appear on Libby after its initial release. The wait can be frustrating, but it makes sense from a business perspective. Publishers want to maximize sales first. The upside is that library apps often have hidden gems or older titles from those same publishers that you wouldn’t find elsewhere. It’s worth browsing regularly because collections update frequently, and you might stumble on something unexpected.

Library apps totally have publisher-exclusive novels, but don’t expect the hottest new releases right away. Publishers play hardball with licensing, so libraries often get delayed access. I’ve scored some exclusives on Libby months after their hype died down. It’s a trade-off—free access but patience required. Smaller publishers are more generous, though. If you’re into indie authors, library apps can surprise you.