News
2024
Public Lending Right Annual Report 2023-24
23 August 2024
This report provides details of the $14.7M author payment budget and the results of the program’s catalogue sampling exercise which included data from 40 distinct public library networks across Canada. The report highlights the successful introduction of electronic payment/direct deposit for PLR recipients in this program cycle. The report also features a celebratory photo essay that traces the history of the Toronto Reference Library and the compelling social vision of its primary architect, Raymond Moriyama.
Message from the Chair of the PLR Commission
15 February 2024
Sign up for electronic PLR payments and see the benefits
PLR Direct Deposit—It’s Safe, Secure and Makes Sense
15 February 2024
As of February 2024, more than 5,000 Public Lending Right (PLR) payments have been issued to eligible program registrants by electronic direct deposit.
2023
Public Lending Right Annual Report 2022-23
21 September 2023
This report provides details of the $14.8M author payment budget, the expansion of the program’s catalogue sampling exercise to include data from 40 distinct public library networks across Canada, and the initial work to introduce electronic payment/direct deposit for PLR recipients. The report also features an illustrated celebration of the renewal and expansion of the Stanley A. Milner branch of Edmonton Public Library.
Message from the Chair of the PLR Commission
14 February 2023
I don’t think you can be chair of the Public Lending Right Commission without having not only a love of books, but a love of libraries.
2022
Public Lending Right Annual Report 2021-22
30 June 2022
This report provides details of the $15M author payment budget, the delivery of PLR cheques during the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the further expansion of the program’s library sampling exercise. The report also features an illustrated preview of Ādisōke, the new joint facility shared by Library and Archives Canada and Ottawa Public Library that is expected to open its doors to the public in 2026.
Message from the Chair of the PLR Commission
28 February 2022
In last year’s message, I said, “the last year has been hard on the literary community and the arts world in general.” This time around, I am afraid I should say years instead.
2021
Message from the Chair of the PLR Commission
15 February 2021
The last year has been hard on the literary community and the arts world in general. But we must continue, persevere and find ways to keep working and believing.
Public Lending Right Annual Report 2020-21
10 June 2021
This report provides details of the $14.8M author payment budget, the delivery of the program during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the arrival of new Commission members. The report also features a photographic survey of Cliff Eyland’s public art installations inside libraries across Canada, and contains the statistical activity report for 2020-21.
2020
A Word from the PLR Commission Chair February 2020
15 February 2020
While February is often a month filled with rain, ice and snow, high winds, and other unpleasant storms, here at PLR, February is the Groundhog Month, the month each year that payments go out to nearly 18,000 authors whose 79,000 books are found in Canadian libraries from coast to coast.
2019
New for 2019 - Audiobooks are now eligible for PLR Registration
15 February 2019
In recognition of the growing popularity and demand for literary audiobooks in Canadian public libraries, the Public Lending Right Program will open registration this year to credited authors, translators, and narrators who have participated in the creation of an audiobook.
2018
Shaping A New Future: Canada Council to make historic $5 million investment in PLR
19 February 2018
Shaping A New Future: Canada Council to make historic $5 million investment in PLR.
25 Year Limit on Registrations Brings Fairness to New Creators
15 February 2018
Important changes are coming to the PLR Program in 2018 and 2019. Find out if the 25-year cap on payments affects you.
Audiobooks will be added to the Public Lending Right Program in 2019
14 February 2018
The PLR Commission is proud to announce that audiobooks will be eligible for Public Lending Right payments beginning in 2019. Learn more about this new initiative here.