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Supporting authors
More than 18,000 Canadian authors receive a payment each year.
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Celebrating libraries
We support and celebrate public access to Canadian content in libraries.
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Enriching readers and listeners
The lives of readers and listeners are enriched by works that benefit from PLR payments.
Calgary City Library Central Branch
Who can register with the Program?
Every year, mid-February is like a second Christmas, for I know a payment cheque from the PLR program will soon arrive in the mail. I am in awe of the program, for, to me, its existence is an acknowledgment of the value of cultural production, in particular of books, of the social importance of free access to books, and it honours the rights of people like me—writers--to be paid for our labour. The remuneration is, however, more than money. It is always a most welcome encouragement.
— Shani Mootoo, novelist and poet
Southern Ontario
As an author and literary translator of books published by small presses with limited marketing budgets, I depend on libraries to make my work available to a broader audience across Canada. The support from the PLR means so much more to me; it is not just any cheque!
— Anita Anand, author and translator
Saint-Lambert,
Quebec
Quebec City – Monique Corriveau Library
Program news
Public Lending Right Annual Report 2024-25
8 September 2025
This report provides details of the $14.8M 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 notes the introduction of an annual title registration limit, the creation of a revised employee position and the arrival of new voting members. The report also features an illustrated celebration of the Vancouver Public Library and the 30th anniversary of its world-famous Central Branch, designed by architect Moshe Safdie.
Download this report PDF | 7.5 MBMessage from the Chair of the PLR Commission
15 February 2025
The Public Lending Right Program lives at the most beautiful crossroads you can imagine, that where book lovers, disseminators and writers meet.