Local authors of all ages are welcome to submit an application along with one (1) copy of their published book to have their work included in the VPL collection. Donated books for possible inclusion must have been published within the last 2 years. While we receive many submissions, Vaughan Public Libraries recognizes our local authors’ creative efforts by including their works in the collection whenever possible. All books, however, must meet VPL's selection criteria and standards as detailed in the Collection Policy.

How do I submit a work for consideration?

Full submission guidelines and instructions are available on the Local Author Book Submission form.

Submission Form

Please send one copy of your book along with a Local Author submission form to:

• Innovative Technologies and Collections Department | Local Author Submission
• Vaughan Public Libraries
• 900 Clark Avenue West
• Thornhill, Ontario L4J 8C1

Library staff are not authorized to evaluate the status of your submission. You may, however, drop your submission off at any VPL location and staff will relay it to the appropriate department.

How does the selector decide whether to accept my work?

• Most works by local authors will be added to the collection, however, books must meet VPL’s selection criteria and standards as detailed in the Collection Policy as well as the submission guidelines outlined in the Local Author Book Submission form.
• The collection is intended to support the learning and leisure needs of our diverse community. Criteria for selection may include:
  • Anticipated or expressed needs and interests of the community;
  • Reputation and/or significance of the author/illustrator/publisher;
  • Comments of professional and independent critics and reviewers;
  • Overall entertainment or educational value;
  • Appropriateness for readers of different tastes, interests, and reading abilities.
• Library staff are not authorized to evaluate the status of your submission; this responsibility lies solely with the Innovative Technologies & Collections Department staff.

How long does it take to hear back from the selector?

You will be notified by email within 60 days regarding the status of your submission. Be sure to include an email address on your submission form.

What happens if my work is accepted?

• Once your book is accepted for inclusion in the collection, our staff will catalogue, process, and prepare your book for addition to the library’s catalogue.
• Please be advised that due to the technical limitations of the metadata associated with some self-published works and/or titles from smaller publishers, we cannot guarantee that the display of your title in our catalogue will be as complete as others.
• This process may take some time, but you will eventually be able to see your book in our BiblioCommons catalogue and on the library’s shelves.
• Newly added works by local authors will be searchable in the library's catalogue using the "Local Author" as a keyword.

Will I get my book back if it is not accepted?

Submitted copies are considered donations and become the property of VPL. They will not be returned.