How to Get a Library of Congress Control Number (Without Losing Your Mind)

When I published my first book, I had no idea what a Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN) was, let alone why I needed one. Isn’t a copyright enough? Is an LCCN really necessary to have your book bought by a library? Fast forward a few years, and guess what? Getting an LCCN for my books not only opened new doors but also introduced my work to readers I wouldn’t have reached otherwise.

So, why do libraries care about LCCNs? Turns out, an LCCN is like a backstage pass for your book in the library world. It’s a unique number that helps libraries catalog and organize books efficiently. Without it, your book might not even make it into their system. Libraries use the Library of Congress’s data to streamline their catalogs and save time when adding new books to their shelves. Plus, an LCCN signals professionalism—it tells librarians that you’re serious about your book. If you’re hoping to see your work in libraries and reach readers who might never stumble across it otherwise, getting an LCCN is a must.

The first step is making sure your book qualifies. Not every book can get an LCCN. For starters, the book must be printed—so eBooks and Audiobooks are out. You’ll also need to plan on distributing your book in a way that libraries can access, like through IngramSpark, Draft-to-Digital’s Hoopla link, or even directly from your website. If that sounds like your book, you’re in the clear.

Next, you’ll need to set up an account with the Library of Congress through their PrePub Book Link site. It’s free and easy. Self-published authors should use the Author Portal to submit LCCN requests.

Once you’re on their site, you’ll apply for an account. You should get an email requesting you to reset your password. Once that’s done, you’re in!

Need help? Download their Author/Self-Publisher User Guide.

Once your account is ready, you can apply for the LCCN itself. There are six sections,

• General Information: Intended audience, the approximate number of pages, the language the book is written in, and the projected publication month and date. Important note: Request an LCCN before you publish your book. If you wait until after you’ve published it, the Library of Congress will not accept it so get that account set up, stat!

• Contributor Information: Author, Editor, Illustrator, Translator, etc.

• Title Page: Title, Publisher Name, U.S. city that the book will be published, and the contributor’s name(s).

• Series & Volume Info: Series title, volume information, ISBNs, and the formats they are associated with, as well as any electronic ISBNs and their specific format. ISBNs are not required, however. If you’ve already purchased your ISBN(s), I recommend adding it to this section.

• Additional Info & Summary: This section is optional, but I recommend adding your blurb or summary.

• Confirm & Submit: Hit the button and you’re done. You should receive a confirmation email shortly afterward to confirm receipt. Within a week or so, you’ll get an email with your shiny new LCCN.

Now that you have your LCCN, it’s time to put it to work. Add it to your book’s copyright page. This is usually one of the first pages in your book, where all the professional-looking details go.

But you’re not done yet! After your book is published, you’ll need to send two physical copies to the Library of Congress:

Library of Congress

Copyright Office

101 Independence Avenue SE

Washington, DC 20559-6000

This is called the mandatory deposit, and it’s required if you get an LCCN. You’ll mail those copies to their address in Washington, D.C., which feels a little old-school, but it’s a necessary step to make your book part of their collection. After you’ve done all that, your book will eventually show up in the Library of Congress catalog.

It’s kind of surreal to search for your title and see it officially listed. And here’s the best part: once libraries know your book exists, they can actually buy it and add it to their shelves. You’ve just opened up a whole new audience of readers who might never have found you otherwise.

So, what happens next? Now that your book has an LCCN, add it to your book’s metadata. It’s also a great detail to include in marketing materials, especially if you’re reaching out to libraries or bookstores. And don’t forget to take a moment to celebrate—you’ve just leveled up as an author. Getting an LCCN might seem like a small step, but it’s one that makes your book more professional and widely accessible.

When I first heard about LCCNs, I thought they were only for big publishers. Turns out, they’re for anyone who’s willing to put in a little effort. Libraries are full of readers hungry for stories, and your book could be one of them. Don’t let the process intimidate you—it’s easier than it sounds. Now go out there, get your LCCN, and start building your literary legacy.