Registrations are open now for the 2021 Public Lending Right scheme closing on 1 March.
Each year Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, National Library of New Zealand makes payments to New Zealand authors,
illustrators and editors from the Public Lending Right (PLR) for New Zealand Authors fund.
“In 2020 the fund increased to $2.4 million and we were able to distribute the fund amongst 1,180 authors however, each
year some authors miss out because they haven’t registered in time. We’re keen to get the message out to authors so they
can benefit from the scheme,” says National Librarian Rachel Esson.
“The PLR fund recognises authors for the fact that their books are available for use in libraries. To be eligible for
payment authors must register each year but it’s worth the effort.”
To be eligible for payment there are criteria that need to be met which include being a New Zealand resident, having at
least 50 copies of a title in New Zealand libraries, and registering between 1 January and 1 March. Authors must
re-register each year even if they have no new books.
How much each author receives depends on how many copies of their works are held by libraries. Payments for 2021 will be
made by 31 December.
The National Library of New Zealand, which is part of Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs, administers the
scheme with oversight from the Public Lending Right Advisory Group.