Matt Blumenthal

Helping Libraries Fight Back Against Predatory E-Book Prices

On Thursday, the Connecticut House of Representatives passed a groundbreaking bill that positions our state as a national leader in defending public libraries from the crushing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks.  As House Chairman of the Government Administration and Election Committee, I’m proud to have co-authored and led passage of Senate Bill 1234, landmark legislation that helps libraries fight back against e-book contracts that impose excessive and unsustainable pricing for digital materials. For years, libraries have faced an impossible choice: serve their communities or accept unfair, secretive, and costly licensing terms. This bill changes that. Connecticut is a national leader in supporting public libraries facing skyrocketing costs of e-books. Digital content is no longer a luxury — it’s a necessity. But the “Big 5” publishers, which control more than 80% of the book market, are forcing libraries to rent, not own, e-books — at prices four or five times higher than what the average consumer pays. Worse, these rentals often expire after just two years or 26 borrows. Libraries are being forced to repurchase the same titles again and again, draining public dollars and limiting access to essential knowledge. Senate Bill 1234 puts an end to these exploitative practices by barring contracts that restrict how many e-books libraries can buy, prohibit the creation of preservation copies, or demand secrecy around pricing. These terms undermine public trust, waste taxpayer money, and block librarians from building reliable collections. This legislation is carefully crafted to withstand legal challenges that have derailed similar efforts in other states. By sidestepping federal copyright law and instead using our state’s purchasing power — preventing libraries from agreeing to these onerous terms, and tying enforcement to the acceptance of state funds — Connecticut has created a model other states can follow. Already, states like New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and California are moving in the same direction. Our libraries are the beating heart of our communities. They deserve fair access to the digital tools that help them thrive in the 21st century. Senate Bill 1234 is about transparency, equity, and sustainability — and about giving librarians the freedom to serve their communities without being gouged. This bill now heads to the Governor’s desk — and with it, a message: Connecticut stands with libraries.