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B 26-0490

Library E-book Pricing Fairness Amendment Act of 2025

26th Council Period (2025-2026) Introduced by Matt Frumin

The Library E-book Pricing Fairness Act ensures DC libraries can access eBooks at fair prices, improving digital access for residents and reducing wait times.

Act A26-0327 Published in DC Register Vol 73 and Page 008175
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Bill Summary · B 26-0490

Summary of Bill B 26-0490: Library E-book Pricing Fairness Amendment Act of 2025

Introduction

The Library E-book Pricing Fairness Amendment Act of 2025 (B 26-0490) was introduced on November 17, 2025, by Councilmember Matthew Frumin and several co-sponsors. The bill aims to address the challenges faced by the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) in providing equitable access to electronic literary materials, such as eBooks and audiobooks.

Purpose and Intent

The primary goal of this legislation is to ensure that the DCPL can acquire electronic literary materials at fair prices and without restrictive terms imposed by publishers. The bill seeks to enhance public access to literature and knowledge, particularly as demand for digital materials has surged in recent years.

Key Provisions

  • Prohibition on Restrictive Licensing Agreements: The bill prohibits the DCPL from entering into or renewing licensing agreements with publishers that contain terms that:

    • Limit the number of times an item can be loaned.
    • Inflate costs beyond what the public pays for similar materials.
    • Restrict the Library’s ability to preserve electronic materials for future use.

  • Trigger for Implementation: The bill is structured to take effect only when 10 other jurisdictions with a combined population of at least 50 million enact similar laws. This provision aims to create a coordinated national approach to fair electronic access while minimizing potential legal challenges.

  • Definitions: The bill includes specific definitions for terms such as:

    • Aggregator: A person or entity that licenses access to collections of electronic literary materials.
    • Electronic Literary Material: Includes both digital audiobooks and eBooks.
    • Loan: The process of lending electronic materials to borrowers, with a defined loan period.

Impact

  • Libraries: The legislation is expected to empower the DCPL to negotiate better terms with publishers, thereby increasing the availability of eBooks and audiobooks for residents.
  • Residents: By reducing wait times and improving access to digital materials, the bill aims to enhance the reading experience for District residents, who have faced increasing delays and limited access due to rising costs and restrictive licensing practices.
  • Publishers: The bill may compel publishers to adopt more equitable pricing and licensing practices in response to the collective actions of multiple jurisdictions.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: The bill is currently referred to the Committee on Human Services as of December 2, 2025.
  • Legislative Support: The bill has garnered support from multiple councilmembers, indicating a collaborative effort to address the challenges faced by libraries in the digital age.

Conclusion

The Library E-book Pricing Fairness Amendment Act of 2025 represents a significant step towards ensuring that libraries can adapt to the digital landscape while maintaining equitable access to literature for all residents of the District of Columbia. By addressing the pricing and licensing challenges posed by publishers, this legislation aims to enhance the role of libraries as vital resources for information and education.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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