This March, EveryLibrary Live! presented Indie Press Month 2026, a national series of conversations, panels, and live events highlighting the creativity, resilience, and cultural impact of independent publishing.

The full lineup of programs is now available as free, on-demand recordings.

In partnership with the Independent Publishers Caucus, Brooklyn Public Library, and the Independent Book Publishers Association, this series brings together publishers, editors, and authors working across nonprofit, cooperative, commercial, and hybrid publishing models. Together, these conversations explore how independent presses expand access to ideas, elevate diverse voices, and sustain literary culture in communities nationwide.

"Independent publishers are essential to the culture of reading," said John Chrastka, Executive Director of EveryLibrary. "They take risks, champion new and underrepresented voices, and help ensure that readers have access to a full and diverse range of ideas. Through EveryLibrary Live!, we're proud to bring these conversations to a national audience and to highlight the vital connection between indie publishing and libraries."

Live from Brooklyn: Independent Publishing in Practice

The series launched with two in-person events at the Brooklyn Public Library in partnership with the Independent Publishers Caucus:

• A Brooklyn Indie Story, featuring Tim McLoughlin and Johnny Temple of Akashic Books, explored the borough's role as a hub for independent publishing and the influence of projects like the Brooklyn Noir series.
• Publishing the Collective, with Nicholas Hurd and Dennis Madamba of Radix Co-op and Keri Kelly and Milo Wippermann of Ugly Duckling Presse, examined collaborative and community-driven publishing models rooted in social justice, experimentation, and shared governance.

National Conversations with Indie Press Leaders

Throughout the month, EveryLibrary Live! featured a series of virtual conversations with leading voices across the independent publishing landscape:

• Zibby Owens, founder of Zibby Publishing and Zibby Media, discussed building a modern indie publishing ecosystem spanning books, retail, and media.
• Orna Ross, co-founder of the Alliance of Independent Authors, explored how self-publishing and hybrid publishing models are reshaping the industry and empowering authors.
• Gayatri Patnaik, Director of Beacon Press, highlighted the role of independent publishing in advancing social justice, public discourse, and critical scholarship.
• Keith Riegert, President of The Stable Book Group (including Ulysses Press, She Writes Press, VeloPress, Trafalgar Square Books, and Skybox Press, as well as Stable Distribution), discussed how data, digital marketing, and global distribution are transforming indie publishing at scale.

Strategy, Innovation, and the Future of Indie Publishing

In partnership with IBPA, the Independent Book Publishers Association, Lee Wind, Chief Content Officer, hosted a dedicated series focused on the operational and strategic dimensions of independent publishing:

• Joe Biel, founder of Microcosm Publishing and creator of WorkingLit, shared how mission-driven publishing rooted in punk ethics can build sustainable, community-centered businesses.
• Salem West, publisher of Bywater Books and its Amble Press imprint, discussed the importance of independent presses in amplifying queer voices and defending the freedom to read.
• Carol Hinz, Associate Publisher at Millbrook Press and Carolrhoda Books, imprints of Lerner Publishing Group, examined how independent children's publishers champion diverse storytelling and support young readers.

Supporting the Full Ecosystem of Reading

Across all programs, Indie Press Month 2026 underscores a shared theme: independent publishers are essential to a healthy literary ecosystem. By taking creative risks, elevating new voices, and challenging dominant narratives, indie presses expand what is possible in publishing.

Libraries play a critical role in this ecosystem by ensuring access to independent works and connecting readers with a broader range of perspectives.

"All of these conversations reinforce a simple truth," said Chrastka. "If we care about the freedom to read, we have to care about the freedom to publish—and that means supporting independent presses and the libraries that connect their work to readers."

Watch the Full Series

All Indie Press Month 2026 programs from EveryLibrary Live! are available as free, on-demand recordings on EveryLibrary's Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/EveryLibrary/live_videos) and YouTube Live page (https://www.youtube.com/@everylibrary385/streams).

EveryLibrary is a national political action committee for libraries, working to support library funding, defend the freedom to read, and build voter support for libraries across the United States. Through public education, advocacy, and partnerships, EveryLibrary connects communities with the resources they need to sustain and strengthen their libraries.

View the whole series.