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_The Courageous Heart_ at your library soon.

  • maliajapan1
  • Apr 2
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 13




When you open a professionally published book, you’ll often find a curious little number tucked away on the copyright page: the Library of Congress Control Number (LCCN). It’s easy to overlook, but this tiny code carries a big weight—especially if you want your book to live a long and visible life on library shelves across the country.

So… what exactly is an LCCN, and why does it matter?


🏛️ What Is the Library of Congress Control Number?

The LCCN is a unique identification number assigned by the Library of Congress, the largest library in the world. It helps librarians catalog and track your book in databases used by thousands of libraries nationwide.

Think of it as your book’s social security number—except it helps it get found, shelved, and shared in public libraries, schools, and research collections.


✨ Why You Want One

  1. Library Access & Discoverability Many libraries prefer (and some require) books to have an LCCN before they’ll consider ordering them. Having one tells librarians:“This book is organized, registered, and ready for circulation.”

  2. Professional Credibility Including an LCCN on your copyright page adds a layer of professionalism. It tells bookstores, reviewers, and educators you’ve taken the extra steps to prepare your book for wide distribution.

  3. Easier Cataloging An LCCN helps your book get cataloged accurately and quickly in major databases like WorldCat and MARC records (used by most libraries). That means fewer delays, better visibility, and a higher chance of being discovered.

  4. Permanent Record Your book becomes part of the Library of Congress database—a kind of literary eternity. It’s official: your book exists in the national record.


📝 How Do You Get One?

Authors and publishers can apply for a Preassigned Control Number (PCN) through the Library of Congress’s website. It’s free for U.S. publishers and typically processed within a few business days. (Tip: Apply before your book is published!)


💡 Final Thought

Getting an LCCN might feel like a small, bureaucratic detail—but in the world of books, it’s a quiet power move. It signals to librarians and readers alike:This book is here to stay. And that’s a beautiful thing.


Great news: The Courageous Heart has an LCCN.



 
 
 

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