Romance by marginalized authors face even greater barriers. Romance novels by BIPOC, queer, and indie authors face additional gatekeeping in publishing and bookstores. Diverse romance has historically been underpublished, understocked, and under-reviewed compared to white, straight romance. Queer romance has struggled for mainstream acceptance, even though it’s one of the fastest-growing subgenres.
Despite overall book sales declining, romance sales are increasing. Some credit can be given to BookTok, Bookstagrammers, and other social media influences that have allowed romance readers to find each other, convert new readers, and recommend books. Commercial success alone is not enough to secure romance the literary recognition it deserves. In order for romance to be taken seriously, it must be actively championed by literary institutions, included in critical discussions, and given the same academic and cultural recognition as other genres. This is where libraries and librarians come in. Libraries play a crucial role in preserving, legitimizing, and expanding romance literature.
As trusted institutions, libraries have long played a pivotal role in shaping literary landscapes—preserving overlooked genres, expanding access to diverse voices, and legitimizing popular fiction. Just as they have supported science fiction, fantasy, and LGBTQ+ literature in the past, libraries are now helping romance gain the visibility and credibility it deserves. Through curated collections, book clubs, academic archives, and public programming, libraries are ensuring that romance is not just widely read but also widely respected.
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How Libraries Support Romance
Despite being one of the bestselling and most widely read genres, romance still struggles for institutional legitimacy in libraries, publishing, and literary circles. However, libraries play a crucial role in shaping what books are considered worthy of attention, study, and preservation. By actively supporting romance through collection development, programming, advocacy, and special collections, libraries can help shift public perception and ensure that romance is taken as seriously as other genres.
To understand how libraries are actively shaping the perception and accessibility of romance, I spoke with several librarians who are deeply involved in collection development, programming, and advocacy for the genre. Their work highlights that romance’s presence in libraries is not just about availability—it’s about visibility, validation, and changing the narrative around what kinds of stories deserve institutional support.
Curating Robust and Inclusive Collections
One of the most direct ways libraries can legitimize romance is through strong collection development, ensuring that romance books are readily available, well-represented, and easy to find. This includes prioritizing the purchase of diverse romance titles, particularly books by BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and indie authors, rather than solely relying on mass-market bestsellers. As Katy O., from A Mindful Librarian, noted, “My students very much want more queer romances and culturally diverse romances, so I try to buy any that I can find.” Librarians actively working to expand their collections beyond traditional publishers provide greater access to the romance stories readers crave.
Traditional library purchasing policies often exclude indie and self-published romance authors due to requirements for professional reviews. However, as librarian, podcaster, and Book Riot Contributing Editor Jess Pryde pointed out, “Some folks have to give up the whole ‘we don’t purchase books without professional reviews’ thing. Do you know how expensive a Kirkus review is for an indie romance author? Yes, we have limited budgets, but James Patterson will be fine.” Rethinking these policies allows libraries to diversify their romance offerings and support independent authors who may not have mainstream publishing backing.
Additionally, digital lending platforms like Hoopla and Libby have transformed romance readership in libraries, making books available to high-volume readers in ways that print collections cannot always accommodate. According to Pryde, “Print romance isn’t going anywhere, but our best results come from OverDrive and Hoopla. Romance readers are voracious, and it’s so much easier to borrow, devour, and return a book without having to leave home.”
Visibility
Beyond purchasing decisions, how romance is shelved and displayed matters. Libraries that genrefy their collections or create digital catalog filters help romance readers find what they are looking for more easily. As Katy O. shared, “My library is genrefied, so students are always able to find romance titles easily.” By making romance books visible and accessible, libraries send the message that romance is a valid and important part of the literary landscape.
Thoughtfully curated displays can significantly enhance the visibility and appeal of romance novels in libraries. For instance, the Wichita State University Libraries created a display titled “Yes, We Have Fiction Books!” which featured a dedicated section for romance novels, among other genres. This initiative not only highlighted the availability of romance literature but also encouraged patrons to explore the genre.
Hosting Romance-Focused Events and Book Clubs
Libraries can further legitimize romance by creating spaces for engagement, discussion, and celebration. Romance author talks, book launches and themed events help promote romance in a literary setting, proving that these books deserve the same attention as other genres. Pryde emphasized the value of these events, saying, “We have helped plan (and occasionally moderated) a few library events around romance, usually author talks and book launches. They have had varied attendance, but were always appreciated by those who made it.”
One standout example is Mid-Continent Public Library’s Romance GenreCon, which brought in both big-name and indie romance authors for panels, discussions, and reader events. As Jess Pryde noted, “Mid-Continent Public Library has done Romance GenreCon twice and is planning to do it again! They brought in folks of big and less-big names, and people traveled.” Events like these show that romance readers are willing to engage with literary programming when given the opportunity.
Book clubs also provide a space for romance readers to discuss books in a way that reinforces their literary value. Public libraries across the country have embraced this by hosting romance-specific book clubs that cater to a wide range of readers. For example, Springfield City Library in Massachusetts offers a virtual romance book club that meets monthly. Similarly, Clyde Public Library in Ohio hosts in-person book clubs that highlight romance alongside other popular genres. These initiatives demonstrate how libraries can provide romance readers with a dedicated space to engage with the genre critically and socially, further legitimizing its place in the literary landscape.
In 2025, the Arlington Public Library in Virginia is embracing the theme of romance by giving away a free wedding at the library. They are offering a unique opportunity for one lucky couple to win a free wedding hosted at the Central Library on July 12, 2025. The giveaway includes a ceremony and reception for up to 50 guests, complete with catering, photography, and music. It’s thrilling to see a public library not just celebrating romance on the page, but bringing it to life in such a joyful, tangible way.
Beyond patron programming, librarians normalizing romance in professional spaces helps break down genre stigma. As Katy O. described, “I included steamy romances right alongside National Book Award winners in my recommended adult title lists that I share with staff.” By treating romance as equal to literary fiction in reading recommendations and book discussions, librarians actively challenge outdated biases that frame romance as lesser literature.
Advocating for Romance as Literary and Cultural Heritage
One of the biggest challenges romance has faced is its exclusion from special collections and archival preservation, despite its massive cultural and economic impact. Historically, institutions have prioritized the preservation of genres like science fiction, fantasy, and detective fiction while overlooking romance. Rebecca Baumann from the Lilly Library at Indiana University spoke directly to this issue: “Many libraries, including the Lilly, have huge collections of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, gothic, and detective fiction. And yet romance is continually ignored. We wanted to be the library to say, ‘this is not okay, and we are going to change it.’”
The Lilly Library’s romance collection, “Love in the Library”, which began with the acquisition of Rebecca Romney’s romance book collection, is an example of how special collections can legitimize romance as a genre worthy of preservation. They have also acquired archival materials from romance history, including the personal papers of Bertrice Small, one of the original “Avon Ladies” of historical romance publishing.
The emotional impact of seeing romance included in these spaces cannot be overstated. Rebecca Baumann told me, “We opened a case to let a young woman hold our first edition, first printing of Twilight, and she had tears running down her face.” This moment underscores the deep personal connection readers have with romance novels, highlighting their cultural significance and reinforcing the need for their preservation alongside other literary genres.
Libraries as Champions of Romance
Libraries do more than provide access to books—they shape literary culture. By curating expansive romance collections, hosting engaging programs, and preserving romance history, libraries help dismantle outdated biases that have long dismissed the genre. As Pryde put it, “Talking about romance is the best thing a library can do to make it a respected and acknowledged part of a fiction collection.”
Visibility matters. When romance is displayed, discussed, and celebrated, it sends a clear message: these stories—and the readers who love them—deserve recognition.
At the Lilly Library, romance preservation has sparked an overwhelming response. Rebecca Baumann described it as “nothing short of beautiful,” emphasizing, “It’s so important to show students—especially those outside the realm of traditional white heteronormative romance—that the books they read matter, that their culture matters, that their lives matter.” Libraries have the power to do just that. By embracing romance as literature and preserving its history, they are reshaping the literary landscape to be more inclusive, diverse, and reflective of the stories that truly resonate with readers.
Romance has always belonged in the hands of readers, but thanks to the hard work of libraries and dedicated librarians, it’s finally claiming its rightful place—on the shelves, in the archives, and at the heart of literary culture.
