Publishing house Macmillan has ditched its controversial practice of restricting e-book sales to libraries, a move praised by the American Library Association.

Macmillan CEO John Sargent announced the change in a March 17 letter, saying "There are times in life when differences should be put aside."

In 2019, MacMillan began limiting library systems to just one copy of an e-book for the first eight weeks after its release. Sargent said at the time that library lending was "cannibalizing" e-sales, according to reports. The restriction prompted libraries to protest, collect signatures and even boycott Macmillan. The company stood alone in its policy among the big-five publishers.

The American Library Association, which had denounced the company's restriction, said in a statement: "Equitable access to digital content is more important than ever as libraries continue to serve their communities amid rapidly changing circumstances. Macmillan's return to its original lending terms signals a new starting point for all publishers to consider how they can work with libraries to ensure—and expand—access for all readers."

Also on March 17, ALA's executive board strongly recommended that local library leaders evaluate closing libraries to the public, and only reopen when public health officials say the risk from COVID-19 has substantially subsided.

In other book-related news, the American Booksellers Association's e-commerce platforms for independent bookstores are seeing a rise in revenue as record numbers of people stay home during the coronavirus pandemic. On March 15, online sales revenue was 750% higher than the same day last year, and also exceeded the the highest online holiday shopping day of 2019.

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