Around the world, in response to the COVID-19 crisis, many excellent literature, art and music resources have been made available for free – generously & legally, with the permission of creators. The Internet Archive's so-called National Emergency Library is not among these.

Unlawfully digitising books, as the Internet Archive does, is piracy. It only exacerbates the very real emergency for writers whose income and survival is already at risk, especially in these incredibly challenging times.

Authors, publishers, agents & the Association of Authors' Agents, along with @ALCS_UK, @Soc_of_Authors and others, have spoken out against the Internet Archive's actions before and it's reprehensible that the current crisis is being exploited in this way.

Hundreds of thousands of out-of-copyright texts are freely, legally available and even when delivery of print books is slowed or limited by lockdowns, there's a plethora of ebook and audiobook choices, many at very low prices.

Do still seek where possible to support the authors who write the books we love to read - look at the online delivery options from your retail chains and indie booksellers, and the myriad ebook and audiobook offers around.

We're grateful to the many publishers and writers (& artists & musicians) who have chosen to give permission to make works free for use and enjoyment, to help teachers, students, parents, children and book-lovers through these difficult days...

... Please support authors back in turn, by buying their work and resisting pirated material. Help creators to be creative and still survive and make a living for themselves and those who depend on them.

For authors who find their books have been made available without consent, do take a look at the advice from @Soc_of_Authors on action to take: https://bit.ly/2RuGf58 

& here are some resources from @ALCS_UK to help inform on copyright https://www.alcs.co.uk/copyright-education
+ https://www.alcs.co.uk/knowledge 
+ Get it Right from a Genuine Site too: https://www.getitrightfromagenuinesite.org/