Libro.fm Is Now a Certified B Corporation

Furthering Our Commitment to Independent Bookshops

By Mark Pearson 

Libro.fm was founded in 2014, empowering readers to support their local indie with their audiobook purchases. But our commitment to independent bookshops didn’t end there; in 2020, we updated our Articles of Incorporation to become a Washington Social Purpose Corporation (SPC). This legal designation requires us to pursue both social and financial goals in the for-profit context, even if those social goals may at times conflict with our financial interests. Every year, we look forward to sharing our latest Social Purpose Report with you.

And now, we’re proud to enter the next chapter of our commitment to independent bookshops and the wider reading community: we’re officially a Certified B Corporation! 

What is a B Corp? 

A Certified B Corp is a company that meets high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. To be certified, Libro.fm took a year-plus long assessment—The B Impact Assessment—and made further legal commitments to stakeholder governance. 

Why does this matter for Libro.fm? 

As an SPC and 100% employee-owned company, we’ve always made decisions that benefit our mission of supporting independent bookshops and encouraging more people to read. And now, as a Certified B Corp, we’re all the more committed to this mission to help build a better world for everyone. 

And why does this matter for readers? 

Independent bookshops play a vital role in our communities and the wider publishing ecosystem. When we support them, 28% of all revenue immediately recirculates in our local economy (versus 4% with Amazon). This revenue impacts everything from our public school system to public transportation to public health. 

As audiobook sales continue to grow, with sales in the U.S. increasing 50% over the past five years, major tech companies like Audible and Spotify are reaping the benefits. But when you choose Libro.fm, you can trust that you’re not just buying an audiobook, but directly supporting a business that cares about your community. 

Becoming a Certified B Corporation means a lot to our small business, and we look forward to working with the global community of over 9,000 B Corps also committed to bettering society. 

Want to join us?

The best way to support our work—and your independent bookshop’s—is to start a Libro.fm monthly membership, or talk to your company about Libro.fm for Business.