Blackstone Publishing to add thousands of titles to Blackstone Unlimited
August 4th, 2025
Blackstone Publishing is thrilled to announce a major expansion of its Blackstone Unlimited Audio platform, with thousands of new titles set to be added in the coming months. These new additions will span a wide range of genres and age groups, including bestsellers, mysteries, classics, romance, science fiction, westerns, and foreign language instruction—offering something for every listener.
Blackstone Unlimited Audio already offers the largest always-available collection of downloadable audiobooks for adults and children, featuring more than 7,500 titles. With the upcoming additions, the collection will surpass 10,000 titles. The platform continues to expand, providing users with access to acclaimed works by celebrated authors including Karin Slaughter, M.C. Beaton, Jeneva Rose, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Donna Leon, Hugh Howey, and James Clavell.
With no holds and no wait times, Blackstone Unlimited offers an unmatched user experience. Once the app is downloaded, patrons can immediately dive into their favorite audiobooks—anytime, anywhere.
Blackstone Publishing introduces eMagazines to Blackstone Unlimited:
Revolutionizing Digital Access for Libraries
May 19th 2025
Blackstone Publishing is proud to announce the addition of bestselling eMagazine titles on the Blackstone Unlimited platform.
“We are thrilled to bring eMagazines to our Unlimited platform,” said Anne Fonteneau, Chief Sales Officer. “This exciting addition strengthens our commitment to empowering libraries and their patrons by providing seamless, unlimited access to a diverse range of popular magazine content. We believe this enhancement not only enriches the value of our platform but also supports libraries in delivering an unparalleled digital reading experience for their communities now and in the future.”
Blackstone Unlimited Audio boasts the largest always-available collection of downloadable audiobooks for adults and children, featuring over 7,000 titles. With a commitment to continuous growth, Blackstone regularly expands its catalog, offering patrons access to works by renowned authors such as Karin Slaughter, M.C. Beaton, Jeneva Rose, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Donna Leon, Hugh Howey, and James Clavell.
With the introduction of eMagazines, library patrons can now enjoy unlimited streaming access to leading magazine titles, including People, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Southern Living, Esquire, and Food Network Magazine. These eMagazines are included with Blackstone Unlimited Audio subscriptions, enhancing the value and versatility of the platform for libraries and their communities.
Blackstone Publishing to Release Select Penguin Random House Audio Titles as CDs on Demand
August 6th 2024
Blackstone Publishing is pleased to announce a manufacturing and distribution deal with Penguin Random House Audio. As part of this agreement, Blackstone will extend its manufacturing and distribution network to offer select Penguin Random House Audio titles as CDs on demand for both retail and library customers.
The curated selection includes audiobooks from bestselling authors such as Ali Hazelwood, Jesse Q. Sutanto, Dr. Peter Attia, Ariel Lawhon, and Ashley Elston, many of which are available on CD for the first time.
"This partnership marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide high-quality audiobooks to listeners everywhere," said Anne Fonteneau, Chief Sales Officer of Blackstone Publishing. "By leveraging Penguin Random House Audio's esteemed catalog, we are excited to bring even more compelling stories to our dedicated audience."
“We’re pleased to work with Blackstone to meet customer demand for CD editions of our titles and make our audiobooks accessible to listeners who prefer CDs,” says Amanda D’Acierno, President & Publisher of Penguin Random House Audio.
Blackstone Publishing Supports Unite Against Book Bans
May 15th 2024
Blackstone has joined with other major publishers to support Unite Against Book Bans. Blackstone firmly shares the belief that individuals should be trusted to make their own decisions about what to read, young people deserve to see themselves reflected in a library's books, and parents should not be making decisions about what to read for other parents' children. We support the following principles:
- Reading is a foundational skill, critical to future learning and to exercising our democratic freedoms.
- Books are tools for understanding complex issues. Limiting young people's access to books does not protect them from life's complex and challenging issues.
- Individuals should be trusted to make their own decisions about what to read.
- Parents should not be making decisions for other parents' children.
- Young people deserve to see themselves reflected in a library's books.
Lyrasis and Blackstone Publishing Forge Groundbreaking Partnership to Revolutionize Library Audiobook Access on The Palace Project
January 17th 2024
Lyrasis and Blackstone Publishing are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership that aims to deliver top-tier audiobooks to library patrons. This collaboration introduces Blackstone Unlimited, which boasts the Largest Always-Available Collection of Adult and Children's downloadable audiobooks, offering over 6,600 titles by acclaimed authors such as Karin Slaughter, M.C. Beaton, Jeneva Rose, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Marshall Karp, and James Clavell. This collection will be available to libraries through The Palace Project, a library-driven platform and ereader app for digital content and services that supports the library's role at the center of their community. With audiobook usage outpacing many public library budgets, this partnership between Lyrasis and Blackstone Publishing intends to make more audiobooks available to public library patrons at an affordable cost for public libraries. Some key features of the collection include: Instant Access, No Restrictions: Bid farewell to holds, wait lists, and restrictions. Library patrons can now enjoy a world of audiobooks without limits, ensuring a seamless and gratifying listening experience. Diverse and Growing Catalog: With an ever-expanding collection, Blackstone Unlimited Audio offers a diverse array of genres and authors, ensuring that libraries can cater to the varied tastes of their patrons. Renowned Authors at Your Fingertips: Dive into the captivating narratives of some of the world's most renowned authors. Blackstone Unlimited Audio brings the works of literary giants directly to library shelves and digital platforms. Affordable Fixed Flat Rate: Blackstone Unlimited Audio provides an affordable fixed flat rate, eliminating additional fees and making premium audiobooks accessible without straining library budgets. "We at Lyrasis are excited to partner with Blackstone Publishing to bring the Blackstone Unlimited audiobook collection to The Palace Project,” says Michael Atwood, Senior Director at Lyrasis. “This unique partnership highlights our joint commitment to increasing equitable and affordable access to econtent for libraries and their patrons.” “Blackstone Unlimited represents a groundbreaking advancement for libraries and their patrons,” says Anne Fonteneau, Chief Sales Officer at Blackstone Publishing. “This strategic collaboration with Lyrasis underscores our dedication to delivering unparalleled access to top-tier audiobooks. We are committed to breaking down barriers, enabling diverse communities to delve into the expansive world of literature without constraints.” About Lyrasis Lyrasis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to support enduring access to the world’s shared academic, scientific, and cultural heritage through leadership in open technologies, content services, digital solutions, and collaboration with archives, libraries, museums, and knowledge communities worldwide. Lyrasis's organizational and staff values are communication, respect, collaboration, impact, and service. About The Palace Project The Palace Project, initially funded by a multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment from the Knight Foundation, is supported by Lyrasis in strategic partnership with the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA). The Palace Project’s vision is to strengthen the public library’s vital role as the digital center of the community with unique programs and software solutions. About Blackstone Publishing Blackstone has firmly positioned itself as one of America's fastest-growing and respected publishing houses with multiple New York Times bestsellers, Grammy Award–winning audio productions, and books placed on the New York Times Best Books of the Year list. A truly independent, privately owned publisher, established in 1987 Blackstone is home to a vibrant and eclectic community of storytellers and story lovers, adding hundreds of new titles each month to its catalog of tens of thousands of books.
Blackstone Publishing Launches Blackstone Unlimited: A Breakthrough in Library Audiobook Access
January 12, 2024
Blackstone Publishing proudly announces the unveiling of Blackstone Unlimited, a groundbreaking platform that revolutionizes access to audiobooks for libraries. Boasting the Largest Always-Available Collection of Adult and Children's downloadable audiobooks, Blackstone Unlimited offers over 6,500 titles, with a commitment to continuously expanding its offerings. This unparalleled library empowers patrons to delve into the works of celebrated authors such as Karin Slaughter, M.C. Beaton, Jeneva Rose, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Donna Leon and James Clavell. Key Features of Blackstone Unlimited: Instant Access, No Restrictions: Bid farewell to holds, waiting lists, and restrictions. Library patrons can now enjoy a world of audiobooks without limits, ensuring a seamless and gratifying reading experience. Diverse and Growing Catalog: With an ever-expanding collection, Blackstone Unlimited offers a diverse array of genres and authors, ensuring that libraries can cater to the varied tastes of their patrons. Renowned Authors at Your Fingertips: Dive into the captivating narratives of some of the world's most renowned authors. Blackstone Unlimited brings the works of literary giants directly to library shelves and digital platforms. Fixed Flat Rate: Blackstone Unlimited provides a fixed flat rate, eliminating additional fees and making premium audiobooks accessible without straining library budgets. Blackstone Publishing will also be partnering with Lyrasis, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to support enduring access to the world's shared academic, scientific, and cultural heritage through leadership in open technologies, content services, digital solutions, and collaboration with archives, libraries, museums, and knowledge communities worldwide. Through the partnership with Lyrasis, Blackstone Unlimited will be available to libraries through The Palace Project, a library-driven platform and e-reader app for digital content and services that supports the library's role at the center of their community. "This launch represents a milestone for Blackstone Publishing as we redefine the audiobook experience for libraries," says Craig Mears, National Sales Manager at Blackstone Publishing. "We believe Blackstone Unlimited will not only enrich library offerings but also provide a seamless and cost-effective solution for libraries seeking to elevate their audiobook collections and have an always available solution for their patrons."
Operations Update
As information surrounding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to develop, we hope
everyone is taking care as needed. The health and safety of our employees and greater
Blackstone community remains our top priority. We are following guidelines as outlined by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization
(WHO), as well as local and national government organizations.
Here at Blackstone, we will continue offering the services you have come to rely on. Our
team will largely be working remotely during this time, with a small crew continuing to
operate our production facility. While it is not quite business as usual, your services will
continue as usual.
We understand that in response to COVID-19, many libraries will be closing physical
branches to comply with recommended safety practices. Please know that Blackstone is
prepared to respond to your needs and provide support during this challenging time.
Should you need to temporarily suspend or redirect shipments, please contact us at
[email protected] or 1-800-621-0182 (M-F, 7 am to 5 pm Pacific) and
we will be happy to accommodate those changes.
During this time you may expect the following:
- All orders (digital and physical) will continue to be honored without interruption.
- For the protection of our customers and employees, our physical shipping facility is taking every precaution necessary to ensure the highest quality of sanitation practices.
While we continue to welcome your orders, we understand if you need to temporarily delay
or suspend ordering. For customers currently on a monthly or seasonal SOP plan, we will
provide additional time to fulfill your obligations. Should you wish to obtain additional
support for selecting titles or make any adjustments to your plan, please contact your
Territory Manager.
All of us at Blackstone extend our deepest gratitude and best wishes to you and your library.
Blackstone Publishing to Manufacture, Sell, and Distribute Audiobook CDs Published by Recorded Books
August 18th 2020
Blackstone Publishing today announced it has signed an agreement with Recorded Books to exclusively manufacture and distribute the company’s audiobook CDs in North America beginning on Oct. 1, 2020. Recorded Books is the flagship publishing brand of RBmedia, the largest independent producer of audiobooks in the world, with a catalog of more than 45,000 exclusive titles.
Blackstone Publishing will exclusively manufacture-on-demand, sell, and distribute Recorded Books’ new audiobook releases and backlist catalog in CD format, including titles from top New York Times bestselling authors Christine Feehan, Donna Leon, Sarah J. Maas, Alexander McCall Smith, Jodi Picoult, Melissa de la Cruz, Patrick O’Brian, Fern Michaels, Jude Deveraux, Anne Perry, Stuart Woods, and Jayne Ann Krentz. Recorded Books audiobook titles will be made available in CD format to consumers and libraries, as well as to retail stores and wholesalers.
As part of the agreement, Blackstone Publishing will serve all of Recorded Books’ CD audiobook production needs for libraries in the US and Canada. Over the coming months, all Recorded Books’ library customers will be migrated to Blackstone Library for physical audio content.
“Recorded Books and Blackstone Publishing will work together during this transition to ensure it is a seamless experience,” says Anne Fonteneau, VP of Sales, Blackstone Publishing. “We will begin reaching out to libraries in the coming weeks to put into place a transition plan for each library. We look forward to bringing Recorded Books’ extensive collection of audio content to library patrons.”
Blackstone Makes Financial Contribution to LANGSTON on behalf of Ijeoma Oluo, author of So You Want to Talk About Race
August 10th 2020
Blackstone Publishing has made a $10,000 contribution to LANGSTON, on behalf of the author of So You Want to Talk About Race, Ijeoma Oluo. LANGSTON is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting, cultivating, and showcasing Black arts & culture, at the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute (LHPAI).
At Blackstone, we believe that real change requires real action. We stand in solidarity with the African-American community and with all people who are demanding an end to: systemic racism; police brutality; and the marginalization of American citizens based solely on the color of their skin, their ethnic background, their gender or their sexual orientation.
Blackstone will continue to commit to charitable organizations whose purpose and goal is to end the plague of racism in America; to foster and promote diversity in both the public and private sector; and to ensure that EVERY American enjoys the promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that this Country has made to ALL of its citizens.