Shelfmark is a self-hosted web interface for searching and requesting books and audiobooks across multiple sources.
The tool solves the problem of fragmented digital library management by providing a unified hub where users can search and download books from multiple configured sources—web, torrent, usenet, and IRC—without switching between different interfaces. It queries metadata providers like Hardcover, Open Library, and Google Books for rich discovery, then routes requests to the appropriate download client. The system supports multiple users with a built-in request and approval workflow, making it suitable for sharing across a household or small group.
Shelfmark works well for users who already maintain digital libraries with tools like Calibre, Calibre-Web, Grimmory, or Audiobookshelf and want a single search interface across them. It suits anyone comfortable self-hosting and configuring their own sources and metadata providers. The tool is particularly valuable if you need audiobook support alongside ebooks, real-time download queue visibility, and the ability to let other users browse and request books through a web interface rather than managing everything yourself. The README does not compare it to other tools in this category.
The project is feature stable and maintained on a best-effort basis, with bug fixes and security updates still shipped. Pull requests are reviewed, including those for new features, though there is no roadmap for new feature development at this time.
