For immediate release: December 1, 2020
Douglas County Libraries (DCL) reached a record-breaking number of digital book checkouts in 2020, surpassing the 1 million mark in November. This milestone highlights the continued growth and importance of the library’s digital lending of e-books and audiobooks, especially in a year that included building closures due to the global pandemic.
“Our senior leadership team saw a need unlike any we’ve ever seen for digital materials this year, and they responded with funding to meet the demands of our community,” said DCL Collection Development Librarian Andrea Wyant.
DCL has offered 24/7 access to e-books and audiobooks through OverDrive and the Libby reading app for several years. As a result of the pandemic, DCL enhanced its digital library to accommodate more digital checkouts and less wait time, and added a Skip the Line feature for instant checkout of items similar to Your Lucky Day items in its branches.
The 1 millionth checkout in OverDrive was “The Other Einstein” by Marie Benedict, and the most popular e-book and audiobook checked out this year is “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens.
All readers need to access digital books from DCL is a valid library card, and they can use any major device, including Apple, Android, Chromebook and Kindle.
Readers may access DCL’s digital library at DCL.org/digital-media or via the library’s catalog. For information on library operating hours and safety protocols, visit DCL.org/safety-notice.
Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.
