For immediate release: December 1, 2020<\/p>\n
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\u2019s digital lending of e-books and audiobooks, especially in a year that included building closures due to the global pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur senior leadership team saw a need unlike any we\u2019ve ever seen for digital materials this year, and they responded with funding to meet the demands of our community,\u201d said DCL Collection Development Librarian Andrea Wyant.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The 1 millionth checkout in OverDrive was \u201cThe Other Einstein\u201d by Marie Benedict, and the most popular e-book and audiobook checked out this year is \u201cWhere the Crawdads Sing\u201d by Delia Owens.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Readers may access DCL\u2019s digital library at DCL.org\/digital-media<\/a> or via the library\u2019s catalog<\/a>. For information on library operating hours and safety protocols, visit DCL.org\/safety-notice<\/a>.<\/p>\n Douglas County Libraries elevates our community by inspiring a love of reading, discovery and connection.<\/p>\n