Attendees to celebrate joy of reading and see how public & school libraries have become regular stop for eBooks

 

WASHINGTON, DC – September 22, 2011 – With the mainstream adoption of eBooks, public and school libraries are enhancing their valuable community role connecting readers with all forms of reading.  Circulation of eBooks has increased 383 percent to more than 7 million checkouts in the first half of 2011, and, with the recent addition of Kindle® compatibility that growth is expected to accelerate.  To highlight this monumental shift, the Digital Bookmobile powered by OverDrive will demonstrate eBooks on popular computers and devices at the National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, September 24 and 25 on the National Mall in Washington DC.

This 11th annual event is free and open to the public Saturday, September 24 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, September 25 from 1 to 5:30 p.m. It will also feature award-winning authors, including Steve Berry, Terry McMillan, David McCullough, Garrison Keillor, Toni Morrison and Laura Lippman, whose books are available digitally from libraries.

Staff on the Digital Bookmobile, a 74-foot, high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile, will demonstrate digital downloads available from America’s public and school libraries via broadband Internet-connected PCs, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable eReaders and media players. Visitors can browse a library’s ‘Virtual Branch’ website and sample eBooks, audiobooks, music and video on interactive, touch-screen computer stations and compatible devices such as iPhone®, iPad®, Sony® Reader, NOOK™, iPod®, Samsung Galaxy Tab™ and Kindle®.

OverDrive, the leading multichannel digital distributor of eBooks, supplies 15,000 public and school libraries worldwide.  To see if your local library is a member of the OverDrive network, visit OverDrive Search.  The latest circulation and web traffic statistics include:

  • More than 50 million electronic checkouts since 2003
  • 383 percent growth in eBook circulation through first 6 months of 2011
  • 81% increase in user sessions and 675 million pages viewed (+ 125%)
  • More than 8.5 million installs of OverDrive Media Console app (free eBook and audiobook software) including 1.6 million mobile versions for iPhone, iPad, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone

Since 2008, the Digital Bookmobile has held more than 325 events, introduced downloads to 75,000 library customers, and traveled 80,000 miles in the U.S. and Canada. For a full calendar of upcoming stops and resources for media, visit www.digitalbookmobile.com.

OverDrive provides digital distribution services for more than 15,000 libraries, retailers, and schools worldwide with support for Windows®, Mac®, iPod®, iPhone, iPad, Sony® Reader, NOOK™, Android™, BlackBerry® and Kindle®.

 

About the Digital Bookmobile
The Digital Bookmobile, developed inside a 74-foot, 18-wheel tractor-trailer, is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served communities for decades. The one-of-a-kind community outreach vehicle creates an engaging download experience with the host library’s ‘Virtual Branch’ download website and digital collection of eBooks, audiobooks and more. The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high-definition monitors, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable media players.

About OverDrive
OverDrive is a leading multichannel digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video. We deliver secure management, DRM protection, and download fulfillment services for hundreds of publishers and thousands of libraries, schools, and retailers, serving millions of end users. OverDrive has been named to the EContent 100 as a company that matters most in the digital content industry. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, OH. www.overdrive.com

Assets:
Images from OverDrive’s Digital Bookmobile Tour: http://www.flickr.com/photos/digitalbookmobile/sets

YouTube Video from Inaugural Digital Bookmobile Tour:
http://youtu.be/JkKi_MNztlY

Contact:
David Burleigh
OverDrive, Inc.
216-573-6886 x218
dburleigh@OverDrive.com

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