Libraries and schools powered by OverDrive will begin lending J.K. Rowling’s popular series in eBook and digital audiobook formats at 12 noon ET today

 

Cleveland, Ohio – March 29, 2012 – Ever since the Harry Potter phenomenon cast a spell on readers worldwide, fans of J.K. Rowling’s groundbreaking series have been eager for the chance to check out the novels in digital format from libraries and schools. Now, library patrons and students worldwide can borrow and enjoy their favorite Harry Potter titles on all major eReading devices, thanks to an agreement between Pottermore—the online home of Harry Potter—and OverDrive, the leading eBook supplier to libraries and schools.  The seven-book series in eBook and digital audiobook format is now available to be added to the collections of more than 18,000 libraries and schools in more than 20 countries. Library patrons and students will be able to check out the titles beginning at 12 noon ET today.

To find a participating library or school in the OverDrive network or to launch a digital collection in your library or school, visit www.overdrive.com/harrypotter.  OverDrive enables libraries and schools to increase reading and literacy with access to Harry Potter and more than 700,000 eBooks, audiobooks, music and video across a full range of subjects.

“Harry Potter has had an unprecedented impact on multiple generations of readers,” said Karen Estrovich, collection development manager for OverDrive.  “Now that the stories are available for lending in digital formats, libraries and schools worldwide have a powerful new way to reach readers of all ages. Harry Potter eBooks and digital audiobooks have the potential to immerse a new wave of readers in J.K. Rowling’s captivating adventures and inspire a lifelong passion for books and reading.”

The Harry Potter collection will be available in EPUB eBook format (and Kindle in the U.S.) as well as MP3 audiobook format.  Initially available in English, additional versions will be available in French, Italian, German and Spanish soon. Readers can access this exciting content  on all major devices, including PC, Mac®, Sony® Reader, Kindle® (U.S. only), NOOK™, iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phones and tablets, BlackBerry®, and Windows® Phone.

About OverDrive
OverDrive is a leading multichannel digital distributor of eBooks, digital 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. overdrive.com

Contact:
David Burleigh
OverDrive, Inc.
+1 216-573-6886 x218
dburleigh@OverDrive.com

 

###