Schools join Public Libraries to create global reading groups with eBook and eAudiobook

 

Cleveland—September 18, 2013 – Today, more than 6,500 libraries and schools around the world are participating in the 2nd Big Library Read, a two-week program launched this week that enables millions of library patrons and students to simultaneously access and read a popular title. The selected title, “Nancy Clancy: Super Sleuth”, by Jane O’Connor, is available to be borrowed as a downloadable audiobook (MP3) as well as an eBook on virtually any device, via the browser-based OverDrive Read, Kindle (U.S. only) and EPUB formats.

Based on the success of the first Big Library Read in May, schools were invited for the first time to join public libraries to enjoy the benefits of no-cost, simultaneous access to a popular children’s eBook.  Also for the first time, the downloadable audiobook version will be available for simultaneous access.  The 2nd Big Library Read is off to a fast start:  The first two days saw thousands of checkouts of the title worldwide, circulating more than OverDrive’s top three most downloaded combined.  The program will conclude on September 30.

With support from OverDrive and HarperCollins Publishers, the Big Library Read will spur many global reading groups and generate worldwide interest in library lending of eBooks and audiobooks.  Industry observers also will watch closely how the broad discovery and engagement through public libraries will impact sales and author recognition.  Participating libraries and schools are featuring “Nancy Clancy: Super Sleuth” on their home pages for no cost during the pilot period. Readers will need a valid library card to check out the title.

In addition to ongoing Facebook and Twitter (#BigLibraryRead) conversations during the pilot, HarperCollins will host a live Facebook chat on September 24 with author Jane O’Connor. Ms. O’Connor has written more than 30 books for children, including the popular Fancy Nancy series.  The first book in the series, “Fancy Nancy,” remained on the New York Times bestseller list for 98 weeks.

Many of the largest library systems around the world are participating in the Big Library Read, as are a number of large school districts including Monroe #1 BOCES (NY), Mesquite ISD (TX), Seminole County Public Schools (FL), Santa Clara County Office of Education (CA) and the School District of Waukesha (WI).  Several schools outside the U.S. are also participating, including Hong Kong International School, Singapore American School, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (Canada) and Diocese of Wollongong (Australia).  In all, libraries and schools from 11 countries are participating in the 2nd Big Library Read.

To find a participating library or school, visit search.overdrive.com.

 

About OverDrive
OverDrive is a leading multichannel digital distributor of eBooks, digital audiobooks, music and video.  We supply a secure lending platform for 22,000 libraries, schools and retailers worldwide with support for all major computers and devices, including iPhone®, iPad®, Nook®, Android™ phones and tablets, and Kindle® (U.S. only).  Recent enhancements to OverDrive’s platform include multilingual user interface support, in-library touchscreen services for browsing and instant sampling of eBooks or audiobooks, and OverDrive Read, the company’s EPUB and HTML5 browser-based reading experience.

OverDrive has been named to the EContent 100 as a company that matters most in the digital content industry and is a member of the 2012 Technology Fast 500. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland. www.overdrive.com.

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

 

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