OverDrive survey finds readers are using their library more because of eBooks

 

CLEVELAND— September 15, 2016 – Charge the tablet, download an eBook and set aside some “me” time in the comfy chair. International Read an eBook Day, an annual celebration to raise awareness for reading digitally, is set for Friday, September 16. More popular than ever, eBooks enable readers to take the stories and authors they love with them anytime, anywhere. A recent OverDrive study showed that eBook usage is growing, and new users are coming to the library because of the broad selection of titles and convenience of 24/7 access to digital books. International Read an eBook Day honors this digital shift in partnership with libraries across the world.

International Read an eBook Day is a celebration of modern storytelling. Readers around the globe are encouraged to take part in the largest digital reading event by borrowing eBooks from their local library. Throughout the day on Friday, September 16, readers will have a chance to win a tablet from OverDrive just by joining the conversation and sharing what they’re reading, stories about why they love eBooks or a picture of what they are reading by using the hashtag #eBookLove on either readanebookday.com, Facebook or Twitter. Participating readers will have a chance to win either an Android tablet or the new Kobo Aura ONE e-reader which has the OverDrive app built in for easy borrowing from the local library.

Public libraries in cities worldwide are helping to celebrate Read an eBook Day. Traditionally, libraries have served communities with reading materials of all kinds, and today it is one of the most significant places to discover and read eBooks and other digital content. Earlier this year a Pew Research report stated that public awareness of library eBooks has never been higher. Three out of every five adults now know that their library offers digital content, a significant increase from the 38 percent figure in 2015. A recent OverDrive survey also found that a large number of readers started using their library more because of this digital content. Public library customers have borrowed 136 million eBooks and audiobooks in 2016 (through August 31), a 24 percent increase over the same period in 2015.

International Read an eBook Day occurs during Library Card Sign-up Month, a time when the American Library Association and public libraries nationwide encourage every student to get the most important school supply of all – a free library card. Adults, of course, are encouraged as well. To sign up for a library card, visit your local library and begin borrowing popular digital titles immediately. To find your local library, visit www.overdrive.com.

With a smartphone, tablet or computer, eBooks connect readers to a world of literature whether sitting on their couch, on an airplane 30,000 feet in the air, and anywhere in between. eBooks save you space in your suitcase, can’t be lost or damaged and can be accessed at the click of a button. In addition to the space-saving benefits, you can customize your eBook reading experience by adjusting the font, colors and alignment. In fact, every eBook can be a large print book, especially convenient for visually challenged readers. If reading an eBook is new, today is the perfect time to try one out! Borrow a favorite book from your local library or something completely new and discover the joys of digital reading.

To participate in International Read an eBook Day, get reading suggestions or learn how to get started, visit www.readanebookday.com.

 

About OverDrive
OverDrive is the leading digital distribution platform, supplying the industry’s largest catalog of eBooks, audiobooks, streaming video and periodicals to 34,000 libraries, schools and retailers worldwide. We support all major computers and devices, including iOS®, Android™, Chromebook™ and Kindle® (U.S. only). OverDrive delivers all digital media on a single platform, and offers innovations such as OverDrive Read, the breakthrough EPUB and HTML5 browser-based reading experience, and Read-Along eBooks.  Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA and is owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten. For more information, visit www.overdrive.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and our blog.

Contact:

David Burleigh,

Director of Marketing & Communications

dburleigh@overdrive.com

216-573-6886 ext. 218

 

###