Led by North America, library and school partners reach millions of new readers and drive sales

LONDON — March 13, 2017 — The trend in digital reading continues to grow as OverDrive saw eBook and audiobook sales dramatically increase to their institutional channels in 2016. OverDrive supplies and enables more than 90 percent of public libraries in North America and that strong commitment is driving the double-digit digital book sale increase year over year. Publishers can take advantage of this fueled growth as there is a demand for a broad catalog of eBooks and audiobooks in all subjects. OverDrive’s network consists of 36,000 libraries, schools, corporate knowledge centers and government accounts in 63 countries.

At the London Book Fair, March 14-16, OverDrive’s global expansion is providing one of the hottest opportunities for publishers. With new channel partners launching in Europe, Asia and Latin America, digital book sales will continue to grow as readers want popular content (both native and translated) in international languages, especially in Spanish, Chinese, Russian and French.
“We are providing publishers strong double-digit growth from our channels as well as opening up new markets for their titles,” said Steve Rosato, International Business Development Executive for OverDrive. “This is a tremendous opportunity for book sales and buyers.”

In the past six months, OverDrive added publishers such as Sonolibro (Spain), Penguin Random House UK Audio, Van Schaik Publishers (South Africa), Sonia Draga Publishing House (Poland) and many more to its growing catalog of more than 5,000 publishers. Now offering content in 101 languages, OverDrive is helping publishers meet demand and reach millions of new readers in the United States and across the globe.

The increase in popularity of eBooks and audiobooks in public libraries and schools has been fueled by significant increases in a variety of subject areas as well as new digital initiatives. Children’s and Juvenile eBooks and audiobooks grew 19 percent in 2016, and non-English titles (39 percent) and Self-Published (102 percent) experienced similar gains.

As a result of this continued growth, the value of libraries as a powerful marketing tool has hit an all-time high. This increased exposure and buzz includes libraries building engaging campaigns around digital Book Clubs with dedicated websites, organized group discussions and even special author appearances. Community programs such as One Book, One New York, Together We Read (Australia and New Zealand, Canada and UK), National Library of Singapore: National Reading Movement and CityRead London now capitalize on the value and convenience of digital. In April, readers can borrow the CityRead London featured title, Prophecy from their local library.

For more information about the sales growth of eBooks and data about digital Book Club successes in 2016, visit OverDrive at stand 3B51 at the London Book Fair in Olympia, London March 14-16, 2017.

About OverDrive
OverDrive is the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools.  We are dedicated to “a world enlightened by reading” by delivering the industry’s largest catalog of eBooks, audiobooks and other digital media to a growing network of 36,000 libraries and schools in 63 countries worldwide.  Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA and owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten.  www.overdrive.com

Contact:
David Burleigh
Director of Marketing
dburleigh@overdrive.com

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