The OverDrive Million Checkout Club hits 58 members in 2017
Recently, we shared news about another record-setting year in digital reading as libraries and schools around the world circulated over a quarter of a billion titles through OverDrive in 2017. Libraries hit individual milestones as well, with 58 library systems surpassed 1 million eBook and audiobook checkouts in the calendar year. The libraries represented the U.S., Canada, Singapore and New Zealand, as readers worldwide continued the consistent growth of library digital lending.
Several libraries far exceeded one million checkouts, with five hitting two million, seven hitting three million and Toronto Public Library and Wisconsin Public Library Consortium surpassing four million digital titles borrowed. Additionally, nine libraries reached the million mark for the first time, which lead to 2017 beating the previous record of 49 libraries that were apart of the Million Checkout Club in 2016.
Several libraries achieved their success through innovative and engaging marketing campaigns:
- Sacramento Public Library introduced a new Instant Digital Card where new patrons use their cell number to access the collection in less than 30 seconds. Circulation also grew after consolidating the library’s eBook collection from another vendor to OverDrive to gain access to 20,000 additional titles compatible with Kindle® devices and apps.
- Austin Public Library created targeted web graphics in English and Spanish, increased the number of titles readers can borrow, and frequently updated curated lists for readers, often on a daily basis.
- National Library Board of Singapore created an immersive experience on two commuter trains in Hobbit and middle earth themes and included QR codes for riders to instantly borrow the eBook as part of a national reading movement. The library also launched the first Digital Business Library offering 24/7 instant access to 19,000 world-class eBooks and audiobooks covering the latest business trends such as business intelligence, data analytics and cybersecurity.
Here is the complete list of Million Checkout Club members for 2017:
Library Systems:
Consortia: