Why libraries keep coming back to Libby Reads
Since 2013, in alignment with our mission of providing accessible, high-quality digital content, OverDrive has hosted dozens of virtual global and regional reading programs that continue to help libraries engage readers, spark meaningful conversations, and expand access to great books.
From Big Library Read to Libby Reads
In 2025, we brought together our community reading initiatives under a single banner: Libby Reads. The rebrand united Big Library Read (our global book club) and Together We Read (our regional version) into one cohesive program, creating a streamlined experience for libraries and readers while preserving the core mission that has made the program successful for years.
The concept remains simple but powerful: readers around the world can borrow the same featured ebook or audiobook without wait lists or holds during the program period. Libraries gain access to a ready-made engagement opportunity, while patrons discover new authors and connect with fellow readers through shared experiences.
A Decade of Global Reading Success
Since the program launched as Big Library Read in 2013 with The Four Corners of the Sky, readers have embraced the opportunity to participate in a worldwide digital book club. Over the years, Libby Reads programs have generated over 5.6 million total checkouts across global and regional reading events, demonstrating the lasting appeal of community reading experiences in the digital age.
The program’s reach extends across thousands of library systems. In fact, 5,032 unique digital collections have participated in Libby Reads over the last decade, making it one of the most widely adopted digital reading programs available to libraries.
Why Libraries Participate
According to the second annual Everand State of Reading Report, Everand’s popular literary social media app, Fable, had 37 percent of their users participate in a book club in 2025. Additionally, Market Intelo’s Book Clubs Market Research Report states that digital platforms are fundamentally reshaping the book club market, “enabling geographic flexibility, real-time engagement, and scalable community building”, which is demonstrated by a 6.2% compound annual growth rate for online clubs, outpacing traditional in-person clubs at 2.1% growth.
“Book clubs are having a real moment right now, and that’s great news for libraries: it’s a demand you’re uniquely built to meet,” says OverDrive Chief Marketing Officer, Jen Leitman. “Libby Reads works because it removes the two things that usually get between a reader and a great book, a wait list and a price tag. We’ll continue to invest in it because you’ve shown us, year after year, that a shared book is one of the simplest and best ways to bring a community together.”
While the impact is great, library teams are understandably concerned with adding additional programming to their event calendars with limited budgets and time constraints. Libby Reads offers libraries a simple way to create meaningful patron engagement without adding significant workload for staff.
Ready-to-Use Marketing Resources
Every Libby Reads program includes a comprehensive marketing kit filled with customizable materials designed to help libraries promote participation. Libraries can access graphics, social media and press release templates, web assets, print materials, and other promotional resources that make outreach easy and effective, all available on the Resource Center. We also publish a blog post with programming recommendation and event updates, like this one that was recently published to promote the global Libby Reads program starting July 9, featuring I See You’ve Called in Dead by John Kenney.
Exclusive Author Events
Many Libby Reads selections are accompanied by free virtual author events, giving patrons the opportunity to hear directly from writers about their work, inspiration, and creative process. These events create memorable experiences that extend beyond the book itself and help deepen reader engagement.
Libraries can also revisit past conversations and share them with patrons through the Libby App YouTube channel, providing year-round access to author insights and book discussions.
“Thank you for continuing to host these livestreams,” said an anonymous Libby Reads participant after the live interview with Brandon Keim, author of Meet the Neighbors. “As someone who has a chronic illness and is homebound, this gives me access to something I wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.”
Register to attend Libby Reads LIVE with John Kenney on July 23
Built-In Community Engagement
Whether patrons join a live author event, participate in online discussions, or simply read alongside thousands of others around the world, Libby Reads fosters a sense of community that can be difficult to achieve through traditional lending alone.
A five-star Goodread review for The Storyteller’s Death (Big Library Read July 2025) said, “Wow, what a story. I had never heard of this book or author before and only picked this book up because it was the current Big Library Read. I’m so glad I did.”
The program gives libraries an opportunity to encourage discovery, promote digital collections, and create shared cultural experiences for readers of all backgrounds.
Reader Favorites Through the Years
Many Libby Reads selections have resonated strongly with readers, generating exceptional engagement during their featured runs.
Some of the most popular titles in program history include:
- Five Total Strangers by Natalie D. Richards
- Hotline by Dimitri Nasrallah
- A Girl in His Shadow by Audrey Blake
- Funny, You Don’t Look Autistic by Michael McCreary
These standout selections helped introduce thousands of readers to new authors and stories while generating some of the highest checkout numbers in the program’s history.
Join the Next Chapter
As Libby Reads continues to grow, libraries have even more opportunities to connect readers through shared digital reading experiences. Each program includes featured titles, marketing resources, engagement opportunities, and author events designed to help libraries maximize participation. Libraries interested in upcoming programs, patron-facing resources, and additional engagement materials can explore the latest and upcoming Libby Reads offerings on Libby Life.
Whether you’re a longtime participant dating back to the Big Library Read days or considering joining for the first time, Libby Reads offers a proven way to bring readers together—one book at a time.