Top 40 public library system worldwide in total digital circulation
Pierce County Library System announced that they achieved a record-breaking one million digital book checkouts in 2019. This accomplishment illustrates the continued growth and importance of library lending of ebooks and audiobooks along with the creative ways the library has served its community with digital services. Pierce County Library System is one of 73 systems around the world – including standalone libraries and consortia – that surpassed one million checkouts through Rakuten OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform and its award-winning app Libby. (complete list here https://company.overdrive.com/2020/01/06/73-library-systems-surpass-1-million-digital-checkouts-in-2019/).
“Wow—this is truly impressive—way to read, Pierce County residents!” said Pierce County Library Executive Director Georgia Lomax. “We are definitely a community of readers and our on-the-go lifestyle pairs well with audiobooks and easy-access to e-books. People here enjoy reading and being a part of the million digital book checkout club sure shows it.”
Pierce County Library System has been providing readers 24/7 access to ebooks and audiobooks for several years. Reader interest and usage has grown every year, reflecting popular trends and interests both locally and across the country.
In 2019, the highest-circulating title across both formats that Pierce County Library System readers borrowed through OverDrive was The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah. The top-circulating genre, romance, represents the most popular in a vast catalog that also includes mystery, thrillers and children/young adult.
The top 5 ebook titles borrowed through Pierce County Library System’s digital collection in 2019:
- The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
- Educated by Tara Westover
- There There by Tommy Orange
- The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The top 5 audiobook titles borrowed through Pierce County Library System’s digital collection in 2019:
- The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
- Becoming by Michelle Obama
- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling
- Educated by Tara Westover
Named one of Popular Mechanics’ 20 Best Apps of the 2010s and one of PCMag’s Best Free Software of 2019, Libby seamlessly connects first-time users and experienced readers with the popular digital collections of libraries. Readers may browse the library’s digital collection, instantly borrow titles and start reading or listening for free with a valid library card.
Readers in Pierce County just need a valid library card to access digital books from Pierce County Library System’s OverDrive-powered digital collection. Readers can use any major device, including iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ and Windows®. With Libby, readers can also “send to Kindle®” devices and apps [US only]. All titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period and there are no late fees. Readers can also download titles onto Libby for offline use.
Visit https://piercecounty.overdrive.com/ or download the Libby app to get started and borrow ebooks and audiobooks anytime, anywhere.
About Pierce County Library System
The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 603,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services. The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from 1.1 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials.
Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools.
Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place.
Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.
– Pierce County Library
