Wisconsin's Digital Library hit an astonishing 2 million overall checkouts in September (http://
dbooks.wplc.info), placing Wisconsin among the highest level of users in the U.S.
This collection of audiobooks, eBooks, music and video distributed through OverDrive is available to
all library patrons in Wisconsin through the cooperative efforts of the state's 17 library systems and their
387 member public libraries. Responding to the growing popularity of electronic books (e-books), all the
library systems are participating in a statewide program to purchase $1 million in new content in 2012 for
the Wisconsin Digital Library.
Checkouts since 2005 reached 1 million last summer, and with circulation increasing 69% in the past year,
the millionth checkout for 2012, and the next milestone of 1 million checkouts in a single year is expected
around the end of September. The Wisconsin collection has consistently been the third highest circulating
out of thousands of OverDrive partners, with steady growth and checkouts surpassing the famous New
York Public Library as well as similar large state consortiums like the Ohio eBook Project and Tennessee
READS.
How library eBooks work
Library users with a valid library card are able to download e-books and audiobooks directly to their
mobile e-book readers and MP3 players, in addition to downloading to their computers. Titles will
automatically expire at the end of the lending period. There are no late fees.
About the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium
The Wisconsin Public Library Consortium (WPLC) was created in 2000 among Wisconsin public libraries
and Wisconsin public library systems to provide all Wisconsin citizens with access to a collection of
electronically published materials. These may be accessed from home, work or school, or from any library
in the Consortium. http://www.wplc.info/ Funding for the collection comes from public library systems,
library contributions, and LSTA grants from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
About OverDrive
OverDrive is a leading full-service digital distributor of e-books, audiobooks, music, and video. It delivers
secure management, DRM protection, and download fulfillment services for hundreds of publishers and
thousands of libraries, schools, and retailers serving millions of end users. OverDrive has been named
to the EContent 100 as a company that matters most in the digital content industry. Founded in 1986,
OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio. http://www.overdrive.com
Patron comments
I love to be able to download audio books. Keep up the good work! -- Nancy, from Winding Rivers
My son is going to love this .... He's a struggling reader BUT will read on the iPad. -- Sue, from Eastern Shores
I love the digital library and recommend it to everyone. -- Bob, from Wisconsin Valley
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