In a bold response to the eBook revolution, Kent District Library will develop an exclusive OverDrive eBook Collection.  This collection, scheduled to be available this fall, will provide KDL cardholders access to over 14,000 new eBooks and eAudiobooks.  With the announcement that library eBooks will be accessible using the Amazon Kindle later this year, KDL has taken a proactive step to increase the availability and quantity of its digital media to meet the anticipated demand.

KDL eBook downloads increased 193 percent from 2009 to 2010. Year-to-date 2011 statistics reveal that KDL patrons have downloaded more eBooks thus far in 2011 than in 2009 and 2010 combined. The unprecedented increase in use of eBooks and eAudiobooks signifies a major shift in how library users access materials. As ownership of eBook readers, tablets, smartphones, and other such devices increases, Kent District Library aims to remain relevant by providing digital materials to meet patron expectations.

Currently, KDL patrons can access eBooks and eAudiobooks through the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services, but must compete with patrons from 24 other libraries for a limited number of digital titles. With this change, KDL will provide cardholders with convenient access to eBooks and eAudiobooks directly from the KDL website.

States KDL Library Director, Lance Werner, “Moving to an exclusive eBook collection for our patrons continues KDL’s long tradition of being a library leader and will result in the development of a premier digital collection, unsurpassed by any public library in Michigan.”

For more information, please call 784-2007 or visit www.kdl.org.