Working closely with many of the 20,000 public libraries in its network, OverDrive met with library executives to understand the urgent nature of the challenges facing them. In spite of building closures, libraries sought cost-effective solutions to continue serving their communities with vital resources. In response, the company donated ebooks and audiobooks to meet the spike in demand, created tools for libraries to promote their services, stepped up virtual programs that connected readers and provided other valuable services.

During the peak of the Black Lives Matter protests and calls for social justice, OverDrive donated no-cost ebooks and audiobooks to more than 19,000 public libraries worldwide including Black Lives Matter and Own Voices & Diversity Books for Students. Plus, OverDrive created the Diverse Reads Reading Challenge, filling the void of connection brought on by the pandemic and encouraging patrons to read more broadly and discuss the books with others. The challenge was raised to read an ebook or audiobook that features a POC main character, LGBTQ+ main character, written by a black author or features an historical event.

OverDrive provided helpful tools such as free marketing kits for libraries, a webinar on how to promote the digital library during the pandemic, social media graphics and additional training for library staff as needed. In order to provide new opportunities for virtual connections, OverDrive provided simultaneous use access to select titles for programs like Big Library Read, the largest global digital book club. Through this popular program, libraries and their patrons around the world can connect virtually and discuss the latest book club title.

With physical locations closed for several months, our digital collection became even more important in connecting readers with books, supporting families with home learning resources, and serving our community,” said Kady Ferris, Electronic Content Librarian at Multnomah County Library. “In the past year, we’ve seen unprecedented demand for digital resources across multiple languages, learning materials, and anti-racist titles. OverDrive stepped up to help libraries meet the demand by providing unlimited access to hundreds of e-books and audiobooks for free. Thanks to this support and OverDrive’s curated collection tools, Multnomah County Library checked out a record-breaking 4.3 million e-books and audiobooks in 2020.

Because of the high demand for ebooks and the incredible efforts of librarians, OverDrive has seen a massive spike in digital reading on its reading app Libby. Since the start of the pandemic, OverDrive has seen a 42% year-over-year increase in digital book checkouts. Last year, a record 102 public library systems from around the world empowered readers to borrow over 1 million ebooks and audiobooks from their digital collections. This represents the most systems ever to reach this milestone through OverDrive. Contributing factors include increased digital book usage due to the pandemic, elevated interest in social justice titles and BIPOC authors and strong circulation growth for children’s and young adult titles because of remote learning.

Noteworthy achievements include Toronto Public Library attaining the highest number of checkouts in OverDrive history for the 8^th time (8 million) and Los Angeles Public Library earning the title of #1 library system in the U.S. for the second year in a row. The complete list of Million Checkout Club libraries can be found here.

Through Libby, users have free access with a valid library card to ebooks, audiobooks, comic books, magazines, cookbooks and more from their local library. To begin borrowing from your local library, download the Libby app from the App Store or Google Play. For more information, visit www.overdrive.com.

About OverDrive
OverDrive strives to create “a world enlightened by reading.” Serving a growing network of 65,000 libraries and schools in 84 countries, OverDrive delivers the industry’s largest digital catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and other content through award-winning apps. The Libby reading app for libraries is one of Popular Mechanics’ 20 Best Apps of the Decade, while the student reading app Sora is one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2019. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA and was named a Certified B Corp in 2017.

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Maybe I am the last one to hop on the library card train, but I am willing to bet there are many of you out there that have yet to sign up for one. I cannot stress enough how this simple decision changed my life in a variety of different ways and I bet it could change yours as well!

However, I feel as though I must explain myself first and detail why it has taken me 24 long library-cardless years before reaching this momentous realisation. I am a collector – always have been and always will be. I love collecting post cards, maps, brochures, and especially…books. I loved finishing a book and placing it in its new home on the shelf amongst the countless others. It was gratifying and filled me with immense joy as it still does! However, as I am sure many of you do, spend entirely way too much money at bookstores. Even secondhand bookstores take a large amount of hard-earned money out of my pocket on a monthly basis.

I needed a cheaper way to enjoy my favourite hobby – consuming copious amounts of literature.

That’s when it dawned on me – GO TO THE LIBRARY. I have lived in the same city most of my adult life and the library is right down the road. I pass it 4-5 times every week. However, I am the hole-in-the-wall coffee shop kind of guy. I usually frequent the same two coffee shops to read and study, and purchase any new novels from either Barnes & Noble or my local second-hand bookstore. But, like I said, I needed a cheaper way to read. So, yesterday, I visited my local library and a whole new world opened up to me. A world that not only consisted of books, but so much more than I could have imagined. Check out the 5 ways in which getting a library card changed my life.

Endless Audiobooks

For those of you who have not utilised this medium for reading, I assure you you’re missing out. Audiobooks are perfect for when you’re on the go whether it be driving, jogging, cooking, or simply relaxing. They allow you the chance to read whenever, wherever, and you might just stumble upon some that have different voiceovers for each character. The downside of audiobooks – they’re super expensive. A subscription to Audible will cost you around $14.95 a month alone! If only there were a service that allowed you to borrow audiobook titles for free…oh wait there is!

Most public libraries have a database full of audiobooks that you can borrow for free! I am currently listening to “We Were Liars” and I am in absolute love. I have listened to it on my commute to work, running in the park, and cooking dinner, which has made all those monotonous tasks far more enjoyable. This reason within itself is more than enough cause to get a library card RIGHT NOW!

More Appreciation For My Bookshelf

Like I stated before, I love to collect things and books are my golden ticket items. However, when I started inspecting my shelves stacked with books I haven’t glanced at in years, I thought to myself, “there are a lot of titles here that I will probably never pick up again”. And it’s true, many of those novels will never see daylight again because I simply have no interest in re-reading them.

Now I have committed to only buying books that have either made a dramatic impact on my life, or that I know I will pick up again someday. My library card has allowed me to be pickier about what I choose to put on my personal bookshelf and I know that whatever goes on it, means a great deal to me.

Saving Money

The most obvious reason for obtaining a library card – the amount of money you can save! During a good month, I was spending right around $25-30 USD on new and/or used books. Now, I expect that number to decrease dramatically, as I only plan to buy books that I fall absolutely in love with from here on out. Plus, I now have access to audiobooks, which saves me another $14.95 if I were to have an Audible subscription. And, it just keeps getting better! Most libraries a stocked full of TV shows and movies (see reason 4), so say goodbye to paying $3.00 for a movie on Amazon!

Say Goodbye To Streaming

For about 2 months now I have been contemplating whether to buy the Game of Thrones series for me and my family to binge watch together. On Amazon, you can usually find the first season used for about $20, while the following seasons get progressively more expensive. However, when I visited the library yesterday, they had the first 5 SEASONS available to check out! Not only that, but they had a vast array of movies and television series that you could checkout…for free! Of course, I went into this relationship with the library hoping to save some money on books, but now I am getting Game of Thrones out of it too!

New Hangout

I told you before that I was a coffee shop/local bookstore guy, and I am. I love the smell, the atmosphere, and the cosiness. It’s my home away from home. However, there are times when it’s all too much. Pretentious hipsters talking too loudly and baristas clattering coffee mugs trying to make the perfect espresso that will never be ‘just right’ for the customer. It can be distracting and hard to focus. The library – not so much.

It is eerily quiet all the time, allowing you to have peace and headspace while you are reading, studying, or browsing for your next book or movie (until the second-grade field trip arrives). There is always an open table or couch for you to create your own reading/study nook, and I promise you that you will not be interrupted by unwelcome noises. The library is definitely my new hangout.

So, there you have it, the five ways in which the library has changed my life for the better. I am sure more will present themselves as I spend more time within its magical walls, but getting a library card has had a positive impact thus far. I am look forward to all the doors that it will open!

Why are you still reading?! Go get your own library card!

What do you love about libraries? Tell us in the comments below!

The post 5 Reasons To Go Get A Library Card ASAP appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

I’ve had the same library card since I was a little kid and I love it because it gives me access to my local library system, and by this point it has a lot of sentimental value. But it isn’t very visually appealing, however, there are some incredible library card designs in this world, so we’ve found 25 library cards from around the world that you will have serious envy for!

Hamilton City Libraries, Hamilton, New Zealand
I’m going as a knowledge ninja next Halloween. (Photo: Hamilton City Libraries)

Central Libraries, Jyväskylä, Finland
The geometric designs are so cool!  They remind me of origami, and now I want origami animals as my primary décor. (Photo: Central Libraries)

Laurea Library, Vantaa, Finland
This one is just fun. There’s some land, some sea, and some space. There’s also what looks like a bird challenging a comet to a fight in the top right-hand corner. (Photo: Laurea Library)

Southwark Libraries, London, UK
Borges was an Argentine author who travelled extensively in Europe during his young adulthood. According to his autobiographical notes, Borges’ family had a massive library in their home, and Borges later said, “…if I were asked to name the chief event in my life, I should say my father’s library.” Also, bonus points to any library that gives you a separate little card for your keys! (Photo: The Guardian)

Calgary Public Library, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
These cards from Calgary Public Library have a great range of designs, and I especially like the bold graphics in some of them! (Photo: Calgary Public Library)

New York Public Library, New York, New York, USA
NYPL’s lion logo implies something distinguished and stately. In fact, the main branch of the library, located in the Bryant Park area of New York City, is listed on the US National Register of Historic Places. (Photos: New York Public Library)

Austin Public Library, Austin, Texas, USA
Austin has recently become known as a great place for young people, due to its lively arts and music scene, as well as its delicious food and many festivals. This card captures the modern, upbeat feel of the city. (Photo: Austin Public Library)

Seattle Public Library, Seattle, Washington, USA
These cards from Seattle Public Library feature four of the city’s landmarks: the Central Library on Fourth Avenue, the Space Needle, Mount Rainier, and Pike Place Market. (Photos: Seattle Public Library, bookpatrol.net)

Fullerton Public Library, Fullerton, California, USA
It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what is so appealing about this one, but there’s definitely something.  Maybe it’s the light bulb that is obviously about to burst with ideas. Maybe it’s the worm, who seems to be the light bulb’s lab partner, getting excited about whatever ideas the light bulb has. Maybe it’s both. Whatever it is, I love it. (Photo: Fullerton Public Library)

San Rafael Public Library, San Rafael, California, USA
This card is made out of bamboo instead of plastic! According to the San Rafael Public Library’s website, the card was changed to bamboo “to promote the City of San Rafael’s goals to create a greener environment.” (Photo: Twitter @grovemade)

Hartford Public Library, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
These are like little inspirational quotes you can carry around in your wallet instead of getting them off the Instagram account of someone who does MLM. But seriously, there’s a good variety of sayings here, and the colours are pleasant. (Photo: Tumblr @librarianista-blog)

Edmonton Public Library, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
These are similar to the ones above, but I didn’t like one better than the other, so they both made the list. (Photo: iworkatapubliclibrary.com)

Auckland Council Libraries, Auckland, New Zealand
I think my new favourite animal is the hammerhead shark. Look at that smile! That shark is clearly loving life. That bee is looking a little sinister, but maybe it’s just excited. The bird is clearly in a good mood, and the monster thing seems to be holding the key to knowledge.  Bravo, New Zealand. Bravo. (Photo: EDENZ Colleges)

Moreton Bay Region Libraries, Queensland, Australia
This card features Hairy Maclary and Scarface Claw. Hairy is a dog created by New Zealand author Lynley Dodd and is the protagonist in over 20 Hairy Maclary books. Scarface Claw, as is apparent by his name, is a tough cat who fears very little. He appears in several of the Hairy Maclary books. (Photo: Moreton Bay Region Libraries)

Oakland Public Library, Oakland, California, USA
Oakland Public Library’s card is adorable. It reminds me of The Secret Garden and To Kill a Mockingbird. The fonts are also striking and quite pleasant. (Photo: Oakland Public Library)

Palos Verdes Library District, Rolling Hills Estates, California, USA
Did you notice that the spines of these books make up an Albert Einstein quote? “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.” (Photo: Palos Verdes Library District)

San Jose Public Library, San Jose, California, USA
The shark is reading “Huckleberry Fin”! Get it? (Photo: San Jose Public Library)

San Francisco Public Library, San Francisco, California, USA
All of these colourful designs are quite San Francisco Chic, if you will. The top left design is an awesome shout out to the city’s hippie days. (Photo: San Francisco Unified School District)

Troy Public Library, Troy, Michigan, USA
Who doesn’t love Snoopy? Even if this card is meant for kids (and I haven’t found evidence either way), I still want it. (Photo: Lynn Skye)

Whitby Public Library, Whitby, Ontario, Canada
These varied designs ensure that there is something for everyone here. I love the ode to Canada that is the top left card. (Photo: The Guardian)

Greater Victoria Public Library, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
This looks like the cosiest, most wonderful library in the world, and I can imagine living in an adorable little apartment on top of it (if they’d let me). (Photo: Greater Victoria Public Library)

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Libraries, London, UK
This looks like a crime scene file and it’s extremely intriguing. According to The Guardian, this one of Kensington and Chelsea Libraries’ 11 different designs to choose from. “This is one of two cards featuring graffiti,” says Guardian contributor Jamie McKittrick, “showing how the borough has sloughed off its hoary image and is now bodaciously down with the kids.” (Photo: The Guardian)

Brooklyn Public Library, New York, New York, USA
“And now,” cried Max, “let the wild rumpus start!” (Photo: actively-reading.squarespace.com)

Tulsa City-County Library, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
The font and the colour scheme on this are inviting and playful. Tulsa itself spans four different counties in Oklahoma, and this library system has 24 branches, 13 of which are in Tulsa. (Photo: farm9.staticflickr.com)

DeKalb County Public Library, Decatur, Georgia, USA
This was a limited-edition card from DeKalb County Public Library in Georgia. If you don’t know, Pete the Cat was created by James Dean (not the actor) and appears in over 60 stories, the first being Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. Here, he’s reading Of Mice and Men. Oh, Pete. (Photo: fundraising-ideas.org)

Any other great library cards you would add? Tell us in the comments below!

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As someone who has been working in the library industry for thirteen years now, it’s has become a passion and it’s something this writer absolutely adores. It’s now something that feels so natural, like being at home. Loads of people ask me ‘how can I become a librarian’ and my answer is always this… ‘it’s a lot of work, and often not what people expect.’

When you think of working in a library, the image that comes to mind is a kindly, somewhat dotty old lady wearing a knitted cardigan standing behind a desk stamping books with her date stamp. Working in a library these days is nothing like that. If you are wanting to be a librarian because, ‘OMG you must get to read all day’, think again. If I hear someone ask ‘you get paid to work here’ one more time, I may scream.

Libraries these days are fast paced, customer, and community focused hubs where technology and traditional mediums collide. Not only do we provide books, newspapers, magazines, talking books, and DVDs, but we now offer e-books, e-audio books, e-magazines, streaming services, printing and computer access, scanning services, programming such as story time and author events, workshops such as cooking classes, internet skills sessions, resume building, and more. You must think on your feet, provide accurate access to information in a speedy and friendly manner, and be able to deal with your community’s most needy as well as sometimes difficult customers.

This article is not to discourage you from entering the library industry, but to make sure you are aware of what you’re getting yourself into and some ways which may help you on that journey if you do really want it.

1. Do Your Research

– Jump online and check out any recent news articles about libraries, there’s heaps.

– Usually each state has a ‘state’ library which has been a major go-to for me… The State Library of Victoria is AMAZING.

– Check out Public Libraries Victoria Network, it’s an amazing network of librarians and library professionals who conduct research, professional development, and more. Australian Library and Information Association is an amazing wealth of library information. It has lists of current employment opportunities in Australia, information on accredited library courses, and more.

2. Drop By Your Local Library + Volunteer Your Time

– Enquire about their volunteer opportunities or if they have a “Friends of the Library” group or a Home Library Service.

– Many of our library’s current staff members all began as casual staff members who would replace the permanent staff when on leave. This is a great place to start if you want to get into the industry since casual work will get your foot in the door and will give you great experience.

3. Study + Get Experience

– If you are looking into studying to be a library technician/librarian as a qualified library technician, I urge you to only complete an ALIA accredited course. These courses have been deemed the most relevant to libraries in Australia. Whilst completing your course, you’ll have the opportunity to complete placements within libraries, so make sure to make the most of this time. If you make a great impression during your placement, you’re more likely to be remembered.

4. Know Your Local Library

Every library service has a website. You can easily find out so much information about programs, events, and happenings in your local library. The more you know, the more interested you will present to potential employers.

Working in a library is this librarian’s dream job. It’s not easy, you will face challenges and be stretched to the limit. But it is fun, you will face something different every day and you will be surrounded by books all day long (which is such an occupational hazard, I have so many library books at home). If you are up for a challenge and for a job which is a bit left of field, this librarian / writer urges you to jump in and explore!

You won’t regret it!

Do you love your local library? Or do you work in a library? Tell us in the comments below!

The post So, You Want To Work In A Library? appeared first on The Nerd Daily.

His library was a fine dark place bricked with books, so anything could happen there and always did. All you had to do was pull a book from the shelf and open it and suddenly the darkness was not so dark anymore. – Ray Bradbury, Farewell Summer.

To ask, “what is a library?” may be a question which gains nothing but confused looks and sniggers from those within hearing distance. Why, the answer is simple, isn’t it? A library is just a building like many others and inside that building books are kept. These books are available to be read free of charge within the library itself or taken out on loan to be read elsewhere until eventually being returned to its original shelf. Yes?

No. A library is so much more than that simplistic and mundane description. A library is a place in which every book lover may find solace. It is a haven in which books are kept and protected, waiting for the moment in which a curious individual chooses to pick them up and allow the book to transport them to whichever time, place, or other world that exists within its pages…

So how and when did the idea of such a place come into existence? If you look closely, libraries have existed throughout history in many shapes and forms, from temples filled with clay tablets and hieroglyphics to small book collections kept in monasteries, to the existence of public and even national libraries. They all serve the purpose of storing and providing access to official and legal records, historical and religious documents, and books of fact and fiction alike. By examining the history of libraries, we can see that they have existed almost for as long as humankind itself and holds significance to most—if not all—of the individuals alive today. Even within the modern world, libraries are available to the public in many forms, ranging from public libraries to academic libraries and even mobile libraries which essentially bring the books to you!

What is it, then, that makes libraries so popular? What makes them popular as to allow them to remain in existence and even to progress to a state in which books come to us, rather than the public having to travel to a library in pursuit of a good read?

Libraries now allow for a multitude of books to be accessible to the public ranging from all sorts of subject matters—books of facts, autobiographies, biographies, fictional works, graphic novels, and comic books… These can all be found under the roof of your nearest library. Of course, books are not all that can be found there. Throughout time, libraries have advanced and expanded their own horizons as to keep up with the times in which we live. Computers, e-books, audiobooks, and even amenities such as a café and public toilets can be found within the vicinity, allowing for individuals to spend hours upon end within the library. The best part of it all is that it’s free—aside from the café, of course!

The atmosphere of the library itself is something that is cherished by its visitors; the comforting silence which descends once you’ve entered the building, broken only by the sound of turning pages, computer keys being tapped away at ,and the hushed whispers of those excited readers conversing with one another. This topped with the friendly and comforting greetings given by the librarians themselves and the support, encouragement, and guidance which they provide further aid in making visitors feel welcome to both stay and return in the future. However, the amenities, atmosphere, and company aren’t the only things which makes going to a library worthwhile. Many libraries also hold events as well to attract more publicity and to give their visitors and readers a chance to interact with one another and sometimes even the beloved authors of their favourite books—as though libraries couldn’t get anymore incredible!

Furthermore, a library not only is special because of what it provides, but because of what else can be gained from it. Upon entering a library, there is an overwhelming sense of community and belonging which can be felt. A silent recognition between the individuals inside the building that each of them hold a mutual respect for the library’s rules and the library itself. Alas with these modern libraries being accessible to individuals of all ages it is understandable that, at times, us library-goers may take them for granted. The library acts as a second home to book lovers and with that comes the blissful ignorance at just how special the buildings and what they provide are.

Perhaps you are one of those who have fallen into the unfortunately inevitable habit of entering a library, grabbing the books you want and leaving in a hurry to read them in the comfort of your own home… If this is the case, then why not take a few moments the next time you are visiting your local library to stop and observe. Look around at the others seated with their eyes plastered to the pages of books, the shelves filled with endless opportunities to venture to somewhere new and admire just how majestic and wondrous the library truly is!

What do you love about libraries? Tell us in the comments below!

The post For The Love Of Our Libraries appeared first on The Nerd Daily.