Delaware libraries celebrate 1 million eMedia checkouts

If you’ve clicked “download” on eBooks or eAudiobooks from a Delaware library, you are one of the thousands of Delawareans who have collectively checked out more than 1 million eMedia titles in just four years, since the service began in December 2011.

Interest in eMedia remains strong and continues to grow with annual checkouts increasing 30 percent over the previous year, and on Dec. 28, 1,384 eBooks were downloaded in a single day – a new record. There are now over 30,000 titles in the digital collection, and on average, 34,000 eMedia titles are checked out from Delaware Libraries each month.

Delaware Libraries annually receive more than 6 million visits in person and online, and invest in resources, both print and digital, to serve all Delawareans.

“Providing eBooks, eMagazines, and streaming video available for loan demonstrates our commitment to supporting library collections in all formats as they evolve,” said Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock.  Patrons new to the service can find their first eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines, and streaming video by selecting “eMedia” from http://delawarelibraries.org. Help is available online or in person at local libraries.

“Delaware libraries offer an unbeatable value: free checkout of eBooks and eAudiobooks through the statewide online Delaware Library Catalog,” said State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman.  “We encourage all Delawareans to try out the latest collections, and help us reach our new goal of 1 million downloads per year!”

Library Friends groups throughout the state are supporting the eMedia collection. Library patrons may also invest in the purchase of additional eBooks by joining their local Friends groups and/or by making tax- deductible contributions to the Delaware Libraries eBook account at the Delaware Community Foundation here.