2020 saw a record number of readers worldwide turn to their public libraries' digital collections of ebooks and audiobooks, seeking information and entertainment they could enjoy safely at home. York County Public Library readers discovered and rediscovered our digital library offerings, especially our OverDrive Collection.
York County Public Library has been providing readers 24/7 access to ebooks and audiobooks since 2012 through OverDrive. New users and those who have used OverDrive and Libby for years, led to a record setting year at your Library with 88,256 checkouts in 2020. This is a 31.5% increase over 2019 checkouts. This significant growth was influenced by the pandemic, social justice and remote learning. The most significant genre growth in 2020 was children's and young adult fiction and nonfiction due to remote and hybrid learning.
"We'd like to thank the people in York County and surrounding areas for embracing ebooks and audiobooks," said York County Public Library Director Kevin Smith. "Our virtual library became the only library for citizens for many months during the pandemic."
2020 digital collection growth rates:
- Total digital checkouts: +31.5% over 2019
- Ebooks borrowed: +39% over 2019
- Audiobooks borrowed: +15% over 2019 (lower growth rate due to less commuting)
- Children/Young Adult genre checkouts: +75% over 2019
- Number of users: +17% over 2019
To begin borrowing ebooks and audiobooks from your Library, visit our OverDrive website or download the Libby app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. All you need to get started is your York County Public Library card.