More Georgians are reading ebooks from their public library. Checkouts of ebooks from Georgia public libraries increased 12% in 2024, according to preliminary data. Libraries continue to expand their digital reading collections to meet patron needs and adapt to shifting reading trends.
All Georgia public libraries offer access to free ebooks and downloadable audiobooks through services such as The Palace Project, Libby, Hoopla, Tumblebooks, GALILEO, or other platforms. Patrons can reach out to their local library to learn what digital reading services are available.
Ebooks and downloadable audiobooks allow users to find their next read, conduct research, or explore new topics from the convenience of their homes, keeping those who can’t visit their library in person connected to a vast reading collection of over 700,000 ebooks and 30,000 digital audiobooks.
The complexities of providing ebooks
Libraries face a complex process to provide access to these digital materials.
Sarah Holmes, director of Catoosa County Library, says that offering ebooks involves navigating intricate agreements with publishers, dealing with various platforms, and managing changing pricing structures.
“There are a lot of rules and licensing surrounding ebooks. Our job is to make sure patrons can use their library cards to access relevant and timely available content,” she said.
The pandemic increased the need and demand for ebooks.
“The use of ebooks and digital audiobooks has rocketed in the last few years due to such factors as the pandemic and the closing of brick buildings for a time. The popularity also is due to an increased quantity of content,“ said J. Sara Paulk, director of Houston County Public Library.
Public libraries across the state have increased their budgets for electronic resources such as ebooks and downloadable audiobooks by 60% over the last five years, according to preliminary 2024 fiscal year data.
According to Beth McIntyre, director of Piedmont Regional Library System, it can be difficult for a library system to pay for a digital collection without broader financial assistance.
“For Piedmont Regional Library System, the average cost for a library of an ebook or audiobook is about $70, compared to $30 for a physical book. And many of the digital titles are only ‘on loan’ to libraries. Publishers dictate whether we can have a title in perpetuity, or only for a number of years, usually two, or only for a certain number of checkouts,” said McIntyre.
While more expensive, Georgia public libraries recognize the importance of investing in digital reading collections and have developed ways to ensure their patrons have free access.
For example, over 50 library systems are part of Georgia Download Destination (GADD), which provides shared access to over 100,000 titles for their patrons in a more cost-effective way, especially for smaller library systems.
This past summer, Georgia Public Library Service provided nearly $575,000 in initial funding to 45 library systems that opted into curating a shared collection through The Palace Project, which combines collections of ebooks and audiobooks using an easy-to-use app. GPLS also provided half a million dollars toward the establishment of a statewide, multilingual children’s collection.
“Utilizing The Palace Project through Georgia Public Library Service funding not only enhances access to our statewide collection of ebooks and audiobooks, but it also significantly alleviates the financial strain libraries experience when acquiring digital content, particularly for smaller library systems,” said Vice Chancellor for Archives and Libraries and State Librarian Julie Walker.
Libraries can access a wider variety of licensing terms for ebooks and downloadable audiobooks, including those that allow for permanent retention instead of rentals, through The Palace Project. These favorable licenses allow libraries to develop a longer-lasting collection.
“As librarians, we do our best to cultivate a safe space for learning and discovery, cultivating relationships, and building community.” – Sarah Holmes, director of Catoosa County Library
Books for all types of readers
Ebooks and audiobooks continue to complement the physical titles that patrons can check out at the library. According to preliminary data, in 2024 there were 22,372,988 physical checkouts across Georgia public libraries, compared to 4,010,248 ebook circulations and 4,242,182 audiobook circulations.
“Readers today have the option of choosing different formats based on their needs at specific times,” said Paulk. “Digital audiobooks can help new learners with pronunciation, while printed materials provide self-paced learning. Readers who always want to have the next book ready use ebooks to have multiple books in the queue.”
Libraries recognize the changes in reading trends and ensure their patrons continue to have access to reading materials, no matter what format they need.For example, Georgia Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (GLS) provides library services for individuals who are blind or whose physical abilities require the use of books and magazines in audio format or in braille.
Any Georgian with a reading disability is eligible for the GLS talking-book program.
Studies show that audiobooks can support and promote literacy, comprehension, and a love of reading in students with reading disabilities. GLS supports those with dyslexia by providing audiobooks and magazines that are easy to access. Patrons can instantly download titles, begin reading, and take the time they need to enjoy a book. There are no holds or delays in getting books and no fines in returning items after a due date. GLS does have an application process, and individuals are eligible if they have been diagnosed with a perceptual or reading disability that prevents them from reading regular print materials.
According to Holmes, providing digital reading materials is just one way libraries support their community’s needs.
“There is still a need for physical collections, not everyone has the ability to access digital collections, especially in more rural areas,” said Holmes. “And libraries are more than just books. As librarians, we do our best to cultivate a safe space for learning and discovery, cultivating relationships, and building community.”
Check out ebooks and audiobooks through apps like Libby or The Palace Project with your library card and PIN.
Find popular fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels, early readers, and more using a mobile device or tablet. Learn more: georgialibraries.org/eread-georgia
