Public libraries have increasingly loaned digital content in the past ten years. Worldwide, libraries that do business with Overdrive loaned 739 million audiobooks, e-books, and digital magazines in 2024, a 17% increase over 2023. A record 192 library systems, consortia, and school libraries reached over one million digital checkouts, and over 30 library systems and consortia … [Read more...] about Libraries loaned out 739 million audiobooks and e-books in 2024
Digital Library News
Telegram Suspends Accounts of Z Library and Anna’s Archive
The popular messaging service Telegram announced it has suspended the accounts of shadow library metasearch engines Z Library and Anna's Archive citing copyright infringement. When active, Z Library had a huge follower base which grew to more than 630,000 subscribers over time. Subscribers has access to the latest news and developments related to the shadow library via the … [Read more...] about Telegram Suspends Accounts of Z Library and Anna’s Archive
Lawrence Hill Defends Teacher in Book Censorship Controversy
The recent paid suspension of Heather Hamilton, an English teacher from the Catholic school board in London, Ontario, for teaching Lawrence Hill's novel The Book of Negroes has reignited a heated debate about the role of sensitive language in education. The controversy stems from the School Board’s policy against including educational materials containing the N-word on required … [Read more...] about Lawrence Hill Defends Teacher in Book Censorship Controversy
Overdrive had a rare outage with Libby and Audiobooks
Throughout the past couple of years, Overdrive went all in on Libby. This was their first mobile app that replaced the Overdrive Media Console. The app is only available for smartphones and tablets since that is where the users are. The company had a rare outage yesterday and today for viewing cover images of e-books, and users were utterly unable to listen to audiobooks … [Read more...] about Overdrive had a rare outage with Libby and Audiobooks
A Library’s Role in Reconciliation Through Letters to Santa
As the holiday season approaches, Anastasia Shawnoo, head librarian at the Kettle and Stony Point First Nations Library, has turned a cherished Christmas tradition into a powerful tool for cultural revitalization. The library's innovative Letters to Santa program, disrupted by the Canada Post strike, invites children to write to Santa Claus in Anishinaabemowin, their native … [Read more...] about A Library’s Role in Reconciliation Through Letters to Santa
Z Library – The Robin Hood of Students in Distress
Z Library is one of the largest shadow libraries in the world, offering free access to content that otherwise would have cost hundreds of dollars. This makes the site an essential resource for many for whom the library serves as a vital foundation on which to build their future career. It might be okay for the casual visitor or maybe even avid readers who can have all the books … [Read more...] about Z Library – The Robin Hood of Students in Distress
Overdrive has entered the publishing business
School libraries are under increasing pressure. However, research shows that schools with dedicated librarians see significant improvements in reading proficiency and academic performance. As digital resources expand, libraries are more than places to borrow books; they are essential for providing equitable access to information and technology, ensuring that all students can … [Read more...] about Overdrive has entered the publishing business
Libraries are starting to decrease the number of holds on ebooks
Libraries are feeling the pinch of audiobook and ebook lending, especially for the largest branches. This has resulted in dozens of libraries to lower the number of titles a user can make. Earlier in the year, Seattle Public Library lowered the number of holds from 25 to 10. This past week, the Toronto Public Library has lowered the maximum number of holds that a reader can … [Read more...] about Libraries are starting to decrease the number of holds on ebooks
Internet Archive Loses Appeal Over e-Book Lending Rights
The court has ruled against the Internet Archive terming its operations to be against the interest of the publishers, The Verge reported. The Second Circuit Court of Appeals stated that Internet Archive has been lending out e-books without permission from the publishers which is clearly in violation of existing laws. The court said allowing the organization to function would … [Read more...] about Internet Archive Loses Appeal Over e-Book Lending Rights
What features should you look for in an E-Reader?
After Labor Day in North America, the internet is flooded with new products and holiday sales. Retailers worldwide are preparing for the last quarter of the year, with technology taking center stage. This includes video games, digital watches, virtual reality headsets, and mobile devices. Finding products that best suit your needs can be daunting with the choices available. … [Read more...] about What features should you look for in an E-Reader?
Z Library Clone Site Leads to Biggest Data Theft Ever
Here is what is being considered the biggest exposure from digital piracy ever to be recorded in cyber history. The details of almost 10 million users have been exposed in the dark web which supersedes the previous biggest recorded data heist that affected 1.5 million users. Not only the scale of the data piracy is huge but what is also amazing is the manner the scrupulous … [Read more...] about Z Library Clone Site Leads to Biggest Data Theft Ever
London Libraries Launch a New Reading App
Image credit: Libraries Connected The London Libraries network has developed a “Couch to 5k”-style reading app, “ReadOn”, and the app also includes a library map and goal-building features to incentivise reading. Developed by librarians from London Libraries, “ReadOn” uses curated recommendations, reading challenges, interactive quizzes and personalised reading plans to … [Read more...] about London Libraries Launch a New Reading App
Anna’s Archive Faces Legal Battle and Millions in Damages
Anna’s Archive, a controversial meta-search engine known for accessing pirated books and materials from shadow libraries, is embroiled in a significant legal dispute.Founded shortly after a U.S. crackdown on Z-Library in fall 2022, Anna’s Archive quickly became a go-to site for accessing free copyrighted content. Last year, as TorrentFreak reported, the site expanded by … [Read more...] about Anna’s Archive Faces Legal Battle and Millions in Damages
Amazon Kindle e-readers cannot access Overdrive Books anymore
The Amazon Kindle content system is currently experiencing significant technical issues, causing inconvenience and frustration for users. For instance, users have been unable to open new books purchased from the Kindle bookstore, and books already in their library, but not downloaded locally, are inaccessible. The Send to Kindle system has been malfunctioning for three weeks, … [Read more...] about Amazon Kindle e-readers cannot access Overdrive Books anymore