Front Range Downloadable Library Exceeds One Million Ebook and Audiobook Checkouts in 2022

Top 55 public library system worldwide in total digital circulation

BOULDER, Colo. – January 18, 2023 – Front Range Downloadable Library (FRDL) announced today that it reached a record-breaking one million digital book checkouts in 2022. For FRDL, with member libraries Boulder Public Library, Broomfield Public Library, Lafayette Public Library, Longmont Public Library, Louisville Public Library, Loveland Public Library and Westminster Public Library, this milestone illustrates the continued growth and importance of library digital lending of ebooks and audiobooks. FRDL is one of only 129 public library systems worldwide that surpassed one million checkouts in 2022.

FRDL member libraries have been providing readers 24/7 access to ebooks and audiobooks for over 15 years through the legacy OverDrive app and the current award-winning Libby app. Reader interest and usage has grown every year.

“The consortium members are delighted to join OverDrive’s ‘Million Checkout Club’,” said Gina Scioscia, Digital Resources Manager at FRDL. “We’re thankful we could provide digital content to patrons during the months of closures and shortened hours through the pandemic years. Many of our patrons were new to digital content during that time, but quickly adopted these formats to continue to enjoy their favorite authors and new releases. We’re also grateful for the Public Library CONNECT service that OverDrive offers which allows members to connect with their local schools and students. We’ve experienced double digit growth each year, but last year was one for the record books.”

The highest-circulating adult title FRDL readers borrowed in 2022 was Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty, and the highest circulating youth title was Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling.

Readers in Colorado just need a valid library card from a member library to access digital books from FRDL’s OverDrive-powered digital collection. Readers can use any major device, including Apple^(R), Android™, Chromebook™ and Kindle^(R) (U.S. only). Download the Libby app or visit https://frontrange.overdrive.com/ to get started borrowing ebooks and audiobooks anytime, anywhere.