Digital Bookmobile Marks 10th Anniversary Celebrating Library Ebooks
National tour engages communities through public libraries' ebook and audiobook collections and services
CLEVELAND, Aug. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As the popularity of ebooks and audiobooks continues to grow, so has the high-tech Digital Bookmobile, celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. This traveling exhibit tours public libraries and schools throughout North America to promote their digital catalog of ebooks, audiobooks and other digital content to their communities. During its 10 years of operation, over 225,000 readers of all ages have been introduced to the seamless process of browsing and borrowing digital books through library apps including Libby, the award-winning one-tap reading app. The Digital Bookmobile is powered by OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools.
Beginning its journey on August 10, 2008 in New York City's Central Park, the Digital Bookmobile (DBM) has visited 48 states, 3 Canadian provinces, and traveled more than 200,000 miles to host 900 free public events. Fully ADA accessible and equipped with Gadget Gallery devices adjustable for height, the DBM provides all guests with a fun and informative interactive digital learning experience.
Hundreds of libraries and schools along with thousands of librarians have hosted Digital Bookmobile events and effectively connected with their communities. "So many patrons said they had their questions about our library answered," said Margo Burkhardt, staff member of West Chicago Public Library. "We were very glad that those who aren't versed in the digital experience were introduced to ebooks." Patty O'Connor, a staff member of Marysville Public Library, added that, "People thought it was a really cool vehicle. We heard a child on his way out excitedly telling his mom he was going to go home and download the Libby app right away."
During its 10-year run, the Digital Bookmobile has participated in unique events in all corners of North America. For example, Tulsa City-County (OK) Library's first Digital Festival hosted the DBM to illustrate their efforts in adapting to their customers' 21st century needs. Ashland Public Library's (OH) Touch-a-Truck event parked the DBM alongside different types of trucks such as an armor truck, bomb squad and landscaping truck. Carnitas & Taquizas, Quiroga De Laragoza, a local California business, served free tacos to patrons who explored the Digital Bookmobile at the Buena Park Library District event. Weatherford Public Library (OK) embraced the Digital Bookmobile with a large event featuring food trucks, giveaways, a local radio station's live show and a visit by the mayor of Weatherford.
To learn more about the Digital Bookmobile including photos, tour schedule and media coverage, visit https://digitalbookmobile.com
About the Digital Bookmobile
The 42-foot long Toterhome provides devices, internet connectivity and expert guidance to the local library's digital collection of ebooks and audiobooks. This traveling exhibit first launched in 2008 in Central Park, New York, and has since traveled more than 200,000 miles and welcomed 200,000 visitors at over 900 events. For images and more information, visit www.digitalbookmobile.com. To browse libraries, ebooks and more, visit www.overdrive.com.
About Rakuten OverDrive and Libby
Rakuten OverDrive is the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide. We are dedicated to "a world enlightened by reading" by delivering the industry's largest catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and other digital media to a growing network of 40,000 libraries and schools in 70 countries. Named one of Google Play's Best Apps of 2017, Libby is the "one-tap reading app" for libraries. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA and owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten. www.overdrive.com
Contact:
David Burleigh
Director of Marketing
[email protected]
SOURCE OverDrive
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