More than 80,000 downloads from the West Sussex eLibrary in February
West Sussex residents are making the most of their West Sussex eLibrary service with an incredible 80,000 downloads in February 2021 – double the number of downloads in the same month last year!
The figures show that residents have welcomed the increased eLibrary offering from West Sussex Libraries, helping residents easily access ebooks, magazines and other materials during the pandemic.
February saw more than 80,000 downloads from the extensive eLibrary (including ebooks, eAudio, eMagazines and eComics) compared to 40,000 in February 2020 – a staggering 100% increase.
This is also reflected when comparing annually year on year, as ebook usage is up 235%, eAudio borrowing is up 100%, eMagazines are at 80% and eComics at a massive 500%.
Alongside the rising popularity in borrowing digitally, last week, West Sussex Libraries moved their eLibrary to the popular Libby app provided by Overdrive.
Libby is easy for first time users and offers a tailored collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks, including bestsellers and new releases on a variety of topics.
Readers of all ages can select from virtually every subject ranging from crime, romance, thrillers, children’s, business and more.
The service is compatible with all major computers and devices. Titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period and there are no overdue charges.
Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue and Communities, said: “Since the start of the pandemic, residents across the county have been discovering our eLibrary for the first time. Many have been downloading eBooks for their children, listening to audiobooks on their daily walks or saving themselves a trip to the newsagents and downloading magazines or newspapers.
“We quickly saw the increasing use in this service and decided to invest in providing many more titles that people can borrow digitally. We hope that the new Libby app makes the experience of reading or listening to items online even more enjoyable and the service can’t wait to hear how users are finding the experience.”
Libby’s eBook reader makes it easy to customise how you read. Users can adjust an eBook’s font size, book layout, and lighting. As they read, they can also add bookmarks, create notes and define words. It is intuitive, user-friendly and a great way to access the West Sussex eLibrary.
Find out more about how to download Libby at the West Sussex Library Service website www.westsussex.gov.uk/elibrary.
