As of August 5, 2024, Colorado eCard holders who do not live in the City and County of Denver will no longer be able to access OverDrive (Libby) through Denver Public Library. Permanent cardholders and Denver residents with eCards will still maintain full access to OverDrive.
Any Colorado resident is eligible to receive a permanent Denver Public Library card. Non-Denver eCard holders can visit any Denver Public Library location to receive a permanent library card and resume access to OverDrive (Libby). Non-Denver resident eCard holders will still be able to access most* other Denver Public Library online services like our databases and other resources. *Kanopy is available only to residents of the City/County of Denver.
While Denver Public Library makes accommodations for Denver residents who are unable to physically visit the library through our Home Services program, we are unable to offer these accommodations to those residing outside of our official service area.
We encourage eCard holders who reside outside of Denver and are unable to visit a Denver Public Library location to explore the eMedia options available through your local public library.
Why this change?
When Denver voters approved measure 2i in November 2022 establishing the DPL Fund, we made a commitment to Denver voters to reduce wait times for eBooks and Audio eBooks. As trusted stewards to the community, we made the change to ensure we stay true to our promise.
The Cost of Library eBooks
Consumer eBooks can be inexpensive, but libraries can pay up to 3-5+ times the cost of consumer pricing. The average price of a library eBook is $65+ and an eAudiobook is $100+. DPL pays less than $15 on average for a hardcover book.
Licensing vs. Ownership
When a library purchases an eBook, we are purchasing a license to that book. If we want more than one copy, we purchase additional licenses. It’s very much like purchasing multiple copies of a print book. The biggest difference is that most eBooks expire, usually within 1-2 years, and 26 checkouts, at which point we need to purchase more licenses if demand remains high. Compare this to a print book which can remain in the collection for years for future generations to enjoy.
The Challenge for Libraries
Kristin Hannah’s widely popular The Women demonstrates the challenge of funding eBook collections. To keep wait times reasonable, we need to purchase multiple licenses or “copies” of eBooks to meet demand. The book in print, while popular, has a much shorter holds queue so fewer copies are needed.
Small things can help the library save big money
- Put a hold on placing that hold. If you can wait on that new popular title, use a tag to save and organize books you want to read. The library won’t need to purchase as many copies for the waitlist if delay your request until demand dies down
- Return a book early when you are finished so the next person in line will get the book. Amazon Paperwhite users must also return the book on Amazon or the Amazon app
- If you don’t have time to read a book, suspend your holds or select deliver later so the checkout doesn't go to waste
- Read as many magazines as you like! Libraries pay one fee for all magazine access in Libby
Advocacy
Libraries across the U.S. and Canada are advocating for fair lending practices for libraries.