Arkansas Digital Library Consortium reaches one million digital book checkouts in 2022

Little Rock, Arkansas – The record of one million digital book checkouts that was set in 2021 has been surpassed, according to the Arkansas Digital Library Consortium, which made the announcement on Wednesday.

In 2022, ADLC checked out more than 1.3 million eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital media to library patrons in more than 135 library locations across the state, according to a news release from the North Little Rock Public Library System.

The ADLC claims that these achievements demonstrate libraries’ continuous expansion and significance.

Arkansas Digital Library Consortium, one of 129 public library systems to achieve one million checkouts in 2022, is ranked #31 among all public library consortia in the world with 1.3 million checkouts.

“These numbers are impressive, but not at all surprising,” said Jennifer Chilcoat, Director of the Arkansas State Library. “Libraries in Arkansas do so much to meet their users where they are, providing resources that are not only valuable but also tailored to the needs and interests of each individual.”

According to a press release, the award-winning Libby app, the library reading app developed by OverDrive, has been used by ADLC member libraries for years to give readers 24/7 access to eBooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines. This app allows readers to search the collection of over 100,000 titles held by the ADLC and enjoy them on the device of their choice.

Every year, the utilization of the collection, which caters to readers of all ages and interests, has increased.

“Being a part of the consortium was a no-brainer. Libby makes it easy for our community to access such a wide range of books,” said Crystal Gates, Executive Director of the North Little Rock Public Library System, “We are happy to take suggestions and continue to help the ADLC collection grow!”

The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave was the most frequently borrowed book from the Arkansas Digital Library Consortium in 2022.

Romance is the most widely read genre, but there are many more, including mystery, fantasy, children’s/young adult, and more.