POUGHKEEPSIE … Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino is excited to partner with the Dutchess County Library Association to expand the eBook and audiobook collection available across all 22 libraries in Dutchess County with a $12,000 Agency Partner Grant to give residents greater access to digital titles.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Libraries are a central part of our communities, opening doors to learning, comfort, and connection. The popularity of digital titles helps expand these connections, but are a costly challenge for our local libraries. I am thrilled to partner with the Dutchess County Library Association to help offset some of these costs and expand their collections—giving our neighbors more flexible opportunities to read, learn, and feel connected, wherever they are.”
eBooks and audiobooks continue to become more and more popular for book lovers, offering flexible options for busy schedules and accessible formats that accommodate different reading preferences and needs. However, eBooks and audiobooks create new challenges for local libraries as they are much more costly compared to print copies. To provide digital titles, the Dutchess County Library Association uses Libby, as user-friendly app. Under the Libby model, libraries must purchase special licensing to allow them to lend to multiple users. These licenses must be renewed periodically, or after a set number of checkouts, and ultimately cost libraries three to four times more than print editions of the same book. These higher costs can often limit the number of digital titles offered, leading to longer waiting times and reduced access for residents seeking high-demand titles.
With the Agency Partner Grant, County Executive Sue Serino is helping expand DCLA’s digital collection, increasing access to hundreds of new titles. Current titles are available at https://mhls.overdrive.com/ or by downloading the Libby app from the Apple or Google Play app store. A valid library card is required to sign in and access book titles within the Dutchess County library system.
Carol Bancroft, President of the Dutchess County Library Association said, “We are grateful to County Executive Serino and the County for providing the funding that makes the expansion of our digital collection possible. Their support is a meaningful and important step toward meeting the growing needs of our community and ensuring that everyone can access our titles that fits naturally into their lives”
