Surrey Libraries had a record breaking year as readers checkout over 1 million digital books. Surrey Libraries loaned out a record-breaking 1.134 million items from its digital collection in 2023 (674,315 eBooks, 358,946 eAudiobooks, and 100,754 eMagazines). This milestone illustrates the continued growth and importance of lending out digital content as well as the Library’s success in serving all members of the community.

By DESIBUZZCanada Staff

SURREY – Surrey Libraries had a record breaking year as readers checkout over 1 million digital books.

Surrey Libraries loaned out a record-breaking 1.134 million items from its digital collection in 2023 (674,315 eBooks, 358,946 eAudiobooks, and 100,754 eMagazines). This milestone illustrates the continued growth and importance of lending out digital content as well as the Library’s success in serving all members of the community.

Surrey Libraries has been providing readers 24/7 access to eBooks and eAudiobooks since 2000 and for the last several years through the award-winning Libby app, created by OverDrive. Reader usage of eBooks and eAudiobooks surged since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, total checkouts from digital collections were just over 510,000 in 2019.

 “Seeing our community borrow over a million eBooks is amazing,” said Niki Penz, acting Director, Collections and Technology at Surrey Libraries. “It shows how much our community loves to read and learn, even in the digital age. Surrey Libraries is here to help everyone find their next favorite book, whether it’s on a shelf or online.”

The highest-circulating title Surrey Libraries readers borrowed in 2023 was Spare by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex. The top-circulating genre was romance, in a vast catalogue that also includes the most popular fiction, mystery, biographies, self-help and informational titles for readers of all ages and interests. 

Currently, over 16,000 library members access Surrey Libraries’ digital collection each month. Surrey Libraries offers over 110,000 titles in eBooks, eAudiobooks and digital magazines. Library staff are trained to assist patrons in using their smart devices and eReaders to easily access the online collection. Access to the digital collection is included with free library membership. Sign up today to become a library member at your local branch or online at https://www.surreylibraries.ca/get-library-card.

The top 5 eBook titles borrowed through Surrey Libraries’ digital collection in 2023:

1. Spare by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex

2. It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

3. Happy Place by Emily Henry

4. Book Lovers by Emily Henry

5. Verity by Colleen Hoover

The top 5 eAudiobook titles borrowed through Surrey Libraries’ digital collection in 2023:

1. Spare by  Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex

2. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling

3. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling

4. Atomic Habits by James Clear

5. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling