Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Harris County Public Library (HCPL) and Houston Public Library (HPL) are joining forces to share the love with e-book fans across the Houston area. With a combined service population of over 4.5 million people, the two library powerhouses are linking their popular OverDrive digital collections, allowing patrons to borrow any available items using the Libby app with an existing or new library card from either library system. 

Although the OverDrive collections will remain separate, this partnership simplifies the user experience by offering seamless browsing and access to more than 600,000 e-books and downloadable audiobooks. “HPL and HCPL share many of the same customers, so sharing OverDrive will make it easier for everyone to access a wider variety of digital content. Simplifying the process of finding and checking out books is a win for the community,” said Patrick Atkins, Deputy Assistant Director of Library Materials Services & Training at HPL.

This collaboration is made possible by OverDrive, the chief supplier of digital content for both library systems. OverDrive serves over 92,000 libraries worldwide, including public, school, college, and academic libraries across 115 countries. The rise in digital checkouts has been remarkable, fueled by the growing use of smartphones—96% of Americans own one—and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. HCPL was the first library in Texas to circulate more than a million e-books in 2016. Last year, HCPL and HPL together circulated a staggering total of 12 million digital materials.

“The cooperative agreement between Harris County Public Library and Houston Public Library both acknowledges the changes in many patrons' reading habits and library use. It ensures broader and more equitable access for all. Both libraries are committed to refining and redefining public libraries for the twenty-first century and beyond.  "We are dedicated to building partnerships and expanding robust digital collections that ensure equitable access to knowledge and resources for all. Our commitment goes beyond simply providing digital materials; it is about creating opportunities for learning, growth, and enrichment that empower individuals and strengthen our community," said Amber Seely, HCPL's Division Director of Collections and Technical Services.”

Visit HCPL or HPL to learn more about the cooperative agreement and discover how you can benefit from expanded digital offerings.