[[Notes: This press release template is intended to raise awareness that your library offers e-books, but also faces roadblocks to this service. If e-books are new or underutilized in your community, this may be a good choice for you.
We have included places to customize this text to your community, but you should change the draft headline or other text to meet your needs and local media guidelines for length.
Tips for working with media can be found in the Communications Handbook for Libraries.]]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Month Day, Year]
[Name of Library] Builds Digital Collections, Resources
[Add locally relevant subhead]
As the number of people reading e-books tops 20 percent, the [Name of Library] is expanding and raising awareness of its digital resources as part of its investment in readers. The library now offers [number of] e-book titles, including such popular titles as [popular title], and has seen rapid circulation growth since it began lending e-books in [year].
In fact, the [Name of Library] is part of a growing national trend, as the number of public libraries offering e-books has doubled over the past five years. More than 75 percent of libraries now offer no-fee access to e-books, according to the American Library Association. But a recent report from the Pew Internet Project found that more than 60 percent of people still don’t know if their library offers e-books.
“Our growing digital collections should be no secret in [name of town/city],” said [name of library representative.] “We know more people are powering up e-reading devices and logging online for e-books, news, and research help, and our library is committed to supporting a vibrant culture of reading and learning.”
The [name of library] helps readers find authors, and authors find readers. It does this by selecting locally relevant materials, and through [local examples, e.g., author readings, book clubs, recommendations for future reading] and other collaborations with authors and publishers. Libraries also are engaged in growing and supporting the next generations of readers – encouraging children and young adults to read for fun. [Provide local example(s) of how the library supports new readers]
Librarians also are helping people gain necessary skills to effectively access and use digital resources and tools. At the [name of library], this includes [provide local examples of ways that librarians are helping people use technology, such as tech petting zoos, computer or e-reader classes, etc.] “Our librarians are information experts that help people navigate online resources, build the confidence necessary for those new to the Internet to go online, and provide access for people who don’t have it otherwise,” said [library representative.]
While the [name of library] is working to ensure public access to information for all, the library system does face challenges. Some e-book bestsellers are greatly restricted or unavailable to most libraries for purchase. Of the e-books we can buy, the library price often is three or five times more than the consumer price, resulting in fewer copies for library readers to discover. These are profound issues – not just for libraries but also for authors (and even publishers) who want to connect with new readers.
The [name of library] encourages community members to visit the library, renew their library card or join a program or class. To learn more about our library’s services and tools, go to [library website].
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Contact:
INSERT YOUR NAME
TITLE
LIBRARY
LIBRARY CITY, STATE