Harris County and Houston Public Libraries Partner to Expand eBook Access for Millions of Readers
In a major step toward enhancing digital accessibility, Harris County Public Library (HCPL) and Houston Public Library (HPL) have announced a reciprocal borrowing agreement that will give patrons expanded access to more than 600,000 eBooks and audiobooks through the Libby app.
This partnership, which links the OverDrive digital collections of both library systems, allows library cardholders from either system to borrow available digital materials from the other, seamlessly expanding the selection of online reading resources. The initiative is expected to benefit over 4.5 million residents in the Greater Houston area.
A Seamless Digital Library Experience for Houston-Area Readers
Although HCPL and HPL's OverDrive collections will remain separate, the collaboration ensures a simplified and more user-friendly digital borrowing experience. Readers can now browse and check out books from both collections without needing to create multiple accounts.
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“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," said Patrick Atkins, Deputy Assistant Director of Library Materials Services & Training at HPL. "Simplifying the process of finding and checking out books is a win for the community.”
A Response to Changing Reading Habits
The demand for digital library materials has surged in recent years, fueled by the widespread use of smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. According to OverDrive, which supplies digital content to more than 92,000 libraries across 115 countries, Houston-area readers are embracing the shift to digital at record levels.
In fact, HCPL was the first library in Texas to circulate more than a million eBooks in a single year back in 2016. In 2023 alone, HCPL and HPL users checked out a staggering 12 million digital materials, highlighting the growing need for accessible, high-quality digital collections.
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HCPL operates 27 branch libraries and circulates nearly 14 million items annually, ranking among the top 10 libraries worldwide for digital circulation. The system offers literacy programs, lifelong learning resources, and innovative technology services for the diverse communities of Harris County.
“The cooperative agreement between Harris County Public Library and Houston Public Library both acknowledges the changes in many patrons' reading habits and library use," said Amber Seely, HCPL's Division Director of Collections and Technical Services. "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."
Enhancing Digital Equity and Accessibility
Beyond simply increasing the number of available eBooks, this collaboration reflects a broader commitment to digital equity. As libraries continue to evolve in the digital age, partnerships like this one help ensure access to knowledge and resources for all residents, regardless of where they live or which library system they belong to.
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“Our commitment goes beyond simply providing digital materials," Seely added. "It is about creating opportunities for learning, growth, and enrichment that empower individuals and strengthen our community.”
How to Access the Expanded Collection
Library cardholders from either HCPL or HPL can now explore the expanded digital collection through the Libby app, available for smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. Those without a library card can sign up online through their respective library systems:
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Harris County Public Library: Visit HCPL Digital Media
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Houston Public Library: Visit HPL E-Media
Expanding Library Access for a Digital Generation
This historic partnership between HCPL and HPL marks a significant milestone in public library collaboration, bringing more reading, learning, and exploration opportunities to the Greater Houston area. As libraries continue to evolve to meet the needs of a digital-first generation, this agreement ensures that more residents than ever can access the knowledge and resources they need—anytime, anywhere.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
