Milestone for digital checkouts achieved through the award-winning Libby app
From STLS, pictured is the David A. Howe Library by photographer Mel Hunt
Painted Post, NY– July 1, 2025 – The Southern Tier Library System has exceeded a record-breaking two million digital ebook, audiobook, and magazine checkouts for the first time. This accomplishment illustrates the continued growth and importance of libraries to communities across the Southern Tier.
Public libraries, the cornerstones of their communities for hundreds of years, have evolved to accommodate the age of digital connectivity. Digital book lending is a convenient way for readers to discover – or rediscover – their local library’s programs and resources. The Southern Tier Library System has provided 24/7 access to ebooks and audiobooks since 2008 through OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide and creator of the award-winning reading app Libby.
“Digital access to books offers our patrons the flexibility and convenience to read anytime, anywhere. It’s just one of the many ways we’re working to make reading more accessible and enjoyable for everyone in our community.” – LeighAnn Rumsey, Director at the Dormann Library in Bath, NY.
The shared digital collection offers over 37,000 ebooks, audiobooks, and digital magazines, including bestsellers and new releases. Readers of all ages can select from virtually every genre, ranging from mystery and romance, to cookbooks and travel guides, tech and business guides, young adult and children’s titles, and so much more.
For those who are curious, the two millionth checkout was an ebook copy of Elin Hilderbrand’s “Five-Star Weekend”, a surprising and captivating story about friendship, love, and self-discovery set on Nantucket. Readers can find other titles by Hilderbrand, and many more summer reads, in the Libby app.
Named one of Popular Mechanics’ 20 Best Apps of the Decade, Libby seamlessly connects first-time users and experienced readers with the Southern Tier Library System’s digital collection. Readers may start reading or listening for free with a valid library card. Need a library card? Visit the Southern Tier Library System’s website (www.stls.org) to find your local library or to sign up for a digital library card from home.
To get started enjoying ebooks, audiobooks and more, download the Libby app or visit https://libbyapp.com/library/stls
About Southern Tier Library System
The Southern Tier Library System is a cooperative library system, chartered in 1958 to serve the public libraries in Allegany, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, and Yates Counties. Our 48 member libraries are independent and governed by local Boards of Trustees. Our mission is to connect, empower, and advocate for all Southern Tier public libraries.
