Public libraries connecting readers through national digital reading event

New epic saga ebook now available for reading and social media discussion

CHICAGO – Readers nationwide are actively borrowing and discussing the next Libraries Transform Book Pick, the annual digital reading event that makes a featured ebook immediately available for free from public libraries. From September 14th to 28th, booklovers across the U.S. can borrow – without waitlists or holds – an ebook copy of the ambitious and masterfully wrought saga “Book of the Little Axe” by Lauren Francis-Sharma. With the award-winning Libby app and a valid library card, readers can download and read the ebook, then discuss via social media.

The Libraries Transform Book Pick, facilitated by the American Library Association and OverDrive, is designed to connect readers across the U.S. simultaneously with the selected ebook through their public libraries to generate conversation across communities. A book guide and other materials to help digital book clubs and readers foster conversation are also available. This year’s Book Pick program coincides with Library Card Sign-up Month, held each September to remind the public that a library card provides free access to extensive valuable resources. Community members use libraries for technology, media resources and educational programs that allow them to pursue their dreams and passions.

“’Book of the Little Axe’ has been selected as the Libraries Transform Book Pick and I couldn’t be more excited,” exclaimed author Lauren Francis-Sharma. “It is ultimately a story about family and the communities we choose, and it is incredibly befitting that you’ll be able to experience it as part of a larger community of literary lovers.”

The selection of “Book of the Little Axe” for this program was made in consultation with editors at Booklist. Donna Seaman, the Adult Books editor at Booklist, stated, “We chose ‘Book of the Little Axe’ by Lauren Francis-Sharma because it is a strikingly original and richly compelling historical novel which illuminates the roots of America’s dire systemic racism. Francis-Sharma’s profoundly relevant saga will surely inspire meaningful discussions.” “Book of the Little Axe” is published by Atlantic Monthly Press, an imprint of Grove Atlantic.

Join this national “digital book club” by downloading Libby from the Apple®, Android™ and Windows® app stores. Once installed, Libby helps users find their local public library and how to get a library card. Readers can then borrow “Book of the Little Axe” along with other ebooks and audiobooks in their local library’s digital collection.

The Libraries Transform Book Pick is a collaboration between Booklist, the book review magazine of the American Library Association; Libraries Transform, the American Library Association’s public awareness initiative; and OverDrive, ALA Library Champion and lead sponsor of Libraries Transform. For more information about the Libraries Transform Book Pick, please visit ilovelibraries.org/libraries-transform-book-pick. Readers can also follow the Libraries Transform Book Pick on ALA’s Facebook and Twitter and join the discussion on social media using the hashtag #LTBookPick.

About OverDrive
OverDrive is the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide. The company strives to create “a world enlightened by reading” by delivering the industry’s largest catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and other digital media to a growing network of 50,000 libraries and schools in 78 countries. OverDrive’s popular reading apps provide best-in-class user experience and tools for staff management: the Libby app for libraries is one of PCMag’s Best Free Software of 2019 and Popular Mechanics’ 20 Best Apps of the 2010s, while the student reading app Sora is one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2019. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA and was named a Certified B Corp in 2017. OverDrive was acquired by funds affiliated with global investment firm KKR in 2020. www.overdrive.com

About the American Library Association
The American Library Association is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.