Digital Library Use Surged in Pasadena; Council Now Weighs a $2 Million Response

Pasadena readers are borrowing eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines in sharply rising numbers — and waiting in ever-longer lines to do it. The number of titles patrons are holding, or waiting for, jumped 80% to 33,229, according to library figures, even as the Central Library sits closed for retrofit.

To keep that digital collection running and growing, the Pasadena City Council will consider a sole-source contract with OverDrive, Inc. of up to $2 million at its Monday, July 20 meeting.

For local readers, the contract determines whether the library can maintain and expand the digital collection that more patrons use each year.

The growth is broad. Library figures show OverDrive checkouts rose from 52,511 in fiscal 2022 to 72,106 in fiscal 2026, a 37.32% increase, while unique users grew 68% over the same period, to 8,683. The staff report describes OverDrive as “one of its most heavily used digital services” and notes that demand has grown while branch space for physical collections remains limited.

The recommendation asks the council to authorize the city manager to sign a new agreement with OverDrive for the purchase of eBooks, eAudiobooks and related digital library services, for an initial three-year term with two optional one-year extensions — a total of up to five years — in an amount not to exceed $2 million.

The economics of digital lending also drive the ongoing cost. Unlike print books, the report notes, digital titles are often licensed for a limited period or number of borrowings — such as 24 months or 25 checkouts — so funding is needed not only to buy new titles but to maintain access to those already in demand.

The library spent $87,470.77 on eBooks and eAudiobooks in fiscal 2026, or about $1.21 per checkout; including the Libby Magazines platform, total spending was $104,970.77 against 98,748 checkouts, or about $1.06 per checkout.

Device compatibility further narrows the field. In fiscal 2026, 13,468 eBook checkouts — about 39% — were for Kindle, which the report says OverDrive is the only available platform to support.

The collection’s reach extends beyond individual patrons. Through OverDrive’s Sora platform, Pasadena Unified School District students can access the library’s digital collection using their student ID number, and the library offers 6,749 Libby magazine titles for unlimited simultaneous use.

Funding for fiscal 2027 would come from existing Library Books appropriations in the Library Services Fund, with later years handled through the annual budget.