With your support, VPL can deliver the e-books and audiobooks your community needs.
Digital use has skyrocketed from 1 million to 5.7 million downloads each year over the past decade.
Buying digital publications costs the library up to five times more than buying physical books.
You can help VPL bridge this gap with a gift to grow digital collections.
Your gift today makes it possible for thousands of people to find respite, inspiration, and joy in reading.
Your donation to VPL’s digital collections will:
- Reduce wait times for popular reads.
- Make reading accessible for all, by adding formats that are friendly to every kind of reader.
- Add titles to the collection so that everyone can find the learning and inspiration they need.
YES, I want to grow VPL's digital collections and keep reading accessible for ALL!
Curious why digital copies cost the library more?
Licensing agreements mean that the library has to pay for book access either by a set time limit or by number of downloads. VPL is not able to own the title outright. These agreements make offering digital books to community members cost up to 5 times more than a physical book.
Libraries across North America, including VPL, are advocating to change this and make digital collections more affordable to libraries. You can read more here:
CBC – Heightened demand for e-books is increasing costs for Vancouver libraries
CBC – E-borrowing exceeds print at Vancouver libraries — can it keep up with the cost?
CBC – ‘Astronomical’ hold queues on year’s top e-books frustrate readers, libraries
Until then, VPL is relying on caring community members like you to help offer the high-quality, accessible digital collections people love.