Atlanta, GA — Lyrasis and Blackstone Publishing are thrilled to announce a strategic partnership that aims to deliver top-tier audiobooks to library patrons. This collaboration introduces Blackstone Unlimited, which boasts the Largest Always-Available Collection of Adult and Children’s downloadable audiobooks, offering over 6,600 titles by acclaimed authors such as Karin Slaughter, M.C. Beaton, Jeneva Rose, Neil DeGrasse Tyson, Marshall Karp, and James Clavell. This collection will be available to libraries through The Palace Project, a library-driven platform and ereader app for digital content and services that supports the library’s role at the center of their community.
With audiobook usage outpacing many public library budgets, this partnership between Lyrasis and Blackstone Publishing intends to make more audiobooks available to public library patrons at an affordable cost for public libraries. Some key features of the collection include:
Instant Access, No Restrictions: Bid farewell to holds, wait lists, and restrictions. Library patrons can now enjoy a world of audiobooks without limits, ensuring a seamless and gratifying listening experience.
Diverse and Growing Catalog: With an ever-expanding collection, Blackstone Unlimited Audio offers a diverse array of genres and authors, ensuring that libraries can cater to the varied tastes of their patrons.
Renowned Authors at Your Fingertips: Dive into the captivating narratives of some of the world’s most renowned authors. Blackstone Unlimited Audio brings the works of literary giants directly to library shelves and digital platforms.
Affordable Fixed Flat Rate: Blackstone Unlimited Audio provides an affordable fixed flat rate, eliminating additional fees and making premium audiobooks accessible without straining library budgets.“We at Lyrasis are excited to partner with Blackstone Publishing to bring the Blackstone Unlimited audiobook collection to The Palace Project,” says Michael Atwood, Senior Director at Lyrasis. “This unique partnership highlights our joint commitment to increasing equitable and affordable access to econtent for libraries and their patrons.”
“Blackstone Unlimited represents a groundbreaking advancement for libraries and their patrons,” says Anne Fonteneau, Chief Sales Officer at Blackstone Publishing. “This strategic collaboration with Lyrasis underscores our dedication to delivering unparalleled access to top-tier audiobooks. We are committed to breaking down barriers, enabling diverse communities to delve into the expansive world of literature without constraints.”
Libraries interested in learning more about Blackstone Unlimited can contact libraryservices@blackstoneaudio.com.
About Lyrasis
Lyrasis is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to support enduring access to the world’s shared academic, scientific, and cultural heritage through leadership in open technologies, content services, digital solutions, and collaboration with archives, libraries, museums, and knowledge communities worldwide. Lyrasis’s organizational and staff values are communication, respect, collaboration, impact, and service.
About The Palace Project
The Palace Project, initially funded by a multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment from the Knight Foundation, is supported by Lyrasis in strategic partnership with the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA). The Palace Project’s vision is to strengthen the public library’s vital role as the digital center of the community with unique programs and software solutions.
About Blackstone Publishing
Blackstone has firmly positioned itself as one of America’s fastest-growing and respected publishing houses with multiple New York Times bestsellers, Grammy Award–winning audio productions, and books placed on the New York Times Best Books of the Year list. A truly independent, privately owned publisher, established in 1987 Blackstone is home to a vibrant and eclectic community of storytellers and story lovers, adding hundreds of new titles each month to its catalog of tens of thousands of books.