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Aimed at closing the digital equity gap, libraries each will receive a virtual library card service, over 15,000 ebook and audiobook titles, and analytics, technical support and staff training

ATLANTA, GA – July 26, 2022 - LYRASIS, a global nonprofit committed to increasing equitable access to knowledge, and The Palace Project, the nonprofit library-centered platform and ereader app for digital content, are pleased to announce a new pilot initiative to expand digital access to a group of 10 diverse libraries. The libraries are located across the US and the unincorporated US territory of American Samoa.

Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), this pilot project provides libraries free access to a collection of over 15,000 open access and licensed ebook and audiobook titles from The Palace Marketplace, Biblioboard and Palace Bookshelf. In addition, the program includes free Palace hosting, virtual library cards for patron use, technical support, staff training, and resources for patron outreach. Patrons will be able to access the titles through the Palace app on iOS and Android. The pilot will run for approximately 12 months, after which pilot participants will have the option to continue the service for a nominal fee.

“We are committed to supporting libraries in addressing the inequity of access to ebooks and helping them build and expand their digital footprint,” commented Michele Kimpton, Senior Director of The Palace Project. “This diverse group of libraries is serving urban and rural communities, as well as Native American and college populations. A number of them have very limited budgets, are in regions that are forced to close due to weather for extended periods, or are unable to operate on a full-time basis, and this will allow them to offer continuous access to digital content despite these challenges.”

Participating Libraries:

  • Feleti Barstow Public Library – Pago Pago, American Samoa
  • Bell County Public Library District – Middlesboro, Kentucky
  • Hopkinsville Christian County Public Library – Hopkinsville, Kentucky
  • Noble High School Paul Johnson Library – Maine
  • Mississippi Library Commission – Jackson, Mississippi
  • New Mexico State Library – Santa Fe, New Mexico
  • Killdeer Public Library – Killdeer, North Dakota
  • Maddock Community Library – Maddock, North Dakota
  • Sitting Bull College Library – Fort Yates, North Dakota
  • Twinsburg Public Library – Twinsburg, Ohio

Angela Leggate, Library Director of the Killdeer Public Library in North Dakota said, “Our annual collection budget is very limited, so this program will dramatically increase our offerings while making them accessible anytime and from anywhere. We are grateful to be selected for this amazing opportunity, it will enable our small community and surrounding towns and ranches to advance literacy and learning.”

Drawing on the long tradition of libraries as community centers of citizenship and engagement, The Palace Project name was chosen to highlight the central role libraries play in public life and the idea of public libraries as “Palaces for the People.” The Palace Project is a division of LYRASIS, working in strategic partnership with Digital Public Library of America (DPLA). DPLA’s ebook work is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

About The Palace Project

The Palace Project is a suite of content, services, and tools for the delivery of ebooks, audiobooks, and other digital media to benefit public libraries and their patrons. Funded by a multi-year, multi-million dollar investment from the Knight Foundation, The Palace Project is a division of LYRASIS, working in strategic partnership with Digital Public Library of America (DPLA). DPLA’s ebook work is supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

About LYRASIS

LYRASIS is a global, non-profit 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 organizational and staff values are communication, respect, collaboration, impact, and service. To learn more, visit www.lyrasis.org.

About Digital Public Library of America (DPLA)

Digital Public Library of America amplifies the value of libraries and cultural organizations as trusted sources of shared knowledge. DPLA fulfills its mission by collaborating with partners to accelerate the adoption of innovative tools and ideas to empower and equip libraries in making public information more accessible. To learn more, visit www.dp.la.

Media Contact:

Hollywood Agency
Roslyn Flaherty
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508-273-5171