The Athens Regional Library System announces that patrons can now access a large portion of the its collection of ebooks and audiobooks all in one place in a new, easy-to-use app through the Palace Project, funded by Georgia Public Library Service.
The Palace Project consolidates collections of ebooks and audiobooks through an easy-to-use app that aggregates and delivers content from most providers. With the support of Lyrasis and the Digital Public Library of America, The Palace Project advocates with publishers for licensing models and competitive pricing that better fit the needs of libraries.
Georgia Public Library Service provided initial funding of nearly $575,000, which allowed the 45 library systems that opted in to curate a shared collection, as well as half a million dollars toward the establishment of a statewide multilingualebook collection for children in pre-k to fourth grade. Participating libraries can now offer their patrons streamlined access to ebooks and audiobooks from Libby, eRead Kids, and more through the Palace Project app. Additional access to thousands of GALILEO-provided ebooks is coming later this fall.
“Utilizing the Palace Project through Georgia Public Library Service funding not only enhances access to our statewide collection of ebooks and audiobooks, but it also significantly alleviates the financial strain libraries experience when acquiring digital content, particularly for smaller library systems,” said Vice Chancellor for Archives and Libraries and State Librarian Julie Walker.
ARLS patrons can access more of the library’s digital collection through the Palace Project app on their preferred mobile device or tablet, available for download from the Apple or Google Play stores. On the Palace app, patrons can search for Athens Regional Library System and access materials using their library card number and PIN.
The Palace Project consolidates most of the ARLS digital collections. However, Libby eMagazines and Hoopla will continue to be accessed exclusively through their own apps. Access to all individual collections (Libby, Hoopla, eRead Kids, GALILEO, etc.) through their normal apps and portals will not be affected by the addition of the Palace Project.
The Palace Project offers additional unique content to ARLSpatrons, including thousands of multilingual children’s titles and exclusive Amazon and Audible titles. Library cardholders experiencing long wait times for high-demand titles in other platforms can also take advantage of additional copies available through the Palace app.
The collection of ebooks and audiobooks available through the Palace Project app joins the growing number of digital materials made available to all Georgia public libraries from Georgia Public Library Service through the eRead Georgia collection, including eRead Kids, a collection of more than 40,000 ebooks and audiobooks for children from pre-K to fourth grade, available at all 407 public libraries in the state, and, coming soon, both scholarly and pleasure reading ebook titles available through GALILEO.
For more information, visit athenslibrary.org or georgialibraries.org/eread-georgia
About The Athens Regional Library System
The Athens Regional Library System consists of 11 branch locations, located within 5 counties in Northeast Georgia. The mission of the Athens Regional Library System is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that empowers individuals and communities by providing resources that encourage discovery, imagination, and lifelong learning.
About The Palace Project
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. The Palace Project is a program of Lyrasis, 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.
About Georgia Public Library Service
Georgia Public Library Service empowers libraries to improve the lives of all Georgians by encouraging reading, literacy, and education through the continuing support and improvement of our public libraries. Georgia Public Library Service provides a broad range of consulting services and technical assistance to libraries, such as resource sharing, outreach support and long-term facilities planning. www.georgialibraries.org