Edmonton Public Library Sees Surge in Book Holds Across Formats

The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is experiencing a significant increase in holds for its collection, with some titles generating hundreds of requests. As of November 25, 2023, the library reports a notable demand for both physical and digital books, reflecting the diverse reading preferences of the community.

According to Beth Kilfoy, the collection librarian at EPL, the library aims for a hold ratio of five requests for every one copy available. This typically results in a wait time of approximately three to five months for popular titles. The most sought-after physical books include Dog Man: Big Jim Believes by Dav Pilkey, which has 796 holds, followed closely by Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper by Jeff Kinney, with 594 holds. Other notable titles in the top list feature works by renowned authors such as Dan Brown and Virginia Roberts Giuffre.

Kilfoy expressed enthusiasm about the prominence of children’s fiction in the library’s hold statistics. “Children’s materials circulate super well in our collection,” she stated. “We love seeing kids reading, because starting reading young really helps to make a really engaged and lifelong learner.”

Shifting towards digital formats, EPL has recorded over 10.8 million digital holds and more than 22.9 million digital loans throughout its history. In just November 2023 alone, there were over 5,100 holds for digital books. The library provides a live feed of hold circulations for its OverDrive/Libby collection, allowing patrons to stay updated on popular titles.

Among the top eBooks, readers are gravitating towards works by Colleen Hoover and Mel Robbins, while the audiobook category shows a preference for non-fiction, reflecting a broader trend in audio content consumption. Kilfoy noted the rising interest in audiobooks, stating that this format has gained traction, especially during the pandemic when access to physical books was limited.

The leading audiobooks on hold include titles by Jonathan Haidt and James Clear, along with several popular fiction authors like Emily Henry and Taylor Jenkins Reid. Kilfoy pointed out that the audiobook list tends to include more non-fiction, contrasting with the eBook trends.

Overall, the data collected highlights a robust interest in various reading formats at the Edmonton Public Library. As the library continues to adapt to changing reader preferences, it remains a vital resource for the community, offering thousands of options for both reading and listening.