Sacramento readers checked out record number of digital books last year. These were most popular

Sacramento Public Library saw a record-breaking two million digital book checkouts in 2019, reflecting the growing appetite for e-books and audiobooks among local readers.

Sacramento library card holders can borrow up to 35 ebook or audiobooks using several apps on their smartphone or tablet, such as OverDrive or Hoopla. Titles automatically expire at the end of the borrowing period, so there are no late fees.

“Providing access to e-books and audiobooks is important to Sacramento Public Library — now more than ever,” said Matt Hill, the library’s e-resources supervisor in a statement.

“These numbers show that our patrons are embracing the availability of e-books at their fingertips. With phone in-hand, they always have the library with them.”

Library officials said reader interest and usage in digital books has been growing every year since the system started introducing them to its collection.

Over the last five years, more than 37 million library items have circulated throughout the Sacramento Public Library system — including books, DVDs, audiobooks and more.

“Back in the ’90s when e-books were coming, people thought, ‘Well, libraries aren’t going to stay in business anymore because no one is going to want to come in and check out a book,’ ” Lisa Dale, the library’s public services manager, told The Sacramento Bee last year. “But they still are in 2019.”

The top 5 e-books in 2019

The most popular e-books borrowed through the Sacramento Public Library system last year were:

1. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama

2. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens

3. “Educated” by Tara Westover

4. “Crazy Rich Asians” by Kevin Kwan

5. “Nine Perfect Strangers” by Liane Moriarty

The top 5 audiobooks in 2019

The most popular audiobooks borrowed through the Sacramento Public Library system last year were:

1. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama

2. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F---” by Mark Manson

3. “Educated” by Tara Weston

4. “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens

5. “You Are a Badass” by Jen Sincero

This story was originally published January 10, 2020 at 9:47 AM.