Free Library Creates Spanish and World Languages eReading Rooms

The Free Library of Philadelphia has taken another step in digitizing reading by creating eReading rooms.

Readers can now enjoy Spanish and other world languages through ebooks and audio books through the library’s website and app. Library cardholders can browse digital books sectioned off from the rest of the catalog with all searches filtered and dedicated to Spanish and World Languages. Readers can find this on the library’s website and on Libby, the award-winning one-tap reading app from OverDrive.

“We are so excited to provide speakers of world languages more opportunities to engage with Free Library eResources by providing ebooks and audiobooks in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, French, Haitian Creole, and Arabic,” said Jamie Bowers, eResources Coordinator at Free Library of Philadelphia. “Now, more than ever before, it’s crucial that our patrons have access to digital resources in their home language, that they can access from anywhere, anytime.”

The library’s digital collection offers thousands of ebooks and audiobooks in a variety of genres for all ages. The eReading Room concept is based on the physical spaces in libraries that are designed specifically for patrons looking for Spanish and other non-English books. Since then, eReading Rooms have expanded to highlight materials with certain themes or formats and for select age levels. Within Libby, eReading Rooms are called “Guides” while the library’s website refers to them as “Collections.”

Readers may browse Free Library of Philadelphia’s full digital catalog of ebooks and audiobooks, instantly borrow titles and start reading or listening for free with a valid library card. This service is compatible with all major computers and devices. All titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period and there are no late fees. Readers can also download titles onto Libby for offline use.

To explore the library’s eReading Rooms of ebooks and audiobooks, visit https://freelibrary.overdrive.com/ or download the Libby app.