Mid-Columbia Libraries’ Instant Digital Card Enables Benton, Franklin, and Adams County Residents to Read Popular eBooks and eAudiobooks for Free

In this digital age, readers have many choices on where to get books, but time, ease of access, and cost are important considerations for most. Fortunately, libraries have an easy solution. Residents of Benton, Franklin, and parts of Adams counties can instantly sign up for a Mid-Columbia Libraries (MCL) digital library card if they don’t already have a library card and begin borrowing popular eBooks, eAudiobooks, and eMagazines in about 30 seconds using only their cell phone number. To sign up for this Instant Digital Card, community members can visit the library’s website or download Libby, the award-winning one-tap reading app from OverDrive.

“Especially now, while our physical branches are closed, the instant digital card is a wonderful way to stay engaged with reading and your library,” says MCL Executive Director and Chief Librarian Kyle Cox. “We’ve seen our digital check outs soar, and we’re continuing to add to our digital collection regularly.”

By entering their cell phone number via the MCL website or Libby, a secure verification service connects the user’s name and phone number to a physical address. If that address is within MCL’s service area of Benton (except City of Richland), Franklin, or parts of Adams counties, users can instantly begin borrowing thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines for free from the library’s digital collection. The new customer’s cell phone number doubles as their card number allowing access to MCL’s OverDrive-powered digital titles.

Named one of PCMag’s Best Free Software of 2019 and one of Popular Mechanics’ 20 Best Apps of the 2010s, Libby seamlessly connects first-time users and experienced readers with the popular digital collection of MCL. This tailored collection offers eBooks and audiobooks including bestsellers and new releases in a variety of topics. Readers of all ages can select from virtually every subject ranging from mystery, romance, children’s, business and more. In addition, MCL offers top-selling magazines that are available with no wait lists or holds.

This service is compatible with all major computers and devices, iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phones and tablets and Chromebook™. Through Libby, readers can also “send to Kindle®.” 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 sign up for an Instant Digital Card and enjoy eBooks, audiobooks and more, visit https://midcolumbialibraries.overdrive.com/ or download Libby today.