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“This is about ensuring that as readers’ habits change, our public libraries continue to offer people across the state a phenomenal selection of books,” said Leone. “E-books are the present and future of reading, and I want to thank the governor for supporting this initiative that will provide for easy access and affordable pricing of e-books for our residents.”
Gov. Dannel Malloy said, “As the role of libraries changes, it’s critical that we continue to provide invaluable resources that support the educational advancement of Connecticut citizens in a digital age."
A Department of Consumer Protection study released in January 2014 found that the vast majority of state libraries were offering at least some e-books, but that the most popular titles were often unavailable or only available at prices well above the consumer price.
To increase the availability of e-books, the General Assembly passed legislation in 2014 authorizing the State Library to create and maintain a state platform for the distribution of e-books to public libraries.
Alice Knapp, president of The Ferguson Library in Stamford, voiced her excitement that funding has been approved for the project.
“So far this fiscal year The Ferguson Library has seen an increase of 20 percent in e-book use. At the same time, it is anything but seamless," she said. "There are over three different providers, each with its own reading platform. I am so proud that Connecticut is developing a statewide e-book service, which will help ensure equity of access to e-books by all in Connecticut. I want to thank Governor Malloy, Senator Leone and the Stamford delegation for supporting this initiative.”
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