free ebooks overdrive quick start 2016We are serious about empowering young readers. To that end, we have launched a new initiative that will make hundreds of popular eBooks available to children for free. As part of OverDrive’s 30th anniversary and mission to create “a world enlightened by reading,” we are donating a collection of eBooks to up to 1,000 elementary schools. Teachers, administrators, librarians and other school officials can apply to receive the donation at their school through the end of the 2016-17 school year.

To promote reading, encourage digital learning and support literacy goals, OverDrive partnered with award-winning publishers including Lerner Publishing Group, Britannica Digital Learning, Open Road Integrated Media, Dawn Publications and ABDO. This donation consists of a premium collection of eBooks in a variety of subjects for young readers, including Read-Alongs, interactive titles that sync recorded narration with highlighted words as the narrator reads. These teacher-recommended eBooks include engaging titles such as A Promise is a Promise, The Mallory Series, Mr. Popper’s Penguins and Noisy Bug Sing-Along. The eBooks, from the K-5 QuickStart reading program, can be opened instantly in the browser with no app or downloads required. Students can read the same eBook at the same time in class, at home and everywhere, both online and offline.

“OverDrive is constantly championing literacy and expanding opportunities for students to read in the classroom, library and at home,” said Herb Miller, Director of Education at OverDrive. “The eBooks in this reading program enable students instant access to quality digital books, anytime and anywhere. It’s the perfect way to celebrate 30 years of our commitment to reading.”

The OverDrive eBook donation is open to Title 1-eligible pre-Kindergarten, elementary and middle schools serving students in pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade located in the United States and its territories. For more information and to apply for the donation, visit the QuickStart webpage.

For more information about the OverDrive Education service for schools, please visit overdrive.com/schools.