What is OverDrive?
OverDrive is a mission-driven company that’s all about making digital content accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a book lover, a student, or just someone curious to explore new ideas, OverDrive connects you to millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines—all for free through your public library, school, or workplace. No fees, no subscriptions, just pure access. It’s like having a library in your pocket, anytime, anywhere.
Main Benefits of OverDrive
Here’s why OverDrive stands out:
- Access to the largest digital content catalog worldwide, serving over 92,000 libraries and schools in 115 countries.
- Free ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines available with just a library card or school login.
- Highly rated apps like Libby, Sora, Kanopy, and TeachingBooks that make reading and learning easy and fun.
- Certified B Corporation with a strong commitment to social and environmental responsibility, boasting a B Corp score of 93.
- Recognized with multiple industry awards including the 2021 President’s E Award for Exports and TIME’s Best Inventions of 2019.
OverDrive’s Popular Apps
OverDrive offers a suite of apps tailored to different audiences and needs. Libby is the go-to library reading app, perfect for anyone wanting to dive into ebooks and audiobooks. Sora is designed specifically for K-12 students, making school reading assignments and leisure reading a breeze. Kanopy streams thousands of movies for free, thanks to partnerships with public libraries and universities. And TeachingBooks brings children’s and teen books to life with enriching materials that enhance the reading experience. Each app is user-friendly and designed to keep readers engaged and connected.
Serving Diverse Markets
OverDrive’s reach goes beyond just public libraries. It serves a wide range of markets including K-12 schools, higher education institutions, businesses, law firms, and publishers. This broad approach ensures that digital content is available to learners, professionals, and readers across different environments. Whether it’s supporting academic libraries with scholarly resources or helping businesses create digital book collections for employees, OverDrive adapts to meet the unique needs of each community.
Empowering Communities Worldwide
At its core, OverDrive believes in equal access for all. The company’s mission is to empower communities by providing digital content that informs, educates, entertains, and advances lives. OverDrive’s platforms and collections support libraries and schools globally, helping people explore new ideas and enrich their lives. It’s about breaking down barriers and making knowledge and stories available to everyone, no matter where they are.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Quality Education (SDG 4) – Enhancing access to educational resources for students worldwide.
- Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10) – Providing equal access to digital content regardless of location or background.
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) – Supporting workforce development through business and professional collections.
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) – Leveraging innovative digital platforms to distribute content globally.
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) – Collaborating with libraries, schools, and organizations worldwide.
OverDrive’s Legacy and Recognition
Founded in 1986 by Steve Potash, OverDrive started with a vision to revolutionize how content is delivered. From digitizing law books on floppy disks to now offering the world’s largest digital content catalog, the company has come a long way. OverDrive’s apps inspire a “world enlightened by reading,” and its commitment to innovation and accessibility has earned it numerous accolades over the years. It’s not just about technology—it’s about creating a lasting impact on how people connect with knowledge and stories.
