GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio — “All lives can be improved with access to books and reading,” said Steve Potash, the Founder and CEO of OverDrive.
That belief is the heart of OverDrive’s mission, getting books into people’s hands or ears though digital devices. Inside the company’s world headquarters in Garfield Heights, a map constantly updates with real time check outs from libraries. Over 3 billion and counting.
“This all started as a company of software engineers here in Cleveland, who were looking for ways to imagine how access to media could be made accessible anytime and anywhere,” stated Potash.
OverDrive is a tech company, their app Libby, brings a catalog of over 5 million titles, right to your fingertips.
“Libby app is going to give you access to your local public library's entire collection of books for yourself, your family, and any interests you may have,” describes Potash.
Libby helps users find their local library, get a library card, and start reading or listening to favorite titles in minutes. For school libraries there is Sora, a student reading app. Cleveland Metropolitan School District, Shaker Heights, Massillon and others are already Sora users. OverDrive has seen a lot of growth through schools.
“We are entering a really exciting time where the science of reading is now opening up new opportunities to really connect each student with the content of a book in a way that might help them better learn,” Potash said.
To date, Overdrive serves 91,000 libraries and schools in 113 countries, including 90% of the public libraries in North America. Their latest endeavor? Streaming video with Kanopy, described as the Netflix for libraries.
“You can, at no cost, benefit from Academy Award winning films, films of every interest, documentaries, things for your children as well,” Potash said.
It all began when Potash was studying to be a lawyer to Cleveland State University. Looking at the large number of laws books, he knew there was a better way.
“I decided if I could digitize the law books and get them into an electronic format, it would be an opportunity to be more productive,” recalls Potash.
Evolving from floppy discs, to today’s an app, OverDrive has evolved into a leader in digital media. Now they are partnering with University Hospitals to tackle public health.
“We believe that if populations improve literacy at all ages,” said Potash. “It's going to help determine how well they can provide for themselves, their family, their career, and most important, their personal health.”
All from checking out a book, magazine, or graphic novel. Last year OverDrive circulated 555 million digital items. This year they are on pace to reach nearly 700 million.
“Whether it's text on the screen or audio in your earbuds or in your car, we are proudly providing content to help delight, educate and improve people's lives,” said Potash.
OverDrive is first to point out their success is due to the world class libraries, including Cleveland Public Library and the Cuyahoga County Libraries. If you want to check out the Libby app, it is a free download from the Apple App or Google Play stores.