Discontinuing Physical Audiobooks

As a reminder from our earlier announcement about the expansion of our e-book and digital audiobook collection through BRIDGES, as well as the addition of the Library of Things collection at all three Davenport Public Library locations, and in alignment with our Collection Development Policy and community feedback received during strategic planning, Davenport Public Library will discontinue the purchase of physical audiobooks effective June 30, 2025, Beginning in September 2025, we will initiate the removal of physical audibooks from the collections at all three libraries.

This was a difficult decision to make and was arrived at due to the following factors:

• Fewer people are checking out physical audiobooks. In the last five years, checkouts have gone down by 56%. This is in stark contrast to our digital audiobook usage, where circulation trends upward every year with increases as high as 36%..
• It’s hard to find new physical audiobooks. Many companies don’t make them anymore.
• They cost more and give less access than digital audiobooks.
• We want to use the space for new things like the Library of Things, which our community asked for.

 

We understand that the removal of physical audiobooks may pose challenges. For patrons who want to continue listening to audiobooks, there are alternatives available:

• Libby app – Listen to thousands of audiobooks on your phone, tablet, or computer.
• Tumble Book Library – Fun storybooks for kids online.
• Vox and Wonder Books – Picture books with built-in audio.
• RiverShare Libraries – You can request audiobooks from other libraries.
• Interlibrary Loan – Ask us to borrow books from libraries outside our area.

If you have trouble reading or seeing, you may be able to get free audiobooks from the Iowa Department for the Blind. Call them at 1-800-362-2587, option 2 to learn more.

We sincerely apologies for any inconvenience. Thank you for your patience as we navigate these changes.