Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. Announces Record Four Million eBook and Audiobook Checkouts in 2019

January 16, 2020
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The Tennessee Regional eBook and Audiobook Download System (R.E.A.D.S.) announced today that they achieved a record-breaking four million digital book checkouts in 2019, a milestone for Linebaugh Public Library, Blount County Public Library, Williamson County Public Library and other local libraries in the state. The DeKalb County Libraries had 1648 READS Downloads in December. This accomplishment illustrates the continued growth and importance of lending of eBooks and audiobooks along with the creative ways libraries have served their communities with digital services.

Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. is one of 73 systems around the world that surpassed one million checkouts through Rakuten OverDrive, the leading digital reading platform and its award-winning app Libby (complete list here).

“We are encouraged to see an increasing number of Tennesseans using this innovative and educational service,” said Tre Hargett, Tennessee Secretary of State “The popularity of this system is evident, and we will continue to do our part to promote and support programs that serve our citizens well.”

Linebaugh Public Library, Blount County Public Library, Williamson County Public Library and other Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. libraries have been providing readers 24/7 access to eBooks and audiobooks for several years. Reader interest and usage has grown every year, reflecting popular trends and interests both locally and across the country. In 2019, the highest-circulating title across both formats Tennessee R.E.A.D.S. readers borrowed through OverDrive was Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. The top-circulating genre, romance, represents the most popular in a vast catalog that also includes mystery, thrillers and children/young adult.

The top 5 eBook titles borrowed through Tennessee R.E.A.D.S.’s digital collection in 2019:
1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
2. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
3. Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts
4. Educated by Tara Westover
5. Every Breath by Nicholas Sparks

The top 5 audiobook titles borrowed through Tennessee R.E.A.D.S.’s digital collection in 2019:
1. Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
2. The Whistler by John Grisham
3. Memory Man by David Baldacci
4. Camino Island by John Grisham
5. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Named one of Popular Mechanics’ 20 Best Apps of the 2010s and one of PCMag’s Best Free Software of 2019, Rakuten OverDrive’s Libby app seamlessly connects first-time and experienced users with the digital collections of libraries. Readers may browse the library’s digital collection, instantly borrow titles and start reading or listening for free with a valid library card.

Readers can use any major device, including iPhone®, iPad®, Android™, and Windows®. With the Libby app, readers can also “send to Kindle®” devices and apps. Titles automatically expire at the end of the lending period. There are no late fees. Readers can also download titles onto Libby for offline use.

Visit https://reads.overdrive.com/ or download the Libby app to get started and borrow eBooks and audiobooks anytime, anywhere.

About Tennessee R.E.A.D.S.
TN R.E.A.D.S. serves 4.3 million people in more than 90 counties across the state. It is provided by the Tennessee Regional Library System, which is a part of the Tennessee State Library & Archives, a division of the Tennessee Secretary of State’s Office.

About Rakuten OverDrive
OverDrive is the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide. Named one of Popular Mechanics’ 20 Best Apps of the 2010s and one of PCMag’s Best Free Software of 2019, the award-winning Libby is the “one-tap reading app” for libraries. We are dedicated to “a world enlightened by reading” by delivering the industry’s largest catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and other digital media to a growing network of 43,000 libraries and schools in 76 countries. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA and owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten. www.overdrive.com

January 16, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Smithville Electric System has singled out two of its employees for special recognition.

Line supervisor Kevin Martin and Accountant Megan Nixon were recently presented plaques by SES manager Richie Knowles on behalf of the board.

Martin received a “Years of Service Award” in appreciation for 30 years of hard work, dedication, and commitment to Smithville Electric System and the community. Martin has worked for the company since 1989.

Nixon received an “Achievement Award” in recognition for the successful completion of her Master of Business Administration Degree from Tennessee Tech University on December 14, 2019.

January 16, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Dewain Hendrixson has claimed another title as the WJLE Fearless Forecaster of the year.

During the 16 week college football season including bowl games, Dewain compiled the overall best record picking winners in 263 games at 180-83. Meanwhile, Scott Brown and Jared Davis, a newcomer to the show, tied for accumulating the most underdog points during the season at 54.5 points each.

All three will be presented the “WJLE Fearless Forecasters Joe Goodwin Memorial Award” Thursday on the season finale of the Fearless Forecasters Show on WJLE at 4:30 p.m..

Goodwin, a long time member of the Fearless Forecasters, passed away last  February and the awards are named in tribute to him.

Special guests appearing on the show this year were Chad Ramsey, Isaac Gray, Mike Davidson, Tom Duggin, Donny Green, Tim Stribling, Brad Halfacre, Stuart Brown, Johnny Barnes, Dan Delacruz, Justin Poteete, Tony Cross, Larry Green, Danny Fish, Steven Jennings, and Ray Robinson.

The final standings of the forecasters for the season are as follows:
Dewain Hendrixson: 180-83
The James Gang (Grant and Jeff): 177-86
Darrell Gill: 172-91
Jacob Parsley: 169-94
Guests (combined): 168-95
Jared Davis: 165-98
Scott Brown: 163-100
Ricky Atnip: 162-101
Chad Kirby, John Pryor, and Will Graham: 160-103

Final underdog standings are as follows:

Scott Brown and Jared Davis: 54.5 points
Jacob Parsley: 38 points
Dewain Hendrixson: 35 points
Ricky Atnip: 27.5 points
Darrell Gill: 26 points
Guests: 25.5 points
John Pryor: 21.5 points
James Gang: 21 points
Will Graham: 13 points
Chad Kirby: 1 point

Best Bowl Season Records
Scott Brown: 32-9
Jared Davis: 31-10
Dewain Hendrixson: 30-11
Darrell Gill: 28-13
James Gang: 28-13
Jacob Parsley: 28-13
Will Graham: 26-15
John Pryor: 25-16
Guests: 24-17
Ricky Atnip: 22-19
Chad Kirby: 22-19

The program is sponsored by Graham Services, the Charles D. Atnip Realty and Auction Company, Davis Auto Body, Middle Tennessee Natural Gas, Liberty State Bank, DeKalb County Insurance, Gill Automotive, Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, DeKalb County Ace Hardware, and Domino’s Pizza.