The Vancouver Public Library has benefited from the eBook popularity boom, according to a recent article from The Vancouver Sun. VPL, which is part of British Columbia Libraries, issued 60,000 new library cards in 2008-09. That’s up from 42,000 in 2007-08.

From The Vancouver Sun:

Library spokeswoman Jean Kavanagh attributes the spike at least in part to the emerging popularity of e-books. About 275,000 Vancouver residents hold library cards.

“It’s one of our fastest-growing branches — the virtual library,” Kavanagh said, adding that the library’s website usage is up 20 per cent for 2010. “The e-books in particular, we think have really made a difference.”

That’s great news from one of our Canadian library partners. And nearly every one of our library partners is seeing a similar surge in eBook circulation. With prices dropping on compatible eBook readers, including the Kobo eReader, Sony Reader, and nook (US only), interest will likely continue to increase.

Is your library seeing similar interest in eBooks from your patrons?

Sources: Resource Shelf, Teleread