Here’s big news for Harry Potter fans: OverDrive has reached an agreement with Pottermore, the home of Harry Potter eBooks, to become the exclusive worldwide eBook and digital audiobook distributor to public and school libraries for J.K. Rowling’s wildly successful series. For the first time ever, readers will be able to access digital versions of the fantasy novels that have already sold more than 400 million copies worldwide.   See press release.

“We are keen to support public and school libraries, and OverDrive, as one of the leading suppliers in this market, provides us with a global network that helps us achieve this, as well as encouraging the discovery of these amazing books across the world,” says Pottermore CEO Charlie Redmayne.

The Harry Potter phenomenon has helped inspire a new generation with a love of books and reading, and as the beloved wizard makes his digital debut in libraries and schools, he’s sure to expose more readers to the power and convenience of eBooks and digital audiobooks.

The seven-book series is available to libraries and schools for pre-order through OverDrive’s catalog Content Reserve – and all pre-orders placed before March 31 will include a special 10% discount!  Readers will have the option to borrow in EPUB format (and Kindle support in the U.S.) as well as MP3 audiobook format.  eBook and audiobook editions will first be made available in English to be followed by numerous additional languages. For more details, contact your OverDrive Collection Development Specialist.

Karen Estrovich is collection development manager for OverDrive.