DIGITAL AUDIOBOOKS LEAD GROWTH IN LIBRARY CIRCULATION
for the second year

January 14, 2025 – New York, NY – Digital audiobooks continue to dominate circulation in U.S. public libraries, with strong growth in both adult and youth audiobook collections. A new survey conducted by Library Journal (LJ) and School Library Journal (SLJ), in partnership with the Audio Publishers Association (APA), highlights the ongoing shift towards digital audio content. The survey, conducted in September and October of 2024, gathered responses from 486 library professionals across the U.S. involved in audiobook selection and purchasing.

Key findings from the 2024 survey reveal:

• Digital Audio Dominates Circulation: Digital audiobooks account for 70% of adult audio circulation and 56% of youth audio circulation in libraries.

• Community Size Impact: Circulation patterns vary significantly by community size. In smaller communities (less than 10,000 residents), physical and digital audio circulation are split evenly (50/50). In larger communities (more than 500,000 residents), digital audiobooks make up 90% of circulation, with physical formats at just 10%.

• Increased Spending on Digital Audio for Adults: Respondents reported a 9.2% year-over-year increase in spending on digital audio materials for adult collections.

• Growth in Physical Audio for Youth Collections: Despite the dominance of digital formats, respondents indicated a 9.75% year-over-year increase in spending on physical audio materials for youth. This growth is likely driven by the increasing popularity of integrated print-and-audio products like Vox Books and Wonderbooks, as well as preloaded audiobook players such as Playaway.

• Key Factors in Audiobook Purchases: Professional reviews and patron requests remain the top drivers for audiobook selection in libraries. Additionally, libraries prioritize narrator quality when selecting audiobooks, with a strong preference for human narrators over AI-generated voices.

The full report provides further insights into audiobook trends in libraries and the factors shaping purchasing decisions. For more information or to view the full report, visit the PDF here.

About the Audio Publishers Association
Founded in 1986, the Audio Publishers Association is a not-for-profit trade association representing the collective interests of audiobook publishers. The APA serves as a professional network and resource, offering educational programs and promoting the growth and awareness of narrative audio.

About Library Journal
Library Journal, founded in 1876 by Melvil Dewey, is the leading trade publication for librarians, with a circulation of approximately 100,000. It provides news, feature articles, and reviews focusing on public libraries and professional library practices.