91��ý

CHICAGO – Readers nationwide can now borrow and discuss the first ebook selection of the , a new digital reading program from the 91��ý and Rakuten OverDrive. From Oct. 7-21, 2019, book lovers across the U.S. can borrow an ebook copy of the inventive and riveting saga “” by Kassandra Montag at their public libraries without waitlists or holds. Readers will only need a library card and the award-winning to download and read the ebook, then discuss via social media.

The Libraries Transform Book Pick program is designed to connect readers across the U.S. with the selected ebook simultaneously through their public libraries to generate conversation across communities. A book guide and other materials to help book clubs and readers foster conversation are also .

“It is such an honor to have my debut novel selected as the first Libraries Transform Book Pick,” said author Kassandra Montag. “So many of my childhood memories are of my local library: reading by the stacks, participating in various programs, browsing the shelves. Libraries serve people of all walks of life as cultural gathering places for learning, community, discussion and reading. The Libraries Transform Book Pick continues this service and tradition, and I'm so grateful for my work to be part of that.”

“After the Flood” has received praise from critics and authors alike. Booklist says of Montag’s debut: “Anchored by a complicated, compelling heroine, this gripping, speculative, high-seas adventure is impossible to put down.” Kirkus writes, “Montag manages to marry page-turning drama and emotional depth, vividly imagining a world where society rebuilds itself from scratch and history repeats.” The selection of “After the Flood” for this program was made in consultation with editors at Booklist.

Join this national “digital book club” by downloading Libby from the Apple®, Android™ and Windows® app stores. Once installed, Libby helps users find their local public library and borrow “After the Flood” along with other ebooks and audiobooks. For more information about the Libraries Transform Book Pick, please visit . You can also follow the Libraries Transform Book Pick on 91��ý’s Facebook and Twitter and join the discussion on social media using the hashtag #LTBookPick.

The Libraries Transform Book Pick is a collaboration between Booklist, the book review magazine of the 91��ý; Libraries Transform, the 91��ý’s public awareness initiative; and OverDrive, 91��ý Library Champion and lead sponsor of Libraries Transform.

About Rakuten OverDrive

OverDrive is the leading digital reading platform for libraries and schools worldwide. Named one of PCMag’s Best Free Software of 2019 and one of TIME's Best Apps of 2018, 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.

About the 91��ý

The 91��ý is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the 91��ý has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.