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Grand Marais library weighs Arrowhead, OverDrive and streaming options as digital checkouts climb
Summary
Trustees discussed how the library accesses digital books through the Arrowhead Library System, rising audiobook and downloadable-circulation trends, and options to buy a local OverDrive account or use streaming platforms such as Hoopla to expand access while managing costs and hold queues.
Grand Marais Public Library trustees spent substantial time reviewing how the library provides downloadable digital content and exploring options to expand local access as digital circulation grows.
Director Electra Brannan told the board that the library's downloadable collections are provided through the Arrowhead Library System, a shared regional resource to which Grand Marais contributes funds. "Our downloadable collections are owned by the Arrowhead Library System and they're shared throughout the region," Brannan said, and she cited a 14% year-over-year increase in audiobook circulation as an example of rising demand.
Trustees asked how titles are selected and whether a protected local collection would be feasible. Brannan described selection committees at the regional level and noted that individual libraries can participate as selectors; patrons can also recommend titles through the Libby app. She said one option is for the library to open its own OverDrive account to make titles available directly to local patrons, but that shared regional funding models can leave local patrons in line with other systems for first-checkout access.
Discussion covered trade-offs: a regional shared pool gives broad selection and shared cost, while a local purchase or dedicated platform can protect local first-checkout rights but may be more expensive and require ongoing budget decisions. Brannan said some libraries in the region have used Hoopla and other streaming services, and that payment and usage models vary (for example, single-purchase models versus pay-per-circulation arrangements), which affects budgeting and availability.
Brannan urged trustees to watch circulation data closely and consider a strategic approach: "We need to pay attention to the data. This is not a conversation about eliminating physical materials. It's definitely a conversation about expanding the services we provide," she said.
Why it matters: Digital checkouts are an increasing share of circulation locally, and decisions about platform and funding affect patrons' access speed, title availability and the library's budget. The board asked for more data and discussion about costs, local selection authority, and how best to balance digital and physical collections.
Next steps: Brannan indicated staff will continue analyzing circulation statistics, evaluate costs for an OverDrive account or alternative platforms, and bring further recommendations to the board. Trustees did not take a formal vote on collection-acquisition policy at the meeting.
