Library users loving expanded service
Selwyn District Council media release: 19th August 2025
Selwyn library users are loving the expanded digital collection available through a new partnership with Christchurch City Council.
Usage has nearly tripled after the introduction of the new AWA services on 1 July, which sees the two councils operating a shared digital library collection.
AWA offers more than 100,000 eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines through the existing Libby library reading app, which users can access on their mobile devices or Kobo eReaders (Kindles aren’t compatible).
One month in, borrowing is booming, with 755 new Selwyn Libraries users signing up to the digital collection, compared to 103 in July last year. The number of Selwyn users accessing the service and the number of total check outs almost tripled with 1,469 people accessing the service over July compared to 578 last year, while 9,650 titles were downloaded this year compared to 3,395 in July 2024.
The numbers are a great start to the trial, showing how valued it is, Council Head of Arts Culture and Lifelong Learning Trina Schuster says.
“We’re always looking for new ways to improve our services to the Selwyn community and it’s fantastic to see people embracing these services.”
Accessing the new digital collection is free and easy for Selwyn Libraries members.
Visit the Selwyn Libraries website for more information on Libby.