Disney News

OverDrive to Add Disney Digital Books to Catalog for Libraries
First-ever access to Disney Publishing Worldwide’s vast online collection of over 600 books via OverDrive-powered library websites

(Cleveland, OH) - June 29, 2010 - OverDrive (www.overdrive.com), the leading global distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, and digital content to libraries and schools, today announced a preliminary agreement with Disney Digital Books (www.disneydigitalbooks.com) that will enable libraries to offer access to Disney's comprehensive library of books online. Young library patrons and their parents will be able to enjoy-for the first time-unlimited access to over 600 new and classic Disney books for kids of all ages with just an Internet-connection and library card. The extensive library features hundreds of digital books available at the click of a mouse, including favorites from popular Disney franchises such as Mickey Mouse, Toy Story, Disney Princess, Cars, and Hannah Montana, along with many other classic and contemporary Disney stories.

To see if your library is a member of the OverDrive network, visit http://search.overdrive.com

"Disney Digital Books subscriptions allow libraries to provide instant, simultaneous access to Disney's magical reading experience through their existing OverDrive-powered website," said Erica Lazzaro, licensing counsel for OverDrive. "This interactive, browser-based service is the first multimedia offering of its kind for libraries and will enable them to reach more young readers with premium content."

"Disney Digital Books takes innovation and technology and merges it with Disney characters and stories for a revolutionary experience," said Yves Saada, vice president, Digital Media, Disney Publishing Worldwide. "We are thrilled to help libraries continue to provide children with new ways to experience books and foster a love of reading."

Disney Digital Books is an innovative way for children to experience the joy of reading in a robust and safe online environment. The site offers children of all ages, reading levels, and interests a broad selection of books and features including Look and Listen titles that allow children to hear a story read aloud; a Story-Builder feature so kids can create and share their own stories; and an age-appropriate dictionary that lets children click on any word to hear it read aloud, select unfamiliar words, and read simple definitions.

Libraries will be able to add a subscription to Disney Digital Books using their OverDrive Content Reserve (www.contentreserve.com) account. Users will authenticate on the existing OverDrive-powered library website, and then the Disney Digital Books website will launch in their browser. The service is PC and Mac® compatible and does not require a download.

OverDrive provides digital distribution services for more than 10,000 libraries, retailers, and schools worldwide with support for Windows®, Mac, iPod®, iPhone®, iPadTM, Sony® Reader, nookTM, Windows Mobile®, AndroidTM, and BlackBerry®. To see if your public library is a member of the OverDrive network, visit http://search.overdrive.com. OverDrive also operates the Digital Bookmobile (www.digitalbookmobile.com), a high-tech 18-wheeler traveling North America on behalf of public libraries to raise awareness about free library downloads.

About OverDrive

OverDrive is a leading full-service digital distributor of eBooks, audiobooks, music, and video. We deliver secure management, DRM protection, and download fulfillment services for hundreds of publishers and thousands of libraries, schools, and retailers, serving millions of end users. OverDrive has been named to the EContent 100 as a company that matters most in the digital content industry. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, OH. www.overdrive.com

About Disney Publishing Worldwide

Disney Publishing Worldwide (DPW) is the world's largest publisher of children's books and magazines, with over 250 million children's books and over 400 million children's magazines sold each year. Disney Publishing Worldwide consists of vertically integrated publishing imprints including Disney Book Group in the U.S., Disney Libri in Italy and Disney Libros in Spain as well as an extensive worldwide licensing structure. DPW also publishes a range of children's magazines globally including Topolino, Le Journal de Mickey and Donald Duck as well as family titles in the U.S. which include Disney FamilyFun and Disney en Familia. Disney English is DPW's English language learning business, including Disney English schools in China and a worldwide retail licensing program. Headquartered in White Plains, NY, Disney Publishing Worldwide publishes books and magazines in 85 languages in 75 countries.