Amigos Library Services Launches its 100th SimplyE Library: The Lake Whitney Public Library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 19, 2020

Contact: Tracy Rochow Byerly, Chief Programs Officer, 800-843-8482, ext. 2893 - byerly@amigos.org
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Amigos Library Services Launches its 100th SimplyE Library: The Lake Whitney Public Library
Dallas, TX – Amigos Library Services (Amigos) recently welcomed Lake Whitney Public Library of Texas as its 100th SimplyE service client. Last year the consortium began offering the SimplyE service in Texas and Missouri and now hosts libraries in several states. Throughout SimplyE's growth, Amigos has provided not only hosting services, but development, technical and patron documentation, and training for library staff. Currently available to public libraries, development continues for academic library hosting.

The Lake Whitney Public Library is participating in SimplyE through a unique program from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The E-Read Texas program brings electronic book (ebook) and audiobook access to Texans served by small community libraries using the SimplyE app. This project brings together four major partners: the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Amigos Library Services, BiblioBoard, and the Digital Public Library of America.

"Congratulations to the Lake Whitney Library and to all the other Texas libraries that are using SimplyE to expand the selection of ebooks available to their communities. The pandemic has demonstrated that communities need their libraries now more than ever and ebook resources through SimplyE is a key way to meet that need," stated Mark Smith, Director and Librarian, Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Developed by libraries for libraries, SimplyE is an open source app that simplifies a library user's experience finding, borrowing and reading ebooks and listening to audiobooks from the library. Using ReadersFirst principles, it makes discovering library ebooks and audiobooks quick and easy.

"We are excited to launch our 100th SimplyE library – the Lake Whitney Public Library – and excited for all of the libraries currently participating in SimplyE and those preparing to join. SimplyE dramatically improves readers' experiences by changing the ways libraries make their ebook and audiobook collections available to their communities," said Miguel Figueroa, President and CEO, Amigos Library Services.

Libraries interested in SimplyE should email Amigos (SimplyE@amigos.org) for more information or attend one of the free scheduled webinars.

This project is made possible from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Grant Number COP-20001 (2020).

About Amigos Library Services
Amigos is one of the largest consortia of libraries and cultural heritage institutions in the United States. For more than 40 years, Amigos members have collaborated to obtain affordable services and shared library resources and knowledge. Through membership in Amigos, libraries collectively gain access to the latest innovations and services in the library community; pursue opportunities for continuing professional education; and leverage their buying power. This collaboration strengthens each member’s ability to serve and lead its community in the creative and effective use of information resources. www.amigos.org