TORONTO – The Toronto Public Library has recently joined other institutions in Canada and the U.S. in making the "Heated Rivalry" audiobook available for borrowing without a waiting list. This initiative allows library patrons to access the popular audiobook, which inspired the successful Crave TV series, without having to wait for their turn.

Libraries such as the Calgary Public Library, Burlington Public Library, and the New York Public Library have also adopted similar practices, facilitating the digital borrowing of both audiobooks and ebooks. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani encouraged residents over the weekend to remain indoors during a snowstorm, emphasizing the public library’s offer of free access to "Heated Rivalry" in both digital formats.

According to Matt Abbott, the senior manager of collections development at the Toronto Public Library, this move has been made possible due to a special licensing option provided by the publisher, Harlequin. Typically, publishers use a “one copy, one user” license model, which mirrors the traditional borrowing process of physical books. However, some publishers furnish libraries with an alternative licensing option that allows for a greater number of licenses, enabling immediate downloads for users.

The Toronto Public Library has experienced overwhelming demand for "Heated Rivalry," surpassing the typical allocation of 100 downloads allowed under this kind of agreement. Abbott mentioned that they have had to renew their licensing deal several times to accommodate the rising number of borrowers. He also noted that the first three audiobooks in the "Game Changers" series have collectively been checked out 5,000 times within just one month.

He expressed the library's fortune in having access to a title by a Canadian author, highlighting the significant support from the publisher that has allowed for broader access to the material. While the library is mindful of its budget constraints, it remains committed to offering a wait-list-free download option as long as the interest in the audiobook continues.

Abbott further pointed out that this type of licensing arrangement can be beneficial for publishers since it helps promote their work. He stated, “We know library users are book buyers too, and the folks who download these will go buy books—they will buy subsequent books in the series and such.” He indicated that some other publishers are reluctant to provide wide access and prefer to maintain a system that requires holds and waiting periods for borrowed items.

This development reflects a growing trend among libraries to enhance accessibility for popular titles, ultimately benefiting both readers and authors. The collaboration between libraries and publishers through innovative licensing strategies is pivotal in ensuring that more readers can enjoy popular literature. As the demand for such audiobooks and ebooks continues to rise, it may encourage more publishers to embrace alternative licensing models in the future.