While e-readers like the Kindle and Nook may still be on the rise for tech-savvy book lovers eager to get their “Fourth Wing” or “Harry Potter” fix, recent statistics from the Azle Memorial Library prove that print books aren’t closing their chapter just yet.
On Feb. 3, Library Director Curren McLane provided an annual presentation to Azle City Council members, detailing just how popular print books are today — at least among Azle residents.
“We had our first fiscal year in our new building in 2010. Prior to that, we had about 100,000 to 150,000 checkouts a year,” McLane said. “It shot up when we moved in and stayed pretty steady. Of course, it (our annual circulation) lowered during COVID, but it has risen since then, and you can even see that rise from the previous year to last year.”
