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Vancouver Library Sees Digital Loans Surpass Physical for First Time

12/7/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Vancouver Public Library (VPL) reports digital material loans surpass physical copies for the first time.
In 2024, VPL's digital circulation rose 16% and physical circulation fell 3.5%.
Digital materials are costly due to licensing as libraries rent access rather than own titles.
The Vancouver Public Library Foundation seeks more funding as budgets allocate only 8.5% for collections.
Canadian Federation of Library Associations calls for policy changes to ensure fair pricing.

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Story summary

Vancouver Public Library (VPL) reports digital material loans surpass physical copies for the first time.
In 2024, VPL's digital circulation rose 16% and physical circulation fell 3.5%.
Digital materials are costly due to licensing as libraries rent access rather than own titles.
The Vancouver Public Library Foundation seeks more funding as budgets allocate only 8.5% for collections.
Canadian Federation of Library Associations calls for policy changes to ensure fair pricing.