Launch of Heights Press with exclusive content for schools and libraries

The new publishing house is publishing books exclusively for libraries and public schools.

On October 21, the OverDrive digital library launched a new publication Height Pressalong with the inaugural titles, Hickory Hollow number. The six-book series is aimed at middle-grade readers and is currently available exclusively to schools and public libraries around the world via e-book and audiobook platforms, Libby AND Soraand an educational video platform Kanopy’s children.

“We have been serving libraries, supporting literacy programs and increasing the number of lifelong readers for twenty years. It seemed like a natural evolution for us to get into the original content space,” Jen Leitman, OverDrive’s chief marketing officer, tells PEOPLE.

Heights Press, says Leitman, was founded to promote literacy among young readers.

“We are also in a unique position in that we can offer original digital content on multiple platforms in the form of e-books and audiobooks – Libby and Sora – and then also stream on our Kanopy platform,” explains Leitman. “We can play a role in our service to libraries by sharing these wonderful stories.”

Heights Press was inspired by Cleveland Heights, Ohio, where OverDrive CEO and founder Steve Potash grew up and where the company is headquartered. In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Potash said he is a “proud graduate” of Cleveland Heights High School and that Heights Press hopes to use the OverDrive experience to encourage all students to read.

People Puzzler crossword is now available! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

“What sets us apart is that we only serve library channels, so you’ll only find this content in libraries. It’s great to have something exclusive,” says Leitmans. “It’s another reason to get a card and support your library.”

The publishing house’s debut series, Hickory Hollowabout the young inhabitants of the fictional city of the same name. Each book in the series will initially be available in e-book format and in five languages: English, Chinese, Vietnamese, German and Korean.

The first title will be available for free to schools and libraries that already use OverDrive, and subsequent books will be available for purchase on the OverDrive Marketplace. Six Hickory Hollow the short films will also be available for streaming on Kanopy Kids.

“Each book has a very specific, interesting character and a very diverse set of characters,” Leitman says of the series. “Each author is very connected to that character in terms of who he is, his point of view and how he grew up.”

Leitman also reports that there are plans to increase resources for different age groups, including adults.

“It’s been incredibly exciting to be a part of this whole evolution,” Leitman says. “This is a big strategic change for us.”

But Leitman’s greatest hope for this book is that it all comes down to fostering a love of reading.

“I think these are good stories that entertain and encourage more children to read. For us, providing libraries with original content that can only be found there is great. This is a great next step,” says Leitman.

Never miss a story – sign up PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up to date with the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to fascinating human interest stories.

“It’s very competitive in the content space. It’s everywhere, and libraries are a huge source of information for many reasons,” Leitman adds. “They are accessible to everyone… We want to develop lifelong readers. That’s all. That is important goal number one.”

More information about Heights Press can be found on the website www.heights-press.com.