OverDrive Acquires divibib to Unify Onleihe and Libby for Libraries Across the DACH Region

Digital library leader OverDrive has officially entered into a partnership with ekz-Group and acquired divibib GmbH, the ekz-Group subsidiary behind Onleihe, from ekz.bibliotheksservice GmbH. The landmark agreement brings together two major digital lending forces to create a unified reading experience for public libraries and readers across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and neighboring German-speaking regions.

Under the new partnership, libraries and readers currently using divibib’s Onleihe platform—a staple in DACH public libraries since 2007—will eventually transition onto OverDrive’s Libby platform, where Printed Word Reviews magazine can be found. The integration will streamline digital library services into a single platform, giving patrons access to an expansive combined catalog of German-language and international e-books, audiobooks, newspapers, and magazines without requiring libraries to manage separate systems.

The acquisition significantly strengthens OverDrive’s footprint in Europe. OverDrive has served the DACH region for over a decade and recently established its European headquarters, OverDrive Europe GmbH, in Munich. Meanwhile, divibib will remain headquartered in Reutlingen, maintaining its regional presence throughout the transition.

In 2025 alone, OverDrive’s existing network of over 600 partner libraries in the DACH region recorded nearly 10 million digital checkouts through Libby. Bringing Onleihe's established user base into the fold unites two of the region's largest digital reading communities.

“Our vision is simple,” said Claudia Weissman, Geschäftsführerin of OverDrive Europe GmbH. “Onleihe has earned the trust of libraries over almost twenty years, and that trust is incredibly valuable. Our commitment is to preserve what matters most about Onleihe while bringing libraries the technology, innovation, and scale of Libby. Libraries will no longer have to choose between trusted local expertise and world-class technology. They will have both.”

For patrons and librarians, the migration to Libby promises a seamless user experience backed by robust technology, enhanced accessibility, and a vastly expanded selection of digital materials. For publishers, the single combined network opens up broader reach across European library systems.

The acquisition also allows the ekz-Group to refocus on its core services for public libraries, including physical media processing, library furniture, and equipment design. Pierre Bourdon, Geschäftsführer of ekz.bibliotheksservice GmbH, will take on an additional role as Senior Advisor DACH for OverDrive going forward.

“Combining our local expertise and expansive German catalog across e-books, audiobooks, and newspapers with OverDrive’s world-class technology, catalog, and team will result in a better experience for both readers and libraries,” Bourdon noted. “This partnership also enables us at ekz to focus on our core services for libraries, specifically physical media processing, furniture, and equipment.”

OverDrive and ekz-Group emphasized that existing Onleihe users will experience uninterrupted access to digital lending services throughout the transition period.

The companies plan to reach out directly to library partners in the coming weeks to outline transition timelines, platform migration details, and dedicated support resources available to staff and readers.