NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Harlequin to Provide Best-Selling Romance Novels as eBooks to Nation's Libraries

Patrons Can Download Premium Romance Titles 24/7 From Library Websites Through Agreement With OverDrive

Harlequin Enterprises Limited, the world's leading publisher of series romance and women's fiction, announced today an agreement with OverDrive, Inc., the national provider of download Audiobooks and eBooks to libraries, that will make many of Harlequin's famous collection of novels available as downloadable eBooks through library websites. From the comfort of home, avid readers will be able to checkout, download, and read best-selling romance on their PCs, Macs, PDAs and Smartphones.

The agreement between the two companies makes dozens of Harlequin's most popular and captivating titles available to millions of library patrons at home, the office, or on-the-go. Harlequin eBooks include titles from their most celebrated series, such as New York Times Best-Sellers, like "50 Harbor Street," by Debbie Macomber; and popular titles from Red Dress Ink, HQN Books, Steeple Hill, Luna Books, Harlequin Blaze, MIRA Books, Silhouette Desire, Harlequin Presents, and more.

Each month, Harlequin will update the eBook collection with new titles. The library download editions will be available in Adobe PDF and other popular eBook formats, making it simple for patrons to read them on their PCs, Macs, PDAs and SmartPhones. At the end of the lending period titles automatically expire and are made available to the next patron.

"With OverDrive, Harlequin has the singular opportunity to join forces with a preeminent electronic book vendor for libraries and retailers," said Pam Laycock, Executive Vice President, Strategy and New Business Development at Harlequin. "This partnership allows us to share our entertaining and diverse women's fiction catalogue with both first-time and loyal readers in an exciting new format," she added.

"Our research has shown that romance novels are one of the most popular genre's of download eBooks at libraries coast-to-coast. OverDrive and our library partners are ecstatic to have 24/7 access to Harlequin best-selling authors and titles from the world-leader in romance," stated Steve Potash, CEO of OverDrive, Inc.

OverDrive and Harlequin look forward to making the books available early October 2005. For a list of libraries and consortia using OverDrive's Digital Library Reserve service, visit http://www.dlrinc.com.

About OverDrive, Inc.

OverDrive is the leading solution provider for trusted digital media fulfillment of audio books, eBooks, and other digital content to retailers, wholesalers, and libraries in the US and abroad. OverDrive offers customized, web-based solutions that enable libraries to loan best-selling digital books and other forms of digital media to their patrons. Current customers include Cleveland Public Library, King County Public Library, Denver Public Library, New York Public Library, and San Jose Public Library among many others. Strategic technology partners include Microsoft Corporation, Adobe Systems, Inc., SirsiDynix, and Mobipocket. The company is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and has been producing digital document solutions since 1986. For more information on OverDrive, Inc., please visit www.overdrive.com.

About Harlequin Enterprises Limited

HARLEQUIN ENTERPRISES LIMITED is the one of the world's leading publishers of women's fiction. Its books are published worldwide in 25 languages and sold in over 94 international markets. The company publishes over 115 titles monthly and publishes more than 1,300 authors from around the world. HARLEQUIN ENTERPRISES LIMITED is a wholly owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation, a broadly based media company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TS.nv.b). The company's Web site is located at www.eharlequin.com.

Distributed by Market Wire