Bridgerton buzz brings digital response from Burlington library

The popularity of the Bridgerton television series has prompted the Burlington Public Library (BPL) to spring into action.

With the appearance of a new season on Netflix, demand has gone up for the books on which the series is based.

“It appears that the latest installment of the Bridgerton television series has set the ton abuzz with excitement—Burling-TON, that is,” writes the blogger who goes by the time of Lady Paperback for the BPL. “So much so, in fact, that bibliophiles in our fine city are clamouring to read the novel that inspired much of this season’s tempestuous plot between Miss Penelope Featherington and Mr. Colin Bridgerton.”

While Miss Penelope Featherington and Mr. Colin Bridgerton may not be names known in every household, they have made an impression on Burlington readers and the library system has responded.

Extra digital loans of Romancing Mister Bridgerton are now available on eBook and eAudiobook for BPL members. Library cardholders can access them on first come, first served, on the library’s eBook platform, OverDrive and on OverDrive’s app, Libby.

If you are in the mood for some more romance, Lady Paperback suggests you branch out beyond Bridgerton and search for titles with a similar theme.

“While you quiver in anticipation of season four (of the series), might I suggest a frolic through the Library’s historical romance collection?” she writes.

The library system says it welcomes renewed interest in books sparked by the popularity of their television and movie adaptations. It’s a chance to introduce more people to the love of reading.

“People have strong feelings about books versus movie and TV adaptations, especially if they’ve read the book first,” says Elise Copps, BPL’s Director of Communications and Engagement. “But we see it as a chance to connect with folks who aren’t already avid readers. When a series or film based on a book surges in popularity, it creates a wonderful spin-off of interest in the book.”

The Library has seen this phenomenon with titles and franchises including Bridgerton, of course, The Hunger Games, Where the Crawdads Sing, and many others.

Everything you need to know about the Burlington Public Library can be found right here.