Press Release

Arlington, VA, April 2, 2024 – In celebration of World Autism Day, the Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is excited to launch a new online lending library through the Libby app, by OverDrive. Users can now borrow autism-related books to use for free on their personal devices through the App store, Google Play store, Amazon Appstore, or online. 

Since 2004, OAR has published and distributed high-quality guidebooks on key areas such as research, safety, sibling support, and education. “As part of OAR’s mission, we have always sought to provide free access to information and resources that help autistic individuals and their families, educators, and caregivers better understand and support the challenges they face daily,” says Kristen Essex, OAR’s executive director.  “With the launch of this new library through the Libby app, OAR continues to empower the autism community with access to more tools, practical resources, and powerful stories to help them thrive.” 

The library of ebooks and audiobooks contains more than 80 popular novels, autobiographies, guidebooks, clinical texts, kids’ books, and more. These works cover a wide range of topics that are critical to the autism community, including mental health, sexuality education, late diagnosis, and how to support autistic individuals in the home, school, and clinical settings. Readers can also access OAR’s published works through the lending library. 

OAR will highlight themed book lists that celebrate major events and activities throughout the year and will continue to expand its library with newly released titles based on reader interest and community demand. Users can help OAR curate the library by recommending titles not currently in the library through the “Notify Me” feature in the Libby app.

OAR looks forward to partnering with other autism organizations and supporting community activities. Opportunities include parent support groups looking to start a book club, college autism support programs aiming to enlighten their students with powerful autiebiographies, or teachers using children’s books to celebrate autism. OAR extends its gratitude to the staff, friends, and community members who helped curate the initial library with their title recommendations. 

Information about how to get started on the Libby app can be found on OAR’s website. Visit the Libby Help Center to learn how to use the library app and its accessibility features. For questions, comments, and partnership inquiries, contact programs@researchautism.org. 

About OAR: The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is a national non-profit organization formed and led by relatives of children and adults with autism. OAR is dedicated to promoting research that can be applied to help families, educators, caregivers, and individuals with autism find much-needed answers to their immediate and urgent questions. Learn more at www.researchautism.org.