November 2025
Fort Bend County Libraries Invites Readers to Experience “The Village Beyond the Mist” During Global Digital Book Club
Ebook and audiobook available for free on Libby with no waitlists or holds
November 18, 2025 – Fort Bend County Libraries invites readers to join Libby Reads—the global digital book club from Libby, the library reading app. From November 18–December 2, library card holders can enjoy “The Village Beyond the Mist” by Sachiko Kashiwaba as an ebook or audiobook with no waitlists or holds through Libby.
Kashiwaba's classic novel invites readers into a mysterious mountain village where folklore, magic, and community intertwine. It’s a story of resilience, wonder, and the bonds that bring people together, perfect for sparking meaningful conversations across communities. “The Village Beyond the Mist” was published in English for the first time in 2025, 50 years after it was originally published in Japan. This whimsical novel also served as the inspiration for the award-winning film “Spirited Away.”
Libby Reads includes a reading guide to help readers explore the book’s themes, coloring pages, and a writing workshop from the author. Resources can be downloaded here. The global digital book club is available through more than 22,000 libraries worldwide. Formerly known as Big Library Read, Libby Reads continues the same beloved program that has connected millions of readers worldwide for more than a decade.
Readers can access “The Village Beyond the Mist” on all major devices through Libby or Fort Bend County Libraries' OverDrive website, including iPhone®, iPad®, Android™ phones and tablets. U.S. readers can also utilize the “send to Kindle®” feature to read the title on their Kindle eReader. The title will automatically expire at the end of the lending period, with no late fees.
For more information, visit pages.libbylife.com/LibbySoraReads.
About OverDrive
OverDrive is a mission-based company that supports libraries and schools. Named a Certified B Corp in 2017, OverDrive serves more than 87,000 libraries and schools in 115 countries with the industry’s largest digital catalog of ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, video and other content. OverDrive’s commitment to empower every library and school includes expanding access for all, industry advocacy and consistent innovation. Award-winning apps and services include the Libby library reading app, the Sora student reading app, the Kanopy video streaming app, and TeachingBooks, which offers one of the largest catalogs of supplemental materials that enhance literacy outcomes. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, Ohio USA. www.overdrive.com