Access Free Downloadables at thelibrary.org
If your holiday gift wish list this year includes a portable player, here’s an extra treat from the Springfield-Greene County Library District:
You can download e-books, e-audio and e-videos free through our Web site, thelibrary.org. All you need is a valid library card to get started. The Web site provides a Q&A and a guided tour tutorial to help you navigate the process of downloading free software onto your computer, which will enable you to transfer e-audiobooks onto your portable listening device.
The library collection includes classic and popular movies and music; and many of the same book titles you’ll find in the branch libraries, from “True Blue” by David Baldacci to “The Dresden Files” by Jim Butcher; and dozens of young adult and children’s titles.
“Everyone’s heard of the online sites and bookstores, which charge $10 or more for each downloadable book,” says Judy Boyce, computer assistant at the Library Center. “But when they come to the library and find out we have downloadable books, I’m always asked by patrons, ‘And this is free?’” Yes, she replies, as a return benefit for all Greene County property taxpayers.
The most-used downloadable material in the collection is audiobooks, says Lisa Sampley, collection services manager. Over-the-road truck drivers, long-distance sales people and vacationers are among our biggest “repeat customers.” People don’t have to worry about returning materials and face no late fines because the materials automatically expire after a certain date.
To get started, simply go to thelibrary.org home page and click on “Download Zone,” which will take you to “OverDrive”. That’s the software (and company name) that enables you to download e-books, e-audio and videos onto a computer and transfer them to a portable audio device. A list of compatible portable audio devices is also provided to assist in your selection of a PAD.
“The OverDrive software is very user-friendly. You can download a newer version of Windows Media Player, download I-tunes, and access Product Information for your portable device without having to exit out of OverDrive,” Boyce says.
Anyone who needs help in downloading e-books, e-audiobooks or e-videos is welcome to call or come to the Library Center. All the computer assistants and reference staff are happy to assist.
Kathleen O’Dell is community relations director for the Springfield-Greene County Library District. She can be reached at kathleeno@thelibrary.org
Find this article at http://thelibrary.org/blogs/article.cfm?aid=618&lid=47