NEWS

Hey folks, the Library’s in Overdrive.  Things are heating up this winter with a growing overdrive collection.  In case you are not familiar, Overdrive is a collection of audio and ebooks available through the library.  All you need is your library card and a few minutes to learn how to access this service.

If you read the last newsletter you know how much I love my audio books.  I also recently acquired an ipod, which my children filled with a few of my favourite titles.  It was a very sweet Christmas gift…or perhaps they just realized that if the books were on an ipod, with ear phones, they would not have to listen to “Mom’s book” every time they got into the car.  AH HA!!!  I have foiled them again.  I got an adapter so I can run the ipod through my cassette player and thus have stereo sound.   HeeHeeHeee.    But I digress….

With the growing popularity of e-readers Overdrive has added ebooks, which can be downloaded to your personal devise. Ebooks are books are not audio.  These are text, which appears on your devise just like a book page.  So if you prefer to read rather than listen to your books an ebooks reader may be right for you.  Check with your library to make sure the device you purchase is compatible with the services available. 

            There are several ereaders on the market now with many different functions and sizes.  Most have an option to change the size of the type.  If you are a Large Print reader this feature will be very useful.  Or, if you are like me and just forgot your glasses at home, you can still read by changing the font size on your ereader – Handy.

            Some of our patrons at the library have switched to audio books, not because they want to but because they are no longer able to read even the Large Print options available.  E-readers could allow some people to print read longer depending upon the type size options. 

The days of carrying around heavy books or finding yourself without something to read while on vacation, on the plane, in the car or in the waiting room are over.  A 2GB ebook reader holds up to 1,200 books.  Imagine lugging that lot to Florida for the winter.  Now your whole library goes into a device that virtually fits in your pocket. 

The devices themselves come in different sizes as well.  Some, like the ipad are full computers and others are simply black and white type readers.  So look around to find what suits you. 

Audio books, like wise, are available in different formats.  Some can be burned to a CD, others downloaded to portable devices such as ipods and mp3 players or onto your desktop computer.

There will be a brochure coming out soon on the simple operation of Overdrive.    The Library is also looking forward to setting up a download station so that those who don’t have a computer at home or can still access this collection through the library.  And of course staff will be happy to assist you with using this fabulous resource.