Arlene Johns
ajohns@tribdem.com
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Cambria County Library is hoping to appeal to a younger generation that may be more comfortable reading from an electronic device than from a well-worn tome.
A new virtual library, unveiled last month, allows readers to download a favorite best-seller or time-tested classic onto a mobile device.
With a library card and a computer, patrons will have access to e-books and audio books 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Books can be “checked out” and downloaded onto a home computer, where they will remain for seven days.
During that time, books can be downloaded onto a phone, an MP3 player, an iPod or an electronic book reader and can be kept indefinitely.
“This is entirely legal and (the service) is free,” said Linda Young, county coordinator. “It’s a new way for a library to buy a book and make it available to our patrons.”
The virtual collection will be accessible from libraries in Cambria, Indiana and Somerset counties.
“Our starting collection is a little over 125 individual titles,” Young said from the David A. Glosser Memorial Library in Johnstown.
The collection may be accessed from a participating library website or by logging on to http://cclsys.lib.over-drive.com. The site features a comprehensive list of devices that are compatible with the new system.
“There are so many different devices out there,” Young said. “A lot of phones now have e-reading applications that you can work with.”
Downloading titles requires free software that is available at the virtual collection site. The “getting started” menu contains information about downloading and transferring books.
Young said the new virtual library is in response to busy readers who may not have time to make a trip to the local library.
“Patrons have been asking for this,” she said. “It will be more convenient.
“They could do this at 3 in the morning if they want to.”
Young said she is very excited about the new virtual library, but she acknowledges it won’t appeal to everyone.
“People are always going to want print copies,” she said. “Some people still want the thrill of a book in their hand.
“But it does open up library service to a broad contingent of people who are very comfortable with devices.”
For more information about downloading titles, contact your local library.
