Wayne library to offer eBooks for public to download
By Staff Reports
Published in News on October 29, 2011 11:28 PM
Wayne County Public Library is now offering downloadable eBooks, freely available to all library cardholders.
EBooks will be compatible with e-reading devices like Kindle, Nook, Sony Reader, iPad, iPhone, iTouch and Android-based smart phones and tablets.
The library recently partnered with 12 other libraries across the state to form the E-iNC Library Consortium, which will provide access to OverDrive's downloadable eBook service.
OverDrive is by far the most popular service available through libraries at this time, and by joining a new consortium the library will be able to offer access to a significantly larger collection for less overall cost, library officials said.
There are currently 700 titles available, and this collection will grow substantially over the next few years.
New eBooks will be added each month, with priority given to new and best-selling titles.
Users may check out up to four titles at one time. All eBooks will have a 14-day checkout period, but there is an option to return them ahead of time.
Items are automatically returned at the end of the checkout period so there are no late fees. Due to licensing reasons, eBooks are treated the same as a physical book, with only one simultaneous checkout available per copy. However, patrons will have the option to place a title on hold if it is already checked out.
Some downloadable audio-books will be also available, but given the recent increase in demand eBooks will be the primary focus for the E-iNC collection. A separate downloadable eAudiobook service will soon be available again through NC Live (www.nclive.org).
To access OverDrive, go to e-inc.lib.overdrive.com. Users must sign-in using their library card and PIN number. To set up a new PIN number, visit any library branch and bring a picture ID. Patrons may also visit the library's home page for access to OverDrive, www.wcpl.org.
For more information, contact the library reference desk at 919-735-1824.