Library Offers Free Downloadable Audiobooks
February 25, 2010 - The City of Kawartha Lakes Public Library has expanded its services with a new collection of downloadable audiobooks. This new collection is powered by OverDrive Inc. and is brought to you by the Ontario Ministry of Culture’s $15 million investment in public libraries, through the Southern Ontario Library Service (SOLS) and Ontario Library Service-North (OLS-N).
City library card holders can now download and check out digital audiobooks from OverDrive anytime, anywhere, by visiting the E-Services page of the Library’s website available through www.city.kawarthalakes.on.ca/library or directly from Overdrive at www.downloadcentre.library.on.ca. The digital collection includes over 2,600 fiction and non-fiction titles and covers a wide range of genres and including juvenile and young adult titles.
OverDrive’s download service provides direct transfer to iPod, Zune, and virtually all MP3 players. OverDrive is also accessible to visually impaired patrons because it is compatible with screen reader programs, such as JAWS for Windows and Window-Eyes.
Patrons may browse the growing collection of best-selling and classic titles. A valid library card, personal computer, and internet connection are necessary in order to download and check out the digital audiobooks. Patrons will also need to install free software like the OverDrive Media Console, on their home computer for use on a Windows operating system or Mac, in order to access the titles.
Once downloaded, digital titles can be enjoyed on the computer or transferred to a supported device, like an MP3 player. Many audio titles can also be burned to CD for use while traveling by car. At the end of the 7 or 14 day lending period, titles will automatically expire and are returned to the collection. You never have to worry about late fees or damaged items.
“We expect this new service to be very popular with our mobile and connected customers”, said Chief Librarian Linda Kent. “Because Overdrive is available 24/7 over the Internet, if the weather’s bad or if your local branch happens to be closed, you can still get access to digital library services from your home computer or laptop.”
About Southern Ontario Library Service (SOLS) and Ontario Library Service-North (OLS-North)
SOLS and OLS-North are mandated to deliver programs and services on behalf of the Ontario Minister of Culture by increasing cooperation and coordination among public library boards and other information providers in order to promote the provision of library service to the public and by assisting public library boards by providing them with services and programs that reflect their needs, including consultation, training and development.
About OverDrive, Inc.
OverDrive is a leader in providing world-class infrastructure for downloading premium digital content. We deliver secure management, protection and download services for hundreds of publishers and institutions (rights holders) and thousands of libraries, retailers and distributors serving millions of end users. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, OH. www.OverDrive.com.
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Media Inquiries:
Communications Officer
705-324-9411 ext. 1355
