The New Virtual Library: eBooks to Download

By Betsy O'Neil, Reference Librarian

June 29, 2011

As a librarian I talk with lots of people about books and reading. Over the past year or so I have noticed a new trend: more and more people in our community are beginning to read eBooks in addition to regular books.

What is an eBook, you may ask?

An eBook is simply a book in electronic form, read with a small electronic device called an eReader. You have probably heard of some well-known eReaders like the Kindle, Nook and Sony Reader, but eBooks can also be read on smart phones like the iPhone and Android, as well as tablet computers like the iPad.

People are excited about eReading, and for good reason! It is convenient to download books from the comfort of your home and have them instantly available on your eReader or mobile device. Because they are portable, you can keep an entire library of books with you wherever you go.

Since the last holiday season, librarians have been fielding a lot of questions about whether we offer free eBooks for download.

We can now answer with a resounding YES! Beginning July 1, the Natrona County Public Library will have eBooks available to download for free!

In the new Virtual Library, county residents will find bestselling fiction, mysteries, youth novels and literary favorites as well as popular nonfiction titles. All of these are free with your library card and PIN.

From the library website, www.natronacountylibrary.org, click on “Download eBooks.” This will take you to the Virtual Library where you can browse eBook choices, check out with your library card, and download to a PC, Mac®, or mobile device.

Titles can then be transferred to a variety of eReaders. Although the service does not yet work on the Kindle, Amazon has announced that they will be coming on board soon.

The Virtual Library is open any time of the day or night, so you can check out and download eBooks at your convenience. Patrons may check out up to three eBooks at a time and choose a lending period of one or two weeks. Titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period, so there are no late fees to worry about!

The Library will be offering several classes this summer to introduce the new Virtual Library and help people learn how to download eBooks. Ask a librarian or call 577-READ ext. 2 for a schedule of classes.

The Library will have some eReaders on hand for patrons to look at and see how they work. If you are interested in buying an eReader it is a good idea to preview a couple before purchasing. A Kobo and Barnes & Noble Nook will be available for viewing at the second floor help desk.

The Virtual Library will open to the public beginning this Friday, July 1. Thank you to the Natrona County Public Library Foundation for sponsoring this exciting new resource for library patrons.

To learn more about the Virtual Library, downloading eBooks, or to get a library card or PIN, stop by any library branch or call 577-READ ext. 2.

Happy eReading!

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