Teen Tech Week Tuesday: DIY-Books and eBooks
(This article was originally printed in the March 5, 2104 issue of the Casper Journal.)
My preferred avenue of entertainment has always entailed having my nose buried in a book, my mind lost in a world other than my own.
Every day I get to share this joy of reading with teens, some who love books as much as I do, and others who might be called “reluctant readers” until we find just the right subject, series or author to tickle their fancy.
Because I see young students fall in love with reading every day, I have never subscribed to the hype that books and reading are disappearing. Many of today’s teenagers are just as engaged with printed books as I’ve always been.
I also know people — family members included — who’ve started reading or returned to reading because it’s now “at their fingertips,” conveniently available on mobile devices in a format they relate to.
eBooks are one of the many items you can check out from your Natrona County Public Library (NCPL), aside from the well-known, well-loved and still-well-used books.
One of my regular patrons (let’s call her Ally) actively participates in library programs and loves to talk about books she reads. She stopped coming in as frequently for a while and upon returning to the library explained that she had been reading more on her Kindle.
Though she wasn’t planning to check out a book this visit, Ally pulled a random book from the shelf, brought it to her face, inhaled deeply, then smiled and put the book away. Ally enjoys reading on a digital device, but still appreciates the smell and touch of paper books, finding comfort in their pages.
Some readers may be transitioning from printed books to eBooks, but many continue to read in both formats, or choose one over the other in specific circumstances, depending on which is more convenient.
Isabelle (another pseudonym) keeps detailed lists of books: those she has read or is currently reading, those she owns, and those she wants to read, as well as other books in a series she has begun. I always assumed, based on her organized and cataloged notebook, that this book lover would have to be dragged kicking and screaming to go from traditional books to eBooks. However, Isabelle recently became the proud and excited owner of an eReader.
You see, Isabelle is planning to take her first international trip. With the new device, she won’t have to miss her weekly library visit or worry about luggage and carry-on limits. She can take thousands of books with her, and have a plethora of reading choices on hand wherever she finds herself. As someone who spends more time choosing which books to take on a trip than any other necessity, I can understand the convenience factor!
While eBooks have increased to nearly two percent of all NCPL checkouts, traditional books remain extremely popular. I encourage teens to enjoy whichever format makes sense for their personal needs. Many patrons enjoy using both.
Teen Tech Week is celebrated nationwide every March, giving us the opportunity to showcase the non-print materials — such as eBooks — available at your library.
Our online library branch is available any time of the day or night, no matter where you are, free to use with your library card. Visit www.natronacountylibrary.org to get started, visit the reference desk for personal assistance, or call 577-READ (7323) for more details.
**Learn more about resources available to you through NCPL’s eLibrary.**
Virtual Library: You can check out six (6) eBooks for up to 14 days and place up to six on hold. You can download the Overdrive app in your Android, iTunes, or Windows store to download and read straight on your digital device. Virtual Library works on Kindle! (Click here to find the directions for your specific device.)
Two other eBook databases are available through the Wyoming State Library, to all Wyoming residents. They are 3M Cloud Library, and Freading.
Zinio: Available through the Wyoming State Library, it provides access to a variety of digital magazines (over 150!) that can be read on your computer or digital device. They are the same as the print editions, and often include extra bonus features. You will need to create two accounts, one with Recorded Books and then an account with Zinio in order to download (you can use the same email and password).