COLD SPRING, Ky. – The opportunity to enjoy a fun, interactive and hands-on experience to learn all about downloading audiobooks, e-books, music and videos is coming to Kentucky.
The Digital Bookmobile is a 74-foot-long high-tech tractor-trailer on a national tour, and its first stop in Kentucky will be at the Campbell County Public Library.
The event is designed for all ages and will be open to the public from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26, at the Cold Spring Branch (3920 Alexandria Pike).
The Digital Bookmobile is housed inside an 18-wheel tractor-trailer. This community outreach vehicle is a high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile that has served communities for decades.
The vehicle is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high-definition monitors, premium sound systems, and a variety of portable media players, all of which help visitors explore the Library’s download service. Interactive learning stations give visitors an opportunity to search the Library’s digital media collection, use supported mobile devices, and sample e-books, audiobooks, music and video.
"We began offering the digital download service a few years ago as the public’s use of electronic resources began to proliferate. Downloading music to MP3 players and iPods is becoming more and more common, and people are starting to see the advantages of downloading audiobooks and e-books as well. The Library embraces new technology and services. It’s our responsibility to stay current and viable, and meet the public’s changing needs," said JC Morgan, director.
"Having the Digital Bookmobile here is a fabulous way to show off this great service. Those who are just beginning to explore this technology will be able to look at several types of electronic devices and sample materials that can be checked out."
The Library offers downloads through Kentucky Libraries Unbound (KLU), a service that began in November 2006. Growing from the initial 37 available titles, KLU now has 4,368 items including 2,843 audiobooks, 846 e-Books, 255 music selections and 424 videos.
More than 650 Campbell County Public Library patrons have used the service, which can be accessed any time of night or day through the Library’s website at http://www.cc-pl.org/.
From there, users can browse the collection of best-selling, new release and classic titles, and check out items with a valid library card. Once downloaded, digital titles can be enjoyed on a computer or transferred to supported mobile devices.
Many audio titles may be burned to audio CD. At the end of the maximum 21-day lending period, titles will automatically expire and be returned to the digital collection. There are never charges for late fees or damaged items with downloadable materials.
The electronic collection offers items by well-known authors such as Orson Scott Card, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, James Patterson, Sue Grafton, Dean Koontz, Stephenie Meyer and many more. Movies include classic films, newer documentaries and independent films, cartoons and children’s videos.
There are TV shows from the 1950s, and a selection of classic radio shows. When was the last time you heard, "Around Dodge City, and into territory on west, there’s just one way to handle all the killers and the spoilers: that’s with a U.S. Marshal, and the smell of gun smoke!"
To check out and download digital books and more from the Campbell County Public Library, visit http://kyunbound.lib.overdrive.com/.
