Ashley Thompson
THE HANTS JOURNAL
NovaNewsNow.com
With access to their library’s catalogue right at their fingertips, pressed-for-time book worms in Hants County may find it easier to catch up on the latest best sellers.
The Nova Scotia Provincial Library invested $40,000 in making an online catalogue of downloadable books available for all public library users living in rural Nova Scotia. The diverse collection, including 646 audio books and 378 e-books, contains classic works of fiction and non-fiction, ranging in genres.
“It’s perfect for the person who doesn’t have time to come to the library to check out books,” says acting branch manager for the Windsor Regional Library, Cathy Lothian.
Existing members can login to the library’s website (www.valleylibrary.ca) using their library card number and pin, browse for titles and reserve an electronic or audio book for up to three weeks.
Lothian believes having access to an online directory of audio books will give library members who are cramped for time, or always on the move, more opportunities to brush up on their literature.
“A lot of commuters are downloading audios books; instead of listening to the radio in the morning, they plug in a book.”
People on the run can upload books to their iPods or MP3 players, put in some ear phones, and let a smooth-talking narrator handle the reading.
In a press release, Education Minister Marilyn More said, "The ability to download books from home will make it much easier for Nova Scotians to enjoy reading and learning."
"HRM library users have been enjoying a downloadable collection since 2008, and making this service available provincewide supports our commitment to making life better for families in every region," she added.
Library clerk Faye Jackson says card holders with limited access to a fast internet connection can use the public computers at their facility in Windsor to transfer e-books to their mobile devices.
Jackson is confident downloadable books with not decrease daily traffic in the library.
“Some people like audio or e-books. I like the feel of a book in my hands - but, that’s just me.”
Windsor Regional Library is hosting a public question and answer session Sept. 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for individuals interested in learning how to use their downloadable books collections.
