It’s great to have a book in your hands but they can be bulky and cumbersome to carry around, especially in large quantities.
The answer may be in the newest service being offered at the St. Albert Public Library. Called ebooks, they are digital copies of many adult fiction titles that can be downloaded to a computer or portable reader that looks like a big MP3 player or a unique tablet laptop. They have available for years but skyrocketing popularity is more recent, making it look like they are the wave of the future.
Peter Bailey, the library’s director, said the ebooks aren’t about pushing strange and ultra-modern technologies. It’s the public that prompted the additions.
“People have been asking about ebooks since Christmas, when many St. Albertans found an ebook reader under their tree. This pilot collection will allow us to make sure that we are offering what people want before we expand the collection to children’s and teen titles and more adult titles.”
Heather Dolman, the special services co-ordinator at the library explained even people who really appreciate how a real book feels would likely approve of ebooks.
“I didn’t think that I’d like them but I do,” she said, adding even older readers would appreciate how you can increase the font size to make each title easier to read.
The library already has around 140 ebook titles, a collection that’s growing. They can be downloaded at home to your personal computer or at the library to your Sony, Kobo, Nook or Cool-er reader.
The same reservation and borrowing rules apply for ebooks, but there are no late fees. Having ebooks complements the library’s current offering of new electronic materials including eaudiobooks and Tumblebooks for kids.
Next month the library will host two free information sessions about ebooks. Call 780-459-1682 to save your spot.
