Madison Public Library to Host Digital Bookmobile National Tour Events, Share eBook Experience

posted August 2, 2014 – 2:46pm

Free digital titles with just a library card and an Internet-connected computer, smartphone, or tablet

The Digital Bookmobile National Tour will showcase the library’s free eBook service in two upcoming tour stops:

Alicia Ashman Library (733 N. High Point Road) on Friday, August 8, 12-6 pm
Lakeview Library (2845 N. Sherman Ave.) on Saturday, August 9, 10 am – 4 pm.

At these free events, readers of all ages will learn how to access eBooks from the library through interactive demonstrations and high-definition instructional videos. A gadget gallery—featuring Kindle® HD, iPad® Mini, Android™ Galaxy Tablet, NOOK™ HD+, Sony® Reader™, Kindle® Paperwhite, Windows® Phone 8, and more—will help visitors discover portable devices that are compatible with the library’s download service.

The Digital Bookmobile is housed inside an 18-wheel tractor-trailer. This 74-foot 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 local library digital collections. Interactive learning stations give visitors an opportunity to search the library’s digital media collection, use supported mobile devices, and sample eBooks, audiobooks, video and music.

“Ebooks and downloadable audiobooks are one of our most popular collections,” said Madison Public Library Director Greg Mickells. “This online service extends our library’s availability by being available 24/7/365 from anywhere with an internet connection.”

Library card holders can take advantage of the service 24/7 when they visit the library’s website at madisonpubliclibrary.org/ebooks. From there, they can browse the growing collection of bestselling, new release, and classic titles, and check out a digital title with a valid library card. Once the digital titles have been checked out, they can enjoy them in the browser or transfer them to their computer or a supported mobile device. At the end of the lending period, titles will automatically expire and are returned to the digital collection. There are never late fees or damaged items.

Madison Public Library, the South Central Library System, and the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium participate in a unique cooperative arrangement with public libraries throughout Wisconsin to share this statewide collection of eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, videos and music through Wisconsin's Digital Library, powered by OverDrive, Inc. The collection contains over 400,000 titles and grows each month. Library card holders have checked out over 1.4 million ebooks, audiobooks, and videos from the statewide collection this year.

To check out digital books and more, visit madisonpubliclibrary.org/ebooks or dbooks.wplc.info.