“I would never read an ebook! I love the feel of the pages of a book!”
If this sounds like you, you might be feeling a little short on reading material lately as the library has been unable to keep you stocked with physical books. We hope we can tempt you to borrow one of the library’s ebooks for the first time by promising to assist you every step of the way. We have two services that you can use – Overdrive has a large collection but you may occasionally have to wait for other library users to finish the books first. Hoopla allows you to access any book they have (no waiting!). Both services are available at peclibrary.org and provide access to new releases, old favourites, nonfiction, and more.
If you have a tablet, laptop or other device and just need a little help to get started our tech help team can assist you to navigate the steps required to get a library ebook or audiobook on your device. They can help you by phone or over video chat if you prefer.
If you don’t have any devices that you can use, the library has Kobo Claras available to loan. They have screens that are specially designed to be easy on your eyes and readable in even bright sunlight. Additionally, the font size is adjustable so if you would prefer a larger font you can customize it to your preference. And, as Michele Gardner, one of our ebook experts, says “The Kobos that we have available to loan are now even easier because they allow you to download library ebooks from Overdrive directly on the tablet, rather than having to load them on the computer first.” We have already loaned a couple of eReaders to library patrons who had never tried an ebook and they were pleasantly surprised by how easy it is.
Downloadable audiobooks are also available from the Overdrive and Hoopla. I quite often listen while I’m cleaning the house or cooking and it makes the time fly by. You can also listen in your vehicle or while you’re on a walk even if you don’t have a data plan for your device by downloading them while you’re connected to WIFI.
We’re adding more new ebooks and downloadable audiobooks all the time. To get a weekly email of ebooks that we have added, visit https://www.peclibrary.org/newsletters/ and sign up for the new books list. We’re also curating special collections on Overdrive – we’re currently featuring Prince Edward County authors with books by Vicki Delany, J.D. Carpenter, Janet Kellough and more available.
If we have managed to convince you to try an ebook for the first time, connect with our tech help team Dave, Aaron and Michele and they will be happy to help you through the process. You can reach them by email at [email protected], or leave a message for them at the Picton Branch Library (613) 476-5962 and they will return your call. You can also contact them if you need a library card.
-Liz Zylstra