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Digital Bookmobile stops at Elmwood Park Public Library
Mya Budzichowski, 5, and her mother Tammy, of Elmwood Park, learn how to download an ebook inside the Digital Bookmobile Friday at the Elmwood Park Public Library. | Rob Hart~Sun-Times Media
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Updated: July 15, 2012 2:35PM
When it comes to reading books, new technology literally rolled into Elmwood Park on 18 wheels Friday afternoon.
Elmwood Park Public Library hosted the Digital Bookmobile June 8, which is on a national tour. The Digital Bookmobile — a 75-foot tractor trailer — parked outside the library and those who wanted to access books via iPads, Kindles, Nooks, cell phones and other electronic gadgets, were able to learn how.
Dan Beringhele, reference librarian at Elmwood Park Public Library and organizer of the event, said the library has contracted with OverDrive Inc., allowing library users to gain access to their catalog of books electronically through various electronic devices. Inside the Digital Bookmobile, residents found the information and resources needed to make that happen.
“They provide the downloadable books,” he said. “You log in with your library card and you get free downloads to ebooks.”
“People could go inside and there were videos explaining how downloading a book works and two representatives from OverDrive showing how their stuff works,” he said.
Over 100 people attended the event, which also featured free hot dogs and Popsicles.
Terri Sorrentino, an Elmwood Park Public Library trustee, said the event was a way to highlight what the library has to offer on the electronic side. She said for those who may not have an iPad, Kindle or similar device, the library has them and library card holders can check one out and take it home.
“You can check out a Kindle, Nook or Kindle Fire,” she said. “There are a variety of ways to download (books).”
OverDrive library users have about 3,000 books available to download and users can customize the book to their particular needs with options such as increasing or decreasing the font size on the screen or making the screen brighter.
Sorrentino said since the books are downloaded, they don’t have to be returned back to the library after use. It’s done automatically.
She said the Digital Bookmobile was a good way for local residents to learn more about using the library to check out books electronically.
“I think it was a great event,” she said. “It was pretty popular and it gets the word out.”
Beringhele agreed, saying those who came to the event are now more empowered when it comes to downloading books.
“We want to make it so people can use the library from anywhere,” he said. “Even if you are on vacation in Spain or Canada you can download a book.”
“We’re trying to reach everyone in the community whether they can make it (to the library) or they can’t.”
