Digital Audio Books Available Anywhere, Anytime via Your Local Public Library

SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA--(Marketwire - July 25, 2007) - Need a vacation, but feel stuck in the daily commute? How about escaping with "Kafka on the Shore" by Haruki Murakami? With a valid library card from Black Gold Cooperative Library System, you can download audio books to most Windows® computers. No visit to the library is necessary to check out or return digital titles. Just click on "Free Digital Downloads" at www.blackgold.org, or access the link at participating public library websites. Many titles can be burned to CDs or transferred to compatible devices, like MP3 players, Pocket PCs, and Palm OS devices, depending on the title's digital rights. Apple products are not compatible.

This free virtual library service offers 24/7 convenience for library users with Internet access. Not a commuter? When slicing spuds, listen to "The Botany of Desire: A Plant's-Eye View of the World" by Michael Pollan. Or if you'd rather be running away while jogging, "Divisadero" by Michael Ondaatje may be the ticket. While waiting at the doctor's office, try "A Briefer History of Time" by Stephen Hawking. OverDrive, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio, provides this service and is an industry leader in premium digital content.

"The Black Gold libraries are very excited to add downloadable titles from OverDrive," said Black Gold Cooperative's Director, Maureen Theobald. "In addition to classics, the collection will have many best sellers that our patrons can access whenever it's convenient. We expect to add many more titles in the near future to keep listeners coming back."

To enjoy digital downloads at home or on the go, just log on, download the software and browse the collection. Use your valid library card number to authorize checkout. Don't worry about late fees; the downloaded title automatically expires. If a selected title is checked out, it can be requested. Email notification will be sent when it becomes available.

Participating public libraries: Paso Robles; Blanchard-Santa Paula; Lompoc and branches Buellton, Vandenberg Village; San Luis Obispo and branches Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Cambria, Cayucos, Creston, Los Osos, Morro Bay, Nipomo, Oceano, San Miguel, Santa Margarita, Shandon, Shell Beach and Simmler; Santa Barbara and branches Carpinteria, Eastside, Goleta, Los Olivos, Montecito, Santa Ynez, Solvang; Santa Maria and branches Cuyama, Guadalupe and Orcutt

About OverDrive, Inc.

OverDrive is a leader in providing world-class infrastructure for downloading premium digital content. We deliver secure management, protection and download services for hundreds of publishers and institutions (rights holders) and thousands of libraries, retailers and distributors serving millions of end users. With a global catalog of premium digital titles -- including current best sellers -- of eBooks, audio books, music, and video presentable in a single platform, OverDrive offers the industry's best selection as well as the option to manage, protect and download proprietary content. Founded in 1986, OverDrive is based in Cleveland, OH. www.OverDrive.com

Contact Information: Contact: Alana Wolfe Phone: 805.543.6082 Email: Contact: Megan Stack Phone: 216.573.6886 x225 Email: