Calcasieu Parish Public Library Offers Free Digital Media to Cardholders
LAKE CHARLES, LA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- October 17, 2006 -- Cardholders for Calcasieu Parish Public
Libraries can now enjoy the freedom to download titles to personal
computers and supported portable devices. A collection of audio books,
eBooks, music and video titles found at http://calcasieu.lib.overdrive.com
can be downloaded to a computer and transferred to a portable device.
Selected titles may be burned onto a CD.
According to CPPL Director Jeff Rippel, "With this step, the virtual
library becomes real. The user doesn't have to leave house or office to go
to the library. The library goes to the user."
Calcasieu Parish Public Library purchased the service from
OverDrive/Digital Library Reserve, Inc. Cardholders may check out 3 eBooks,
audio books, music and videos on their own computers for 14 days.
Loretta Gharst, Computing and Collection Services Librarian, says, "This is
an exciting opportunity for the Calcasieu Parish Public Library to expand
the range of library services we offer and better meet the needs of busy
patrons. Our Digital Library Collection gives our patrons 24/7 online
access to eBooks, audio books, music, and DVDs in the privacy of their own
home and without the worry of materials becoming overdue. Another plus is
that the library is able to expand our collection offerings without the
space, handling, and damage issues normally associated with audio and video
media."
The new service can be enjoyed at home, at work, or when traveling, but may
not be downloaded on the computers in the library. To access digital
materials, you need a valid library card, access to the Internet on a
Windows-based PC, notebook, or portable media device, and the free
downloadable software. Some cell phones accept downloads, along with
compatible PDAs and WMA/ MP3 players. The materials cannot be downloaded to
Mac or iPod devices.
Late fees are never accrued with downloads from this website. At the end of
the loan period, titles will be automatically be 'returned' to the library.
So, now you can drive a car, cut the grass, use public transportation, and
attend sporting events, while listening to your favorite books and music
and not worry about returning it! Now you can download movies to watch at
home, with no late fees!
Contact Information: Media Contacts:
Judy Davidson
Calcasieu Parish Public Library
(337) 475-8792, ext. 14
Shannon Mangan
OverDrive, Inc.
(216) 573-6886, ext. 217