ONE FOR THE BOOKS: Library offers e-book service

October 14, 2012

Nancy Ross, assistant director of the Lincoln Public Library, shows the library's connection to the Ocean State Libraries’ website for downloading e-books to electronic readers like the Kindle, which Ross is holding.

LINCOLN — You bought an E-Book reader, a Kindle or an iPad, and now you’re wondering where to find something to read.
Yes, there are plenty of e-book websites to visit and buy the latest hot read for your device, but did you know there are also ways to download a book similar to checking one out from your local library?
Nancy Ross, assistant director of the Lincoln Public Library, says an increasing number of library patrons are taking advantage of the library's e-book lending program and she sees that interest as only increasing in the future as more people learn how to use the service.
The books can be downloaded from the Ocean State Libraries' connection to Overdrive.com, and borrowed for 7, 14, or 21 days depending on the book selected, according to Ross.
When you download an e-book, you take advantage of a license held by the library for the book's use. When the lending period ends, the electronic edition becomes unreadable and can be deleted from the reader.
The library obtains licenses for a list of top reads, sometimes multiple licenses in the case of popular e-books, allowing the e-book to be downloaded via an as-available basis, just like a book on the library's shelves.
What books are available in e-book format depends on the publishing houses.

Read more in our print edition.