Public libraries to host high-tech vehicle – will help patrons learn about free audiobook, e-book and video download services
Dearborn’s and Canton’s public libraries are hosting stops by the Digital Bookmobile National Tour July 29 and 30.
The Digital Bookmobile will be at Canton Public Library (1200 S. Canton Center Road) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 29. It will be at Henry Ford Centennial Library (16301 Michigan Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 30.
The Digital Bookmobile is a 74-foot high-tech trailer where the public can use free library audiobook, e-book and video download services. Housed in an 18-wheel tractor trailer, instead of printed books it offers broadband internet-connected computers, high definition monitors, a premium sound system and a variety of portable media players.
Interactive learning stations give visitors the chance to search the library’s digital media collection and sample supported mobile devices like MP3 players, smart phones and eBook readers.
“We are so excited to host the Digital Bookmobile in Dearborn,” said Library Director Maryanne Bartles. “It is a marvelous opportunity for the community to explore digital media.
The public is invited to come to Canton and Dearborn on July 29-30 for the chance to check out the Digital Bookmobile is a 74-foot high-tech trailer where visitors can use free library audiobook, e-book and video download services.
Canton’s and Dearborn’s public libraries are hosting the stops by the Digital Bookmobile National Tour.
The Digital Bookmobile will be at Canton Public Library (1200 S. Canton Center Road) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 29. It will be at Henry Ford Centennial Library (16301 Michigan Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 30.
Operated by Overdrive Inc., the Digital Bookmobile is a high-tech upgrade of the traditional bookmobile. Housed in an 18-wheel tractor trailer, instead of printed books it offers broadband internet-connected computers, high definition monitors, a premium sound system and a variety of portable media players.
Interactive learning stations give visitors the chance to search the library’s digital media collection and sample supported mobile devices like MP3 players, smart phones and eBook readers.
“We are so excited to host the Digital Bookmobile in Dearborn,” said Library Director Maryanne Bartles. “It is a marvelous opportunity for the community to explore digital media.
“Having the Digital Bookmobile at the Canton Public Library is an awesome perk for the community! They’ll have the chance to experience firsthand the best in high-tech digital audiobooks and eBooks,” said Adult Department Head Rebecca Havenstein-Coughlin.
The Canton Public Library is part of the Metro-Net Library Consortium, a group of eight libraries that have banded together to offer electronic services to their users. The other libraries in the association are the Baldwin (Birmingham), Bloomfield Township, Canton, Farmington Community, Independence Township, Rochester Hills, Southfield and West Bloomfield Township libraries.
Canton and Dearborn library patrons can both take advantage of the e-book and audiobook download service (Dearborn’s library system also offers free video download service), available 24 hours a day from any internet-connected computer. Go to www.dearbornlibrary.org or www.cantonpl.org for details.
Visitors can browse the digital collection of best-selling, new release and classic titles and check out a title with a valid library card. (Visitors must have a valid Dearborn library system card to use the Dearborn system and a valid Canton Public Library card to use the Canton system.)
Once downloaded, digital titles can be enjoyed on a computer or transferred to a supported mobile device. Many audio titles can also be burned to audio CD or portable listening devices.
At the end of the lending period, titles will automatically expire and are returned to the digital collection. Unlike hard copy items, there are never late fees or fees for damaged items.