Don't feel like leaving the house to check out a good book?
No problem. According to The Village Library of Cooperstown Director David Kent, demand for e-books and downloadable audio books is growing, and they are now available through the Four County Library System website.
To access downloads, visit www.4cls.org and click on the Download Zone.
The site includes all the information required to retrieve downloadable items, what devices are compatible and a list of frequently asked questions.
Patrons need a library card and pin number to use the service.
Kent said more people are using technology as opposed to relying on the more-traditional hard copies and paperbacks for their reading pleasure.
"You would think the younger generations would be more into it because they grew up with computers and are more comfortable with technology and that the older generations would be more used to the print version and less inclined to want to change, but that is not the case," he said.
Those who are interested in learning how to download e-books and audiobooks can take part in classes at Huntington Memorial Library in Oneonta this month.
Kindle and non-Kindle classes are being offered.
According to Marie Bruni, Huntington's librarian, the classes were so popular, another half dozen had to be offered.
For times and dates of the classes or more information, and to register, visit the library or call 432-1980.
Kent said he was surprised by the popularity of downloadable books. He said board members were not enthusiastic about signing up for the service provided by the Four County Library System right away.
"When the board met, we did not think it would be worth it initially, but because we got so many requests we decided to do it," he said.
The service was not compatible with the Kindle at first, so that was another factor in the initial decision not to participate, according to Kent. He said the announcement from Amazon that the Kindle would be compatible greatly influenced members of the board to change their minds.
"I think the Kindle is one of the most popular devices used for downloads," Kent said.
Kent said the Cooperstown library signed up for the Download Zone service in October. At that time, he said, there were about 800 downloadable books available for check out. He said the Four County Library System buys new titles each month so the library is continually growing. According to its website, Four County Library System patrons also have easy access to more than 36,000 Project Gutenberg eBook titles. These are classics that never expire and don't count against one's library checkout limit.
"This is an interesting thing for us," Kent said. "When people check out e-books or audio books we won't see them. They do it straight from their homes."
However, Kent said he can look at the statistics to see how many downloads are made and see recent returns. Downloads made up about 35 percent of the total circulation for the Cooperstown Library in November, according to Kent.
"That is pretty incredible," he said.
According to www.4cls.org/downloadzone.html, there is a limit on the number of titles checked out during a given time frame. E-books may be checked out for 14 or 21 days and audio books for seven or 14 days. Downloads can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
At the end of the loan period, titles will expire and be automatically returned to the library. There aren't overdue charges.
Kent said he believes the popularity of reverting to technology for reading is partly because many people are getting the devices as birthday and Christmas presents. He said he feels even the older generations get excited about the devices and want to lean to use them.
"People who travel a lot love it because they have hundreds of books at their access on a light weight device," Kent said. Kent said people who need assistance with downloads should contact the Four County Library System at 723-8236 or email downloadzone@4cls.org.
On the Bright Side
On the Bright Side: Residents look to library's digital classes, collection
- On the Bright Side
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Area students to highlight growing veggies in festival
Next Wednesday will be a day for gardening in Cooperstown. It is the date of the annual Spring Festival at the elementary school's Kid Garden and the start of a new initiative to involve the whole family in gardening called Growing Community.
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On the Bright Side: Woman of Distinction: Schoharie business owner honored
A third-generation owner of a family-run business has been named the the 2012 Senate "Woman of Distinction" for the 51st Senate District.
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Project brings world to students through technology
ONEONTA -- 15 Valleyview Elementary School students are working regularly with their counterparts from around the world -- without leaving their building.
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2 area pupils place in N.Y. agriculture art contest
Two Downsville Central School pupils won first and third places, respectively, in the pre-kindergarten division of a statewide art competition focusing on agriculture.
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Local students to host bowl-a-thon for OWL
Hartwick College students will be bowling for dollars to help a local organization. Fraternity and sorority members from Hartwick’s Greek Life community will be aiming for strikes and spares at Holiday Lanes Family Recreation Center on state Route 23, Southside Oneonta, from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Continued ... - May 14, 2012
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Mother's Day busy holiday for some local restaurants
Orders Sunday from local menus kept cooks and wait staff busy at some area restaurants, thanks to diners celebrating Mother's Day.
Continued ... - May 12, 2012
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On the Bright Side: Area girl, 14, has novel published
If you're one of the tens of millions of people who have read one of the Harry Potter books, there may be a spot on your shelf for Megan Brown's debut novel.
Continued ... - May 11, 2012
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Two local teen apprentices to sing with choir
A choral apprenticeship program in its 19th year is tuning up for its marquee performance this weekend.
Continued ... - May 10, 2012
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Walton school greenhouse set to open
A long-term goal will bear fruit in Walton today with the 3:30 p.m. dedication of a greenhouse at the high school.
Continued ... - May 9, 2012
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Hartwick's Rock Orchestra to perform on Saturday
Rock traditions will take a classic turn Saturday when musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds combine their efforts on the main stage of Foothills Performing Arts.
Continued ... - May 8, 2012
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On the Bright Side: CANO to celebrate Mother's Day with tea time, music, poetry
Tea on Sunday afternoon may be a delightful way to spend time honoring Mother or Grandmother.
Continued ... - May 7, 2012
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New Hyde Hall walking bridge dedicated
“Sometimes history needs some modern help.” In some of the remarks made Saturday by state Sen. James Seward at the opening of the new Tin Top Bridge at Hyde Hall, located in Glimmerglass State Park, this summed up an effort begun in 2006, after a flood washed away a massive embankment at the historic site.
Continued ... - May 5, 2012
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On the Bright Side: SUNY Oneonta students to spend day sprucing up
"Into the Streets," the annual day of service sponsored by SUNY Oneonta's Center for Social Responsibility and Community, will take place Saturday, with more than 600 SUNY Oneonta students teaming up with community volunteers at 40 sites throughout Otsego County.
Continued ... - May 4, 2012
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Area school jazz band goes to New Orleans
The Cooperstown Central School jazz band director said he would like to take his students on another trip to New Orleans some day, but is afraid he could never re-create the same experience.
Continued ... - May 3, 2012
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Former publisher's program honors students
Forty-one standout students have identified teachers who influenced them, and the pairs have been honored in the 2012 Daniel B. Swift Scholar Recognition Program.
Continued ... - May 2, 2012
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On the Bright Side: Cherry Valley Artworks prepares for busy season
CHERRY VALLEY — The air inside the old Judd Foundry building at 44 Main St. on Tuesday afternoon was as cool as it was outdoors. Who needs to spend money on heating an old building, when money for the arts is in such short supply and your mission is to produce exciting exhibits and public events that each year draw throngs of people to this wind-swept northern Otsego County village?
Continued ... - May 1, 2012
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On the Bright Side: Eight SUNY staff honored with Chancellor's Award
Eight faculty and staff from two public colleges have received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, the State University’s most prestigious honor, media releases said. Four recipients named were from the State University College at Oneonta, and four were from the State University College of Technology at Delhi.
Continued ... - Apr 30, 2012
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On the Bright Side: Area students experience Chinese sites, culture
Generally tourists are the ones snapping pictures of sights during a trip, but that was not exactly the case when Cooperstown Central School students visited China.
Continued ... - Apr 28, 2012
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Award-winning area musician to perform free show at Foothills
ONEONTA -- A South Kortright woman will give a free performance Sunday of the songs on her award-winning album to help support educational programming.
Continued ... - Apr 27, 2012
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On the Bright Side: Delhi culinary team to compete in Northeast championship
Wearing a green windbreaker embroidered with “Coach,” Tom Recinella surveys his team during the final 6 a.m. Saturday practice before this year’s regional championship, where the team will compete with other state championship winners in the Northeast. “10 minutes!” Lenny Messina, a third-year student, calls out to his teammates.
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Area students to highlight growing veggies in festival
