By Michelle Miller
The Cooperstown Crier
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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.
